History of the Pallavas of Kanchi c12.6

c12.6

Raid on Vātāpi.—Shortly after the repulse of the Chālukya armies from the neighbourhood of Kāñchīpuram, Narasimhavarman I made serious preparations for a counter-invasion into the Chālukya territory. This expedition was entrusted to the command of Śiru-Toṇḍa who was known otherwise as Paranjōti. That this aggressive expedition under the command of Śiru-Toṇḍa marched against the Chālukya capital, captured it and returned with great spoils to Kāñchi is learnt from the life of Paranjōti,¹ otherwise Śiru-Toṇḍar in the *Periyapurāṇam*. The Vēlūrpāḷayam plates refer to this exploit:—‘From his son Mahēndra was born Narasimhavarman I famous like Upēndra (Vishṇu) who, defeating the host of his enemies took from them the pillar of victory standing in the centre of Vātāpi.’² This is also referred to in a mutilated inscription found at Vātāpi³ and written in characters of this period, probably put up by Narasimha to commemorate his capture of the city. This record, although mutilated, contains the surname Mahāmalla, and the words *Kshitibhujām-agrēsara Pallava* and (Nara) *simha-vishṇu*. From these it is clear that Narasimhavarman I captured the city of Vātāpi; and probably set up a pillar of victory at this place recording this achievement. There can, therefore, be no doubt regarding the capture of the city by the Pallava king.