Mahendravarman I was the ruler of which of the following dynasties?

Correct option is D

· Mahendravarman I was a ruler of the Pallava dynasty, which was a prominent South Indian dynasty based in present-day Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh.

· He ruled from around 600 to 630 CE and is known for his contributions to art, architecture, and literature.

· Mahendravarman I was an influential monarch who began the construction of rock-cut temples in the Pallava style, notably at Mahabalipuram. He was also a patron of the arts and is credited with writing the Sanskrit play Mattavilasa Prahasana, which satirized certain religious practices of the time.

Additional Information:

· Mahendravarman I played a significant role in consolidating the Pallava kingdom and was known for his military confrontations with the Chalukya dynasty, particularly against Pulakeshin II.

· His reign marked the beginning of the Pallava architectural style, which his successors, such as Narasimhavarman I, continued and expanded.

Other Options:

· Pandya: The Pandya dynasty ruled parts of southern Tamil Nadu and was a contemporary of the Pallavas, but Mahendravarman I did not belong to this dynasty.

· Chola: The Chola dynasty, another prominent South Indian dynasty, ruled over Tamil Nadu but Mahendravarman I was not associated with the Cholas.

· Chalukya: The Chalukya dynasty ruled parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra and were rivals of the Pallavas. Mahendravarman I, however, was not from the Chalukya dynasty.