If you are preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, or State PSCs, the history of South India is a section you cannot afford to skip. Among the great dynasties, the Pallavas of Kanchi hold a special place. They weren’t just powerful warriors; they were the pioneers of Dravidian architecture and great patrons of art and literature.

In this blog, we will dive deep into the world of the Pallavas to help you score high on your history papers.
Who is the Founder of Pallavas of Kanchi?
Every great empire has a beginning. When we look at the founder of the Pallavas of Kanchi, history points toward Simhavishnu (around 575 AD).
While there were early Pallava rulers mentioned in ancient records, Simhavishnu is credited with establishing the “Great Pallava” line. He defeated the Kalabhras and extended the empire up to the Kaveri River. He was a strong ruler who paved the way for a golden era of South Indian history.
History of Pallavas of Kanchi
The Pallavas ruled from the 4th to the 9th century AD, with their capital located at Kanchipuram (Kanchi). They rose to power as the Satavahana Empire declined.
The history of the Pallavas is a saga of constant struggle and cultural growth. They were frequently at war with their neighbors, particularly the Pandyas to the south and the Chalukyas to the north. Despite these battles, they managed to maintain a stable administration that encouraged trade and religious harmony.
The Chalukyas of Badami and the Pallavas of Kanchi
One of the most famous rivalries in Indian history is between the Chalukyas of Badami and the Pallavas of Kanchi. This was a “tug-of-war” that lasted for generations.
- Pulakeshin II (Chalukya) famously defeated the Pallava King Mahendravarman I.
- Narasimhavarman I (Pallava), also known as ‘Mamalla’, took revenge by attacking Badami and killing Pulakeshin II. He then earned the title “Vatapikonda” (Conqueror of Vatapi).
For an aspirant, it is important to remember that this rivalry wasn’t just about land; it was a clash of two massive cultures that actually helped spread architectural styles across the Deccan and South India.
Estimate the Contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi
The contribution of the Pallavas of Kanchi is massive, especially in the fields of education and religion.
- Literature: Kanchipuram became a world-renowned center for learning. Great scholars like Dandin and Bharavi graced the Pallava courts.
- Religion: They were followers of Hinduism but were tolerant of Buddhism and Jainism. The Bhakti movement (Alvars and Nayanars) gained huge momentum during their reign.
- Education: The Ghatikas (educational institutions) of Kanchi attracted students from all over India and even abroad.
Pallavas of Kanchi Temples: The Birth of Dravidian Style
If you see a temple with a towering Vimana and intricate carvings in South India today, you have the Pallavas to thank. They transitioned from “Rock-cut” architecture to “Stone-built” temples.
- Mahendra Group: Initial rock-cut temples (Cave temples).
- Mamalla Group: The famous Monolithic Rathas and “Descent of the Ganges” at Mahabalipuram.
- Rajasimha Group: Structural temples like the Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchi and the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram.
| Feature | Details |
| Capital | Kanchipuram |
| Famous King | Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) |
| First King | Simhavishnu (Great Pallava Line) |
| Official Language | Sanskrit and Tamil |
| Last Ruler | Aparajita Varman |
Pallavas of Kanchi MCQs (Practice Set)
Q1. Founder of the Pallava Dynasty? / पल्लव वंश का संस्थापक?
Check Answer
Q2. Capital of Pallavas? / पल्लवों की राजधानी?
Check Answer
Q3. Who built Shore Temple? / तट मंदिर किसने बनवाया?
Check Answer
Q4. ‘Vatapikonda’ title holder? / ‘वातापीकोंडा’ की उपाधि?
Check Answer
Q5. Pancha Pandava Rathas are at? / पंच पांडव रथ कहाँ हैं?
Check Answer
Q6. Traveler Hiuen Tsang visited? / ह्वेनसांग ने कहाँ का दौरा किया?
Check Answer
Q7. Author of Mattavilasa Prahasana? / मत्तविलास प्रहसन के लेखक?
Check Answer
Q8. Battle of Pullalur was against? / पुल्ललुर का युद्ध किसके विरुद्ध था?
Check Answer
Q9. Contemporary of Pulakesin II? / पुलकेशिन द्वितीय का समकालीन?
Check Answer
Q10. Vaikuntha Perumal Temple builder? / वैकुंठ पेरुमल मंदिर का निर्माता?
Check Answer
Q11. Last Pallava ruler? / अंतिम पल्लव शासक?
Check Answer
Q12. Author of Dashakumaracharita? / दशकुमारचरित के लेखक?
