Who was the last emperor of the Pallava dynasty?

The correct answer is Aparajitavarman.

Key Points

• Aparajitavarman was the last known ruler of the Pallava dynasty, which ruled parts of South India from the 4th to 9th century CE.
• He ruled during the late 9th century CE and was defeated by Aditya Chola I, marking the end of Pallava dominance.
• The Pallava dynasty was renowned for its contributions to art, architecture, and culture, including the famous rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram.
• Under Aparajitavarman, the Pallava dynasty faced decline due to the growing power of the Cholas and other regional kingdoms.
• His defeat by the Cholas symbolized the shift in regional power dynamics in South India during the medieval period.

Additional Information

• Pallava Dynasty: The Pallavas were a South Indian dynasty famous for their patronage of art and architecture, especially during the reign of Narasimhavarman I and Mahendravarman I.
• Mahabalipuram: The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram showcases Pallava architectural achievements, including rock-cut caves, monolithic temples, and structural temples.
• Decline of Pallavas: The Pallavas faced challenges from the Chalukyas and eventually succumbed to the rising power of the Chola dynasty.
• Chola Expansion: The Cholas, under leaders like Aditya Chola I, expanded their empire by defeating neighboring kingdoms, including the Pallavas.
• Historical Sources: Information about Aparajitavarman and the Pallava dynasty comes from inscriptions, temple architecture, and literary sources like Tamil texts and Sanskrit records.