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Study Guide: The Reign of Narasimhavarman II: Pallava Dynasty, Art, and Foreign Relations

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The Reign of Narasimhavarman II: Pallava Dynasty, Art, and Foreign Relations Study Guide

Reign and Succession

Narasimhavarman II was known by the titles Rajasimha and Rajamalla, which reflected his royal status and potential achievements.

Answer: True

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II was popularly known by the titles Rajasimha and Rajamalla, which reflected his royal status and achievements.

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Narasimhavarman II's son, Paramesvaravarman II, predeceased his father, leading to a succession crisis.

Answer: False

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II's son, Mahendravarman III, predeceased his father, leading to Paramesvaravarman II's succession, not a crisis.

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Narasimhavarman II reigned for approximately 25 years, from 695 CE to 720 CE.

Answer: False

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II reigned for approximately 33 years, from around 695 CE to 728 CE.

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Narasimhavarman II was succeeded by his father, Paramesvaravarman I, to the Pallava throne.

Answer: False

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II was succeeded by his son, Paramesvaravarman II, not his father.

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Narasimhavarman II had only one known spouse, Rangapataka.

Answer: False

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II had two known spouses: Rangapataka and Lokamadevi.

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Historians generally regard Narasimhavarman II's reign as a period of significant literary and architectural decline for the Pallava dynasty.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historians generally regard Narasimhavarman II's reign as a period of significant literary and architectural advancements.

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Narasimhavarman II is often grouped with other prominent Pallava rulers like Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I due to his significant contributions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historians generally regard Narasimhavarman II's reign as a period of significant literary and architectural advancements, grouping him with prominent Pallava rulers like Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I.

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What was the approximate duration of Narasimhavarman II's reign as a Pallava monarch?

Answer: 33 years

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II reigned as a Pallava monarch for approximately 33 years, from around 695 CE to 728 CE.

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Which Pallava monarch preceded Narasimhavarman II on the throne?

Answer: Paramesvaravarman I

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II was preceded by his father, Paramesvaravarman I, as the Pallava monarch.

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By what alternative titles was Narasimhavarman II popularly known?

Answer: Rajasimha and Rajamalla

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II was popularly known by the titles Rajasimha and Rajamalla.

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Which of Narasimhavarman II's sons predeceased him?

Answer: Mahendravarman III

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II's son, Mahendravarman III, predeceased his father.

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Who succeeded Narasimhavarman II to the Pallava throne?

Answer: Paramesvaravarman II

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II was succeeded by his son, Paramesvaravarman II, to the Pallava throne.

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Which of the following is NOT one of Narasimhavarman II's known spouses?

Answer: Mahendravarman III

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II had two known spouses: Rangapataka and Lokamadevi. Mahendravarman III was his son.

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Military and Political Influence

Narasimhavarman II's reign was primarily characterized by extensive military campaigns and territorial expansion, rather than peace and cultural development.

Answer: False

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II's reign was generally characterized by relative freedom from major wars, fostering peace, prosperity, and significant cultural and architectural endeavors.

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Narasimhavarman II's father, Paramesvaravarman I, was praised in the Amaravati Pallava inscription for his literary prowess and architectural patronage.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Amaravati Pallava inscription praised Narasimhavarman II's father, Parameswaravarman I, as being 'as vigorous and strong as lord Sambhu (Shiva)', highlighting his reputation as a formidable warrior monarch, not for literary or architectural patronage.

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The mention of 'Dvipalaksam' in historical records indicates that Pallava influence extended to the Lakshadweep islands during Narasimhavarman II's reign.

Answer: True

Explanation: The mention of 'Dvipalaksam' indicates that the Pallavas exerted influence in the Lakshadweep islands during Narasimhavarman II's reign, suggesting a significant maritime presence.

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The Vayalur inscription, issued on the eve of Narasimhavarman II's coronation, details a lineage of 54 rulers, including 47 kings descended from Aswattaman.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Vayalur inscription, issued on the eve of Narasimhavarman II's coronation, details a lineage of 54 rulers, including 47 kings descended from Aswattaman.

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The Pallavas were considered a minor military power when Narasimhavarman II ascended the throne.

Answer: False

Explanation: By the time Narasimhavarman II ascended the throne, the Pallavas were considered the most powerful military force in the Indian subcontinent.

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What does the mention of 'Dvipalaksam' indicate about Pallava influence during Narasimhavarman II's rule?

Answer: Their influence in the Lakshadweep islands.

Explanation: The mention of 'Dvipalaksam' indicates that the Pallavas exerted influence in the Lakshadweep islands during Narasimhavarman II's reign.

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What was the general state of warfare during Narasimhavarman II's reign?

Answer: Relative freedom from major wars.

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II's period was generally characterized by relative freedom from major wars, fostering peace and prosperity.

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What information does the Vayalur inscription, issued on the eve of Narasimhavarman II's coronation, provide?

Answer: A lineage of 54 rulers, including 47 kings descended from Aswattaman.

Explanation: The Vayalur inscription, issued on the eve of Narasimhavarman II's coronation, details a lineage of 54 rulers, including 47 kings descended from Aswattaman.

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What was the military standing of the Pallavas when Narasimhavarman II ascended the throne?

Answer: They were considered the most powerful military force in the Indian subcontinent.

Explanation: By the time Narasimhavarman II ascended the throne, the Pallavas were considered the most powerful military force in the Indian subcontinent.

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How was Narasimhavarman II's father, Parameswaravarman I, described in the Amaravati Pallava inscription?

Answer: As vigorous and strong as lord Sambhu (Shiva).

Explanation: The Amaravati Pallava inscription praised Narasimhavarman II's father, Parameswaravarman I, as being 'as vigorous and strong as lord Sambhu (Shiva)'.

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Foreign Relations: Tang China

The military alliance between the Tang dynasty and the Pallavas in the 8th century was primarily aimed at expanding Pallava influence into Chinese territories.

Answer: False

Explanation: The military alliance between the Tang dynasty and the Pallavas was formed to safeguard Chinese territories from the expanding Tibetan Empire, not to expand Pallava influence into China.

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The Tang Emperor Xuanzong named Narasimhavarman II's army 'the army which brings victory' in recognition of its strength.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Tang Emperor Xuanzong named Narasimhavarman II's army 'the army which cherished virtue'.

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Narasimhavarman II built a temple in honor of the Tang Chinese emperor, which was named *Koei-hoa se*.

Answer: True

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II built a temple in honor of the Tang Chinese emperor, and the emperor sent an inscribed tablet naming it *Koei-hoa se*.

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Narasimhavarman II requested Emperor Xuanzong to give a name to his army as a gesture of friendship before confronting the Ta-che and T'ou-po.

Answer: True

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II sent an embassy to Emperor Xuanzong, requesting him to give a name to his army as a gesture of friendship before confronting the Ta-che and T'ou-po.

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Narasimhavarman II was appointed as the General of South China by Emperor Xuanzong as part of a military alliance.

Answer: True

Explanation: Emperor Xuanzong of Tang conferred the title of General of South China upon Narasimhavarman II as part of a military alliance aimed at protecting Chinese interests.

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The Chinese name given to Narasimhavarman II by Emperor Xuanzong was *Che-li-Na-lo-seng-k'ia pao-to-pa-mo*, which translates to Sri Narasimha Potavarman.

Answer: True

Explanation: Emperor Xuanzong of Tang referred to Narasimhavarman II by the Chinese name *Che-li-Na-lo-seng-k’ia pao-to-pa-mo*, which translates to Sri Narasimha Potavarman.

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What military title did Emperor Xuanzong of Tang confer upon Narasimhavarman II?

Answer: General of South China

Explanation: Emperor Xuanzong of Tang conferred the title of General of South China upon Narasimhavarman II.

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Who led Narasimhavarman II's embassy to Tang China around 720 CE, according to historian Nilakanta Sastri?

Answer: Vajrabodhi

Explanation: Historian Nilakanta Sastri states that the venerated Southern Indian Buddhist Monk Vajrabodhi led Narasimhavarman II's embassy to Tang China around 720 CE.

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What was the name given to Narasimhavarman II's army by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang?

Answer: The army which cherished virtue

Explanation: Emperor Xuanzong of Tang named Narasimhavarman II's army 'the army which cherished virtue' in response to his request.

