What is Mahendravarman I?
Mahendravarman I (600–630 CE)<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/65209246|title=History of the world : earliest times to the present day|date=2005|publisher=JG Press|isbn=1-57215-421-7|location=North Dighton, MA|oclc=65209246}}</ref>was a [[Pallavas|Pallava]] king who ruled the Northern regions of present-day Tamil Nadu in India. He was the son of [[Simhavishnu]], who defeated the [[Kalabhra dynasty|Kalabhras]] and re-established the Pallava kingdom. Tamil literature flourished (developed) under Mahendravarman's rule. The popular Tevaram written by Appar and Sambandhar were done in this reign. Mahendravarman himself was the author of the play [[Mattavilasa Prahasana]] and another play called Bhagavadajjuka. Mahendravarman I was succeeded to the throne by his son Narasimhavarman I in 630 CE. ==Battle of Vengi== During Mahendravarman's reign, the Chalukya king [[Pulakeshin II]] attacked the Pallava kingdom. The Pallavas fought a series of wars (many wars) in the northern [[Vengi]] region. Mahendravarma saved his capital. But he lost the northern provinces to [[Pulakeshin II]].<ref>KAN Sastri, A History of South India, p136</ref> == Architecture == The rock cut temples of Mahabalipuram, [[Kokarneswarar Temple, Thirukokarnam|Kokarneswarar Temple]] of Pudukottai are some examples of architecture built in Mahendravarman's reign. Apart from Siva temples, Mahendravarman also excavated a few Vishnu cave temples.<ref>KAN Sastri, A History of South India, p413</ref> ==Reference== {{reflist}} [[Category:Pallava dynasty]]