Mahendravarman I
Also called: Vichitrachitta · Topic: Southern Dynasties: Chalukyas, Pallavas, Cholas · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 3 "Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries"
Meaning
Mahendravarman I was a Pallava king who ruled from Kanchi from c. 600 to 630 CE. Under him and his son, the dynasty reached its peak in the 7th century. He was a fine poet and took the title Vichitrachitta, meaning "curious-minded". He started the practice of cutting temples out of rock in the Tamil country. His reign also saw war with Pulakeshin II of Badami.
Example
He wrote the Mattavilasa Prahasana, a short satirical Sanskrit play. It mocks drunken and fake holy men. At Mandagapattu in Tamil Nadu, his inscription says he made a shrine without brick, timber, metal or mortar.
Don't confuse with
- Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla): his son, who defeated Pulakeshin II and captured Badami. Mahendravarman I did not achieve that victory himself.
Related concepts
- Pallava dynasty
- Mandagapattu inscription
- Narasimhavarman I
- Kanchipuram
- Kailasanatha temple, Kanchipuram
- Mamallapuram
- Pancha Rathas
- Shore Temple