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What was the purpose of the military alliance between the Tang dynasty and the Pallavas in the 8th century?

Answer: To safeguard Chinese territories from the Tibetan Empire.

Explanation: The military alliance between the Tang dynasty and the Pallavas was formed to safeguard Chinese territories from the expanding Tibetan Empire.

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What was the Chinese name given to Narasimhavarman II by Emperor Xuanzong?

Answer: Che-li-Na-lo-seng-k'ia pao-to-pa-mo

Explanation: Emperor Xuanzong of Tang referred to Narasimhavarman II by the Chinese name *Che-li-Na-lo-seng-k’ia pao-to-pa-mo*.

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What was the name of the temple built by Narasimhavarman II in honor of the Tang Chinese emperor?

Answer: Koei-hoa se

Explanation: The temple built by Narasimhavarman II in honor of the Tang Chinese emperor was named *Koei-hoa se*.

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According to historian Nilakanta Sastri, what primarily motivated the Chinese court to seek an alliance with Narasimhavarman II?

Answer: To enlist his support in their plans against the Tibetans.

Explanation: According to historian Nilakanta Sastri, the Chinese court was anxious to enlist Narasimhavarman II's support in their plans against the Tibetans.

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What was the meaning of the name *Koei-hoa se* given to the temple built by Narasimhavarman II in honor of the Tang Chinese emperor?

Answer: Which cause to return virtue

Explanation: The name *Koei-hoa se* means 'which cause to return virtue'.

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Literary and Cultural Patronage

Narasimhavarman II's play *Kamsavadham* focused on themes from the Ramayana.

Answer: False

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II's play *Kamsavadham* dealt with the narrative of Lord Krishna's slaying of Kamsa, not themes from the Ramayana.

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The prominent Sanskrit litterateur Dandin was a contemporary of Narasimhavarman II but did not spend time in his court.

Answer: False

Explanation: The prominent Sanskrit litterateur Dandin spent several years in Narasimhavarman II's court and was patronized by the monarch.

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Which prominent Sanskrit litterateur was patronized by Narasimhavarman II in his court?

Answer: Dandin

Explanation: The prominent Sanskrit litterateur Dandin spent several years in Narasimhavarman II's court and was patronized by the monarch.

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What was the subject matter of Narasimhavarman II's play *Kamsavadham*?

Answer: Lord Krishna's slaying of Kamsa

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II's play *Kamsavadham* dealt with the narrative of Lord Krishna's slaying of Kamsa.

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Which ancient Indian dance-drama form still utilizes some of Narasimhavarman II's plays for its subject matter?

Answer: Kutiyattam

Explanation: Ancient Indian dance-drama forms such as *Kutiyattam* utilize some of Narasimhavarman II's plays for their subject matter.

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Religious Devotion and Temple Architecture

The Kailasanathar Temple Complex in Kanchi was solely commissioned by Narasimhavarman II, with no contributions from his family members.

Answer: False

Explanation: Within the Kailasanathar Temple Complex, a smaller shrine was commissioned by Narasimhavarman II's Maharani Rangapataka, and a frontal shrine by his son Mahendravarman III.

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Narasimhavarman II's primary religious affiliation was Buddhism, as evidenced by his construction of the 'China-pagoda' Vihara.

Answer: False

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II was a follower of Hinduism, particularly devoted to Shiva, although he is credited with constructing a Buddhist Vihara known as the 'China-pagoda'.

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The Kailasanathar Temple's main shrine was titled 'Mahendresvara', honoring Narasimhavarman II's son.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kailasanathar Temple's main shrine was titled 'Rajasimhesvara', while the frontal shrine 'Mahendresvara' was commissioned by his son Mahendravarman III.

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Narasimhavarman II's Reyuru grant indicates he was a devout worshiper of only Shiva.

Answer: False

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II's Reyuru grant indicates he was a devout worshiper of Shiva, Vishnu, and Subramanya.

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Narasimhavarman II declared himself a monarch of great power before Lord Shiva in Tiruvarur.

Answer: False

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II declared before Lord Shiva in Tiruvarur that he considered himself a sincere servant of the Lord Shiva, not a monarch of great power.

