History of the Pallavas of Kanchi c12.2

c12.2

NARASIMHAVARMAN I succeeded Mahendravarman I on the Pallava throne about A.D. 630. He is called in some of his inscriptions, Vātāpi-Koṇḍa-Narasimhavarman and this alludes to his supreme achievement, namely, the capture and destruction of Vātāpi (Badami in the Bijapur District). He is one of the most remarkable sovereigns of the line of Simhaviṣṇu, and the Pallava empire must have been considerably enlarged during his reign. His reign is well-known for the following :—(1) Invasion and capture of Vātāpi; (2) Invasion of Ceylon; (3) The excavation works at Māmallapuram; (4) The visit of the Chinese pilgrim to Kāñchīpuram.