Question

The Pallava king __________ has the title ‘Vatapikonda’.
A. Narasimhavarma
B. Mahendravarma
C. Shiva Skanda Varman
D. Adityavarman

Answer 1

Hint:
During his reign the Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang had visited Kanchipuram.
He was also known as Mahamalla.
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) was named after him.

Complete answer:
Narsimhavarman is the Pallava King who ruled South India between 630-668 A.D. He got the title of 'Vatapikonda' after defeating the Chalukya King and acquired Badami. 'Vatapikonda' means the conqueror of Vatapi. He had lots of enthusiasm for art and with this interest he finished Mahendravarman. He was a follower of Shiva and great Nayanar saints like Appar, Siruthondar and Tirugnanasambandar lived during his reign. This option is correct.

Mahendravarman was the most powerful Pallava king. He is the author of the plays Mattavilasa Prahasana and Bhagavadajjuka. Some of the most vivid and elegant monuments at Mamallapuram, particularly those devoted to the Hindu god Shiva, were built under his rule. He was not given the title of Vatapikonda. This option is incorrect.

Shiva Skanda Varman is supposed to be one of the earliest rulers of the Pallav dynasty on the basis of some inscriptions. who ruled in the early 4th century CE. This option is incorrect.

Adityavarman was a Chalukya king of Vatapi in south India. This option is incorrect.

Therefore , the correct answer is A

Note:
Simhavishnu is the founder of the Pallav dynasty. Their capital was Kanchi.
The Pallavas were defeated by the Chola ruler Aditya I in 9th century CE.
Pallavas are well known for their patronage of architecture. An excellent example being the Shore Temple, in Mamallapuram. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well.
The capital of Pallavas was Kancheepuram.