The Pallavas were the dominant power in the south for about 200 years, from 550 to 750 A.D. There were several branches of Pallavas who ruled different areas but the most powerful were the ones who ruled at Kanchi. Notable among the Pallava rulers were Vishnugopa, Simha Vishnu, Mahendra Varman and Narasimha Varman, who was perhaps the most important ruler of this dynasty. After his death in 646 A.D., the Pallava Empire disintegrated swiftly.
The Pallavas were great builders and patrons of art. They built a number of temples and other monuments. The ‘Five Rathas’ at Mahabalipuram date back to their time. They were also patrons of Sanskrit and Brahman culture.
The Chalukyas were another important dynasty of south India who ruled two different periods of history. The early Chalukyas ruled from Badami or Vatapi in Bijapur district, for about two centuries, from 543 to 753 A.D.
The greatest ruler of this dynasty was Pulakesin II who ascended the throne in seventh century A.D. and was a contemporary of Harsha. He was a great conqueror like his contemporary and greatly increased his dominion in the South. Pulakesin’s son, Vikramaditya I, and the latter’s grandson, Vikramaditya II, were other great rulers of this dynasty.
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The later Chalukyas established their rule after about two centuries and ruled from Kalyani, from 973 to 1190 A.D. In the intermediate period, the Rastrakuta, another important dynasty of the south, reigned supreme.