Question

Name the capital of the Pallavas.

Answer 1

Hint: This city is located in the state of Tamil Nadu and is presently famous for its hand woven silk sarees. The founder of Pallava dynasty is Simhavishnu.

Complete answer:
The Pallavas dynasty existed from 275 to 897 A.D. and they ruled the southern regions of India. Their capital was situated in the city of Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram grew in importance after it became the capital of the Pallavas. They built forts, ramparts, well laid-out roads, temples, etc. The most important Pallava rulers were King Mahendravarman I (571-630 A.D.) and Narasimhavarman I (630-668 A.D.).

During Mahendravarman’s reign, the Pallava Kingdom was invaded by the Chalukya King, Pulakesin II, but the Pallavas successfully defended themselves. A few years later King Pulakesin II attempted to invade the Pallava Kingdom again and this time it was ruled by Mahendravarman’s son, Narasimhavarman I. Narasimhavarman I killed Pulakesin II in the Battle of Vatapi. The Pallava dynasty was finally defeated by King Aditya I of the Cholas. He defeated the Pallava ruler Aparajitavarman in 890 and conquered Kanchipuram.

The famous Chinese traveler visited Kanchipuram in 640 and wrote in his records that Kanchipuram was 9.7 kilometers in circumference and that its citizens were known for their bravery, piety and veneration for learning. During the Pallava rule, Kanchipuram was also known as a center for Hindu, Jain and Buddhist learning.

Thus the capital of pallavas is ‘Kanchipuram’.

Note:
I) The famous Chinese traveler Xuanzang visited the city of Kanchipuram during the Pallava rule and praised them enthusiastically.
II) After the Pallavas, Kanchipuram was ruled by the Chola Dynasty, the Pandyas, the Vijayanagara Empire and the Carnatic Kingdom.