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The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram is one of the significant temples credited to Narasimhavarman II.

Answer: True

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II is credited with the construction of the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram, among other significant architectural complexes.

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A rock-cut sculpture referenced in the source depicts the goddess Lakshmi battling the demon Mahishasura.

Answer: False

Explanation: A rock-cut bas-relief depicts the Hindu goddess Durga battling the demon Mahishasura, while another depicts Varaha and Vamana.

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The divine intervention story associated with Narasimhavarman II's coronation involved Lord Vishnu instructing him to postpone the event.

Answer: False

Explanation: The divine intervention story associated with Narasimhavarman II's coronation involved Lord Shiva instructing him to postpone the event to bless saint Pusalar.

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Narasimhavarman II demonstrated his religious devotion by bestowing his wealth upon temples and Brahmanas, as recorded in the Kasakudi plates.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to the Kasakudi plates, Narasimhavarman II demonstrated his religious devotion by bestowing his wealth upon temples and Brahmanas.

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All temples commissioned by Narasimhavarman II were dedicated to Vishnu, reflecting his primary religious inclination.

Answer: False

Explanation: All temples commissioned by Narasimhavarman II were dedicated to Shiva, strongly suggesting his primary inclination towards Shiva worship.

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Which of the following architectural complexes is NOT credited to Narasimhavarman II?

Answer: The Brihadeeswarar Temple

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II is credited with the construction of the Shore Temple Complex, the Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchi, and the Talagirisvara Temple in Panamalai.

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What was the primary religious affiliation of Narasimhavarman II?

Answer: Hinduism

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II was a follower of Hinduism, with a particular devotion to Shiva.

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According to the Kasakudi plates, how did Narasimhavarman II demonstrate his religious devotion?

Answer: By bestowing his wealth upon temples and Brahmanas.

Explanation: According to the Kasakudi plates, Narasimhavarman II demonstrated his religious devotion by bestowing his wealth upon temples and Brahmanas.

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What was the name of the main shrine within the Kailasanathar Temple Complex commissioned by Narasimhavarman II?

Answer: Rajasimhesvara

Explanation: The main shrine within the Kailasanathar Temple Complex in Kanchipuram was titled 'Rajasimhesvara', likely honoring Narasimhavarman II himself.

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With which Nayanar saint is Narasimhavarman II generally identified?

Answer: Kalarsinga Nayanar

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II is generally identified with Kalarsinga Nayanar, one of the 63 revered Shiva saints.

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Which of the following epithets reflects Narasimhavarman II's devotion to Shiva?

Answer: Sivachudamani

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II's deep devotion to Shiva is reflected in his epithets such as *Sivachudamani* (crest-jewel of Shiva).

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What was the name of the Buddhist Vihara at Nagipattinam attributed to Narasimhavarman II?

Answer: The China-pagoda

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II is credited with the construction of a Buddhist Vihara at Nagipattinam, commonly known as the 'China-pagoda'.

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Which deities did Narasimhavarman II worship, as indicated by his Reyuru grant?

Answer: Shiva, Vishnu, and Subramanya

Explanation: His Reyuru grant indicates Narasimhavarman II was a devout worshiper of Shiva, Vishnu, and Subramanya.

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What famous divine intervention story is associated with Narasimhavarman II's coronation?

Answer: Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and instructed him to postpone his coronation.

Explanation: A divine intervention story associated with Narasimhavarman II's coronation recounts that Lord Shiva appeared in his dream, instructing him to postpone his coronation to first bless an impoverished saint named Pusalar.

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What was Narasimhavarman II's declaration before Lord Shiva in Tiruvarur, alongside the Nayanar saint Seruthunai?

Answer: That he considered himself a sincere servant of Lord Shiva.

Explanation: Narasimhavarman II declared before Lord Shiva in Tiruvarur that he considered himself a sincere servant of the Lord Shiva, not a monarch.

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Which of the following temples was NOT explicitly mentioned as being built by Narasimhavarman II?

Answer: Meenakshi Temple at Madurai

Explanation: The Shore Temple, Iravatanesvara Temple, and Talagirisvara Temple are explicitly mentioned as being built by Narasimhavarman II.

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