Check Answer
Q13. Pallava Architecture style? / पल्लव वास्तुकला शैली?
Check Answer
Q14. Simhavishnu’s religion? / सिंहविष्णु का धर्म?
Check Answer
Q15. Who defeated Aparajita? / अपराजित को किसने हराया?
Check Answer
Q16. Mahabalipuram is also known as? / महाबलीपुरम को और क्या कहा जाता है?
Check Answer
Q17. Who converted Mahendra I to Shaivism? / महेंद्र प्रथम को शैव धर्म में किसने बदला?
Check Answer
Q18. Kailasanathar Temple location? / कैलाशनाथर मंदिर का स्थान?
Check Answer
Q19. Author of Kiratarjuniya? / किरातार्जुनीय के लेखक?
Check Answer
Q20. Title ‘Mamalla’ means? / ‘मामल्ल’ उपाधि का अर्थ?
Check Answer
Q21. Official language of Pallavas? / पल्लवों की राजभाषा?
Check Answer
Q22. Who killed Pulakesin II? / पुलकेशिन द्वितीय की हत्या किसने की?
Check Answer
Q23. Rock-cut temples pioneer? / रॉक-कट मंदिरों के अग्रदूत?
Check Answer
Q24. Brahmin village assembly? / ब्राह्मण ग्राम सभा?
Check Answer
Q25. Common village assembly? / सामान्य ग्राम सभा?
Check Answer
Q26. District under Pallavas? / पल्लवों के अधीन जिला?
Check Answer
Q27. Title ‘Chitrakarapuli’ belongs to? / ‘चित्रकारपुली’ उपाधि किसकी है?
Check Answer
Q28. Naval expedition to Sri Lanka by? / श्रीलंका में नौसैनिक अभियान किसने भेजा?
Check Answer
Q29. Airavatesvara Temple builder? / ऐरावतेश्वर मंदिर का निर्माता?
Check Answer
Q30. Pallava origin region? / पल्लवों का मूल क्षेत्र?
Check Answer
Q31. Who assumed ‘Gajasmalla’ title? / ‘गजस्मल्ल’ उपाधि किसने धारण की?
Check Answer
Q32. Religion of Mahendravarman I initially? / शुरू में महेंद्रवर्मन प्रथम का धर्म?
Check Answer
Q33. Famous port of Pallavas? / पल्लवों का प्रसिद्ध बंदरगाह?
Check Answer
Q34. Descent of Ganges relief is at? / गंगा अवतरण शिल्प कहाँ है?
Check Answer
Q35. Who built Muktesvara Temple? / मुक्तेश्वर मंदिर किसने बनवाया?
Check Answer
Q36. Court poet of Narasimhavarman II? / नरसिंहवर्मन द्वितीय के दरबारी कवि?
Check Answer
Q37. Title ‘Rajasimha’ refers to? / ‘राजसिम्हा’ उपाधि किसकी है?
Check Answer
Q38. Main center of learning? / शिक्षा का मुख्य केंद्र?
Check Answer
Q39. Pallava coins had symbols of? / पल्लव सिक्कों पर किसके प्रतीक थे?
Check Answer
Q40. Who wrote ‘Avanisimha’ title? / ‘अवनिसिंह’ उपाधि किसने लिखी?
Check Answer
Q41. Mandagapattu inscription is related to? / मंडागापट्टू शिलालेख किससे संबंधित है?
Check Answer
Q42. Battle of Manimangalam winner? / मणिमंगलम के युद्ध का विजेता?
Check Answer
Q43. Dharmaraja Ratha is located at? / धर्मराज रथ कहाँ स्थित है?
Check Answer
Q44. Meaning of ‘Kottam’? / ‘कोट्टम’ का अर्थ?
Check Answer
Q45. Matrivishnu was a general of? / मातृविष्णु किसके सेनापति थे?
Check Answer
Q46. Which dynasty ended Pallavas? / किस वंश ने पल्लवों को समाप्त किया?
Check Answer
Q47. Inscription at Uttaramerur talks about? / उत्तरमेरुर शिलालेख किसके बारे में है?
Check Answer
Q48. Who built Talagunda pillar? / तालगुंडा स्तंभ किसने बनवाया?
Check Answer
Q49. Kudumiyanmalai inscription is about? / कुडुमियानमलै शिलालेख किसके बारे में है?
Check Answer
Q50. Title ‘Sankirnajati’ belongs to? / ‘संकीर्णजाति’ उपाधि किसकी है?
