Narasimhavarman I was one of the most famous Pallava kings who ruled from A.D. 630 - 668.He shared his father's (Mahendravarman I) love of art and completed the work started by Mahendravarman in Mahabalipuram. He avenged his father's defeat at the hands of the Chalukya king, Pulakesi II in the year 642. Narasimhavarman was also known as Mamallan (great wrestler) and Mahabalipuram was also known as Mamallapuram (city of Mamallan). It was during his reign that the Chinese traveller, Hsuan Tsang, visited Kanchipuram in about 642.

War with the Chalukyas

Pulakesi II, the most famous of the early Chalukya kings had defeated Mahendravarman and annexed some northern Pallava provinces. Narasimhavarman vowed to avenge this defeat. He married the Pandya princess Vanama Devi and then he started his invasion towards Vatapi. He lead his army along with his general Paranjothi and invaded Vatapi. He successfully defeated and killed Pulakesi II in 642 and returned back to Kanchipuram as a victorous emperor. Finally he had his revenge for all the cruel deeds Pulakesi did during his invasion towards Kanchipuram. He was given the title Vatapikondan (one who destroyed Vatapi).

Narasimhavarman in Literature

Kalki Krishnamurthy's famous work, Sivagamiyin sabadham is based on Narasimhavarman's early years and his fights with the Chalukyas. Kalki Krishnamurthy's Parthiban kanavu is based on the later years of Narasimhavarman's rule.