History of the Pallavas of Kanchi c11.s1.47

c11.s1.47

Mahēndravarman I. A.D. 600 to 630.—Mahēndravarman, known also as Mahēndravikrama, and by surnames such as Mattavilāsa, Guṇabhara, etc., came to the throne after Simhavishnu about the beginning of the seventh century. His reign is memorable in many respects. In the first place he is believed to have given for the first time a real start to excavating temples out of solid stone. In the second place his reign synchronized with the religious activity of Appar, and the literary efforts of Bhāravi in the field of Sanskrit letters. From a purely administrative point of view his government provided the quiet atmosphere for the peaceful pursuit of avocations to his subjects hitherto tormented by wars. From a military point of view his rule witnessed the beginnings of the Pallava-Chālukya and Pallava-Pāṇḍya conflicts which were destined to be continued by his successors for over a century and a half. Considerable impetus was given to productions in the fields of drama, music, painting and other arts.