Reign of the Pallava King Mahendravarman

Timeline

1. 600–610Kanchipuram · IndiaMahendravarman I inherited the Pallava throne, consolidating power in the Tamil region centered on Kanchipuram. Early in his reign he followed Jainism before turning to Vaishnavism and Shaivism, laying the foundation for later patronage of religious architecture and art.
2. 610–630Battlefields around Badami · KarnatakaThe Pallavas and Chalukyas long contended in the southern Deccan; Mahendravarman fought Chalukya king Pulakeshin II several times, at one point suffering defeat and siege. The wars reshaped the balance of South Indian states and prompted the Pallavas to strengthen military and fortification works.
3. 600–630Mamallapuram · Tamil NaduMahendravarman vigorously sponsored rock-cut cave temples, leaving early Pallava cave remains at places like Mamallapuram, and composed the Sanskrit play Mattavilasa Prahasana; his reign is regarded as a key period in the formation of South Indian classical art and architectural traditions.