Post-Gupta Period & Regional Kingdoms (550–750 CE)
📊 High-Yield Overview & Key Kingdoms
| Shift of Capital | Power center shifted from Pataliputra to Kannauj (Mahodaya Sri) in North India. |
| Harshavardhana (606–647 CE) | Vardhana ruler based at Kannauj; wrote 3 plays (Priyadarsika, Ratnavali, Nagananda); court poet Banabhatta wrote Harshacharita & Kadambari. |
| Battle of Narmada River | Harsha's southward expansion stopped by Chalukya king Pulakesin II (documented in Aihole Inscription by Ravikirti). |
1. CHALUKYAS OF VATAPI & PALLAVAS OF KANCHI
| Pulakesin II (609–642 CE) | Greatest Vatapi Chalukya king; defeated Harsha; received Persian envoy Khusrau II; killed by Pallava king Narasimhavarman I. |
| Vesara Temple Architecture | Chalukyan hybrid style blending Nagara & Dravida features; Aihole ("Cradle of Temple Architecture") & UNESCO site Pattadakal (Virupaksha temple). |
| Narasimhavarman I 'Mamalla' | Greatest Pallava ruler; defeated Pulakesin II and assumed title Vatapikonda; built monolithic Pancha Rathas & open-air relief Arjuna's Penance at Mahabalipuram. |
| Shore Temple & Kanchi Kailasanatha | Structural Dravida temples constructed under Pallava king Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha). |
🖼️ Supplemental Asset Directory
Supplemental Asset Directory
- Post-Gupta Kingdoms Map: