Who among the following was the founder of Mamallapuram city?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

The city of Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, was founded by the great Pallava king **Narasimhavarman I** (reigned c. 630–668 CE). Narasimhavarman I was one of the most powerful rulers of the Pallava dynasty, and the city’s name itself is derived from his title, *Mamalla*, which means "great wrestler." During his reign, Mamallapuram was transformed from a busy port into a magnificent center of art and architecture, serving as a second capital to the main Pallava capital of Kanchipuram. Narasimhavarman I initiated the construction of the famous monolithic rock-cut temples, known as the *Rathas* (chariots), and the cave temples, which are masterpieces of early Dravidian architecture and now form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. His patronage firmly established Mamallapuram's historical and cultural identity.

The incorrect option is 2:
Pulakeshin II was a prominent ruler of the Chalukya dynasty, a contemporary and arch-rival of Narasimhavarman I. Narasimhavarman I is famous for defeating Pulakeshin II in battle and temporarily occupying the Chalukya capital, Vatapi (leading to his other title, *Vatapikonda*). He was responsible for Chalukya monuments, not Pallava sites like Mamallapuram.

The incorrect option is 3:
Rajendra Chola was one of the greatest emperors of the later Chola dynasty (11th century CE), famous for his naval expeditions and military conquests that stretched across Southeast Asia. The Chola dynasty rose much later than the Pallava period when Mamallapuram was established, and his architectural patronage focused primarily on temples like the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

The incorrect option is 4:
Sunder Pandya refers to a ruler from the later Pandya dynasty, who rose to prominence in the 13th and 14th centuries CE. While the Pandyas ruled parts of South India, they were active centuries after the Pallavas founded Mamallapuram. Sunder Pandya's primary activities were focused on consolidating Pandya power and conflicts with other contemporary kingdoms.