The Pallava dynasty was a major South Indian power that ruled a significant portion of the Deccan, known as Tondaimandalam, from approximately 275 CE to 897 CE. The dynasty's capital was Kanchipuram. The Pallavas emerged after the decline of the Satavahana Empire, having served as their feudatories, and gradually consolidated power in the region that is now northern Tamil Nadu and parts of southern Andhra Pradesh.
The dynasty's history is often divided into the Early Pallavas and the Imperial Pallavas, with the latter phase beginning with Simhavishnu (c. 575–590 CE), who defeated the Kalabhras. The Pallavas were in constant conflict with the Chalukyas of Badami to the north and the Cholas and Pandyas to the south. Key rulers include Mahendravarman I (c. 590–630 CE), who initiated the long-drawn Pallava-Chalukya conflict, and his son, Narasimhavarman I (c. 630–668 CE), who assumed the title Mamalla (great wrestler) and defeated the Chalukyan ruler Pulakesin II.
The Pallavas are most noted for their profound contribution to art and architecture, pioneering the Dravidian style of temple construction. This evolution occurred in four stages, transitioning from rock-cut cave temples, such as those of the Mahendra group (c. 610–630 AD), to monolithic temples called Rathas and finally to free-standing structural temples. Masterpieces like the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram and the Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram were built by Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha). The Pallavas' architectural innovations laid the foundation for the later, grander temples of the Chola dynasty. The dynasty was finally defeated by the Chola ruler Aditya I in the 9th century.