Check Answer
Q51. Who was contemporary to Sundarar? / सुंदरर का समकालीन कौन था?
Check Answer
Q52. Sculpture ‘Arjuna’s Penance’ is in? / ‘अर्जुन की तपस्या’ मूर्तिकला कहाँ है?
Check Answer
Q53. Who sent embassy to China in 720 CE? / 720 ईस्वी में चीन में दूतावास किसने भेजा?
Check Answer
Q54. Name of Pallava Navy port? / पल्लव नौसेना बंदरगाह का नाम?
Check Answer
Q55. Chief deity of Shore Temple? / तट मंदिर के मुख्य देवता?
Check Answer
Q56. Title ‘Atyantakama’? / ‘अत्यंतकाम’ उपाधि?
Check Answer
Q57. Who was Tirumangai Alwar’s contemporary? / थिरुमंगई अलवार का समकालीन?
Check Answer
Q58. Cave temple at Tiruchirappalli by? / तिरुचिरापल्ली में गुफा मंदिर?
Check Answer
Q59. Greatest rival of Pallavas? / पल्लवों का सबसे बड़ा प्रतिद्वंद्वी?
Check Answer
Q60. Language of Talagunda inscription? / तालगुंडा शिलालेख की भाषा?
Check Answer
Q61. Who built Matangesvara Temple? / मतंगेश्वर मंदिर किसने बनवाया?
Check Answer
Q62. Title ‘Mattavilasa’? / ‘मत्तविलास’ उपाधि?
Check Answer
Q63. Inscription of Kuram is about? / कुरम का शिलालेख किसके बारे में है?
Check Answer
Q64. Who defeated Pandyas at Sripurambiyam? / श्रीपुरम्बियम में पांड्यों को किसने हराया?
Check Answer
Q65. ‘Devadana’ lands were for? / ‘देवदान’ भूमि किसके लिए थी?
Check Answer
Q66. ‘Brahmadeya’ lands were for? / ‘ब्रह्मदेय’ भूमि किसके लिए थी?
Check Answer
Q67. Major export of Pallavas? / पल्लवों का प्रमुख निर्यात?
Check Answer
Q68. Who was called ‘Gunabhara’? / ‘गुणभर’ किसे कहा जाता था?
Check Answer
Q69. Architect style during Narasimha I? / नरसिंह प्रथम के दौरान वास्तुकार शैली?
Check Answer
Q70. Number of Rathas in Mahabalipuram? / महाबलीपुरम में रथों की संख्या?
Check Answer
Q71. Which Pallava King loved music? / किस पल्लव राजा को संगीत पसंद था?
Check Answer
Q72. Inscription of Velurpalayam? / वेलुरपलायम का शिलालेख?
Check Answer
Q73. Who wrote ‘Perundevanar’ (Bharatam)? / पेरुन्देवणार (भारतम) किसने लिखा?
Check Answer
Q74. Kanchipuram is on the banks of? / कांचीपुरम किस नदी के किनारे है?
Check Answer
Q75. Primary source of Pallava history? / पल्लव इतिहास का प्राथमिक स्रोत?
Check Answer
Q76. Who was the first to use bricks? / ईंटों का उपयोग करने वाला पहला कौन था?
Check Answer
Q77. Title ‘Vichitrachitta’? / ‘विचित्रचित्त’ उपाधि?
Check Answer
Q78. Who was Paramesvaravarman I’s rival? / परमेश्वरवर्मन प्रथम का प्रतिद्वंद्वी?
Check Answer
Q79. The ‘Kasakudi’ plates belong to? / ‘कासाकुडी’ प्लेट्स किससे संबंधित हैं?
Check Answer
Q80. Religion of later Pallavas? / बाद के पल्लवों का धर्म?
Check Answer
Q81. Who built Iravatanesvara Temple? / ऐरावतनेश्वर मंदिर किसने बनवाया?
Check Answer
Q82. Most famous scholar of Kanchi? / कांची के सबसे प्रसिद्ध विद्वान?
Check Answer
Q83. Title ‘Mahamalla’ means? / ‘महामल्ल’ का अर्थ?
Check Answer
Q84. Who founded Mahabalipuram? / महाबलीपुरम की स्थापना किसने की?
Check Answer
Q85. Architecture of Mukteswara temple? / मुक्तेश्वर मंदिर की वास्तुकला?
Check Answer
Q86. Contemporary of Chalukya Vikramaditya II? / चालुक्य विक्रमादित्य द्वितीय का समकालीन?
Check Answer
Q87. Who defeated Vatapi? / वातापी को किसने हराया?
