1) Mahendravarman I (600 - 630 CE):
o A prominent ruler of the Pallava dynasty, Mahendravarman I ruled from Kanchipuram in present-day Tamil Nadu.
o Known for his contributions to art, architecture, and literature, he initiated the tradition of rock-cut cave temples in South India.
2) Cultural Contributions:
o He authored the Sanskrit play "Mattavilasa Prahasana", a satire on religious hypocrisy.
o Under his reign, the Pallavas became pioneers of Dravidian temple architecture.
Incorrect Options:
· Pandya: This dynasty ruled parts of Tamil Nadu but was distinct from the Pallavas.
· Chola: Known for their later prominence in Tamil Nadu, but Mahendravarman did not belong to this dynasty.
· Chalukya: Ruled in Deccan regions but were contemporaries and rivals of the Pallavas.
Study Notes
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