Question

Which city was built by Narasimha Varma?
a. Mahabalipuram
b. Kanchipuram
c. Gangaikonda Cholapuram
d. Vatapi

Answer 1

Hint:
- Narsimha Varma also built the renowned Pancha Rathas Temple, which is the Rock Cut Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Mahabalipuram is also known as Mamallapuram and was named over a King who was a great wrestler

Complete step by step solution:

Narasimhavarman I or Narsimha Varma
1. He was the king of the Pallava dynasty who ruled South India from AD 630–668.
2. He shared his father, Mahendravarman I's love of art, and completed the work begun by Mahendravarman in Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram
3. During his reign, the renowned Pancha Rathas Temple was built, which is the Rock Cut Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. He avenged his father's defeat at the hands of the King of Chaluka, Pulakeshin II, in 642 AD.
5. Narasimhavarman I was also known as Mahamalla (a great wrestler) and Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) was constructed by him and also named after him.
6. Narasimhavarman I is said to be one of the 12 Indian kings who never lost their enemies on the battlefield, the others being :
a. Ajatashatru,
b. Chandragupta Maurya,
c. Karikala Chola,
d. Cheran Senguttuvan,
e. Sri krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagar empire,
f. Chola King Rajasuyam Vaetta Perunarkilli
g. Pandyan Nedunchezhian of the Sangam period,
h. Samudragupta
i. Great Pallava Nayanmar Saint Rajasimha
j. Rajaraja Chola I, and his great warrior son
k. Rajendra Chola

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note:
- Sinhalese prince Manavarma stayed in the court of Narasimhavarman and helped him crush his rival Pulakeshin II.
- In exchange, Manavarma had been helped by Narasimha Varma with an army to attack Sri Lanka twice.
- The second attack was a success. Manavarma has occupied Sri Lanka, over which he is supposed to have ruled from A.D. 691 to 726
- The Kasakudi copper plates relate to the invasion of Sri Lanka by Narasimhavarman.