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War between Pallavas and Chalukyas
During the 5th century, the Pallavas established control in Kanchi and commenced with the expansion of the territory.

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Cave temple of Mahabalipuram Towards the closing stages of 500 AD, Simha Vishnu undertook the possession of the province, and became the founder of the Pallava dynasty. He fought numerous wars and the realm enjoyed the opulence. Subsequent to his demise, his son Mahendravarman ascended him to the throne. He was a learned man; commenced the work of cave temple at Mahabalipuram.

Pulakesi II, the most prominent early Chalukya king, learnt about the riches of Kanchi and attacked the kingdom to defeat Mahendravarma. He came with a huge army and overpowered Mahendravarman at Pullalur in 620 A.D. Thus, had whitewashed Mahendravarman and seized diverse northern Pallava provinces. It was an immense offense to the Pallavas and Mahendravarman in particular. The entire episode took a toll on the emperor`s health. His further attempts to take vengeance in a sequence of battles with Pulikesin in the northern part of Tamilnadu were in vain. 630 AD marked the demise of Mahendravarman, as he died a broken man with the insult.

His son Narasimhavarman was a man of tact and intelligence. Narasimhavarman rose to the throne in 630 A.D, and promised to retribute the offense committed onto his father by the Chalukyas. He married the Pandya princess Vanama Devi and later began his invasion towards Vatapi. He led his army along with his general Paranjothi and occupied Vatapi, effectively conquering and killing Pulakesi II in 642, in the Battle of Manimangalam and Pariyalam. He completely burnt the capital city of Pulakesi.

He retorted back to Kanchipuram as a triumphant monarch, and was entitled Vatapikondan (one who destroyed Vatapi). He earned the title "Mamalla" to his acclaim, and perhaps this could be the reason why Mahabalipuram is called Mamallapuram. Badami continued under his authority until 655 AD till Vinayaditya restored it back to the Chalukya realm. Thandi Varman (775 - 825) was a Pallava monarch who ruled in South India. He was the son of Nandivarman II.

Pallavas issued copper coins at Badami, depicting the imperial emblem "Bull to right" on the obverse and "Lotus" symbol on the reverse.


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