Check Answer
Q88. Who was ‘Satrumalla’? / ‘शत्रुमल्ल’ कौन था?
Check Answer
Q89. Administrative unit ‘Nadu’? / प्रशासनिक इकाई ‘नाडु’?
Check Answer
Q90. Who was the father of Mahendra I? / महेंद्र प्रथम के पिता कौन थे?
Check Answer
Q91. Author of ‘Avanti Sundari Katha’? / ‘अवंती सुंदरी कथा’ के लेखक?
Check Answer
Q92. Who was the ‘Lion of the Earth’? / ‘पृथ्वी का सिंह’ कौन था?
Check Answer
Q93. Pallava influence is seen in? / पल्लव प्रभाव कहाँ देखा जाता है?
Check Answer
Q94. Architecture style of Kailasanatha? / कैलाशनाथ की वास्तुकला शैली?
Check Answer
Q95. Who was defeated at Battle of Vatapi? / वातापी के युद्ध में कौन हारा?
Check Answer
Q96. Religion of Narasimhavarman II? / नरसिंहवर्मन द्वितीय का धर्म?
Check Answer
Q97. Who was contemporary to Appar? / अप्पर का समकालीन कौन था?
Check Answer
Q98. Title ‘Agamapriya’? / ‘आगमप्रिय’ उपाधि?
Check Answer
Q99. Principal language of literature? / साहित्य की प्रमुख भाषा?
Check Answer
Q100. The end of Pallava rule was in? / पल्लव शासन का अंत कब हुआ?
Check Answer
Pallavas of Kanchi PDFs
Detailed history notes are essential for revision. On Sarkariexampdf.in, we have curated a specialized Pallavas of Kanchi PDF that includes:
- Chronological order of kings.
- Detailed list of temples and their builders.
- Previous year questions from SSC CGL and UPSC Prelims.
Conclusion
The Pallavas of Kanchi left an indelible mark on Indian history. From the victory over the Chalukyas of Badami to the creation of the magnificent temples at Mahabalipuram, their legacy lives on. For an aspirant, mastering this topic ensures you are prepared for both factual and analytical questions in competitive exams.
FAQs
1. Who was the most famous king of the Pallavas of Kanchi?
Narasimhavarman I (also known as Mamalla) is considered the most famous king. He defeated the mighty Chalukyan king Pulakeshin II and commissioned the monolithic Rathas at Mahabalipuram.
2. Who was the first king of the Pallavas of Kanchi?
While the early origins are obscure, Simhavishnu is regarded as the first significant king who established the powerful dynasty in the late 6th century.
3. Which is the capital of the Pallavas of Kanchi?
The capital was Kanchipuram (located in modern-day Tamil Nadu). It was a major center for silk trade, religion, and education.
4. What is the significance of Pallava temple architecture?
The Pallavas started the “Dravidian style” of architecture. They moved from carving into existing rocks (Cave temples) to building independent structures (Structural temples) using stones and bricks.
5. Why did the Pallavas and Chalukyas fight so often?
The conflict was primarily over the fertile land between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers. Both empires wanted control over this resource-rich region for economic dominance.
- Vijayanagar Empire: History, Founders, Rulers, and Key Facts for Aspirants
- Who is Sher Shah Suri? History, Admin Reforms, and Free PDF MCQs
- Who is Humayun? A Complete Guide for Government Exam Aspirants
- Temple Architecture: Nagara, Dravida & Vesara Styles PDF
- Rashtrakutas Dynasty: Founder, Art, & History Study Notes
- Pallavas of Kanchi: History, Kings, Temples & Study Notes PDF
- Chalukyas of Badami: Founder, Capital, History & PDF Notes
- Quit India Movement: Causes, Date, PDF & Important MCQs
- Battle of Buxar: Main Aspects, Features & MCQs Guide
- 16 Mahajanapadas: Names, Capitals, Map & PDF Download
- Vedic Age: History, Time Period aur 100 Important MCQs PDF
- Indus Valley Civilization Town Planning: Layout & Key Features
- Prehistoric Age: Meaning, Time Period, and Stages in India


Exam Expert & Content Strategist with over 5+ years of experience in the competitive exam sector. I specialize in analyzing government recruitment patterns and simplifying complex syllabi for aspirants. Having helped thousands of students through Sarkari Exam PDF, my mission is to provide authentic, updated, and high-quality study materials for SSC, UPSC, Railways, and Banking exams to help every candidate achieve their career goals.













