Which Indian king was defeated by the Chalukyan king Pulakesin II on the banks of the Narmada?
Correct Answer: Harshavardhana
Subject: history
- Chandragupta II
- Samudragupta
- Harshavardhana
- Rajendra Chola
Explanation: • Pulakesin II (Chalukya of Vatapi/Badami, 610–642 AD) defeated Harshavardhana on Narmada banks (618 AD)
• Halted Harsha's southward expansion
• Commemorated in Aihole Inscription (634 AD) by poet Ravikirti
• Pulakesin II was later defeated and killed by Pallava king Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla)
• Narasimhavarman earned title 'Vatapikonda' (Conqueror of Vatapi)
• Hiuen Tsang — contemporary — described Pulakesin II as a powerful ruler