An excavation in the region where the Pallavas ruled revealed much information about the Pallava dynasty. The coins that were found belonged to the period when the Pallavas ruled and dated back to the 1st and 2nd century. Around 4th century A.D, the Pallavas defeated the Ikshvakus and spread their territory as far as the River Krishna. Thereafter, the Pallavas started spreading their territory at a very rapid pace. Simha Vishnu is often known as the founder of Pallava dynasty and is considered to be a very efficient and strong conqueror.
After the death of Simha Vishnu, his son Mahendravarman became the
king. Mahendravarman was a very efficient ruler and a learned man. He
initiated the construction of the famous cave temple at Mahabalipuram.
However, the tales of prosperity reached far and wide and Chalukya
Pulakesi-II learnt about the richness and abundance of the kingdom. He
attacked the kingdom and defeated Mahendravarman. The defeat in the
battle was the main cause of the death of Mahendravarman. He was
succeeded by his son Narasimhavarman. Narasimhavarman vowed to take revenge for the death of his father. He was a well built man who was also very intelligent. With much planning and tact, he virtually destroyed the kingdom of Chalukya Pulakesi. Then, he continued the continued the construction of the cave temple which was stalled temporarily. He got the title of "Mamalla", which could be the reason why Mahabalipuram is also known as Mamallapuram. Apart from this temple, he also got many temples constructed all over his kingdom. His successors managed to retain the power of the empire but finally lost to the Cholas, who put an end to this dynasty.
