SSC CGL 2024 Tier-I · 26 September 2024, Shift 1 · General Awareness · Question 20 of 100

Text as printed on a candidate's response sheet for this shift; answer per SSC's tentative key as marked on that sheet. Solution last reviewed 10 September 2026.

Where this paper and its answers come from

SSC does not publish CGL question papers or a public answer key. The questions and options here are reproduced as printed on a candidