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| Narasimhavarman II or Rajasimha (695 -722 A.D.): A Patron of Arts and Architecture |
Narasimhavarman II or Rajasimha (695 -722 A.D.): A Patron of Arts and Architecture
Narasimhavarman II, also known as Rajasimha, ruled the Pallava kingdom from 695 to 722 AD. He succeeded Mahendravarman II and Parameswarvarman I, during whose reigns the Pallava-Chalukya conflict continued.
Unlike his predecessors, Rajasimha's reign was relatively peaceful, allowing him to focus on cultural and artistic development. This period witnessed the construction of two iconic architectural marvels: the Shore Temple at Mamallapuram and the Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram.
Rajasimha was a great patron of arts and letters. The renowned Sanskrit scholar Dandin is believed to have been associated with his court. He fostered maritime trade and sent embassies to China, expanding the Pallava kingdom's influence.
Rajasimha assumed various titles, including Sankarabhakta (devotee of Shiva), Vadhyavidyadhara (master of musical arts), and Agamapriya (lover of religious scriptures).
After Rajasimha, the Pallava dynasty continued for another century. However, the Pallava rule came to an end in the late 9th century AD when the Chola king Aditya I defeated the last Pallava ruler, Aparajita, and captured the Kanchi region.
