Pallava dynasty emperor Narasimhavarman I (r. 630–668) was the ruler during its most vigorous phase, when it was a bastion of Tamil culture.
Narasimhavarman was the son of Mahendravarman, who was slain
in a fight with the Chalukya monarch Pulakeshin II's army.
Narasimhavarman avenged his father's death by capturing the
Chalukya empire and slaying Pulakeshin II in combat, but the two kingdoms were
so well matched that neither could maintain control.
Narasimhavarman, like his father, was a strong supporter of
the arts.
Construction on the magnificent statues at Mahabalipuram in
the state of Tamil Nadu began during his reign.
