Mahendravarman I
king of the Pallava dynasty
Years: 570 - 630
Mahendravarma I (600–630 CE) is a Pallava king who rules the Northern regions of what forms present-day Tamil Nadu in India in the early 7th century.
He is the son of Simhavishnu, who defeats the Kalabhras and reestablishes the Pallava kingdom.
During his reign, the Chalukya king Pulakesi II attacks the Pallava kingdom.
The Pallavas fight a series of wars in the northern Vengi region, before Mahendravarma decimates his chief enemies at Pullalur (according to Pallava grants at Kuram, Kasakudi and Tadantottam).
Although Mahendravarma saves his capital, he loses the northern provinces to Pulakesi.
Tamil literature flourishes under his rule, with the rise in popularity of Tevaram written by Appar and Sambandhar.
He himself is the author of the play Mattavilasa Prahasana and another play called Bhagavadajjuka.
Mahendravarma is succeeded to the throne by his more famous son Narasimhavarman I in 630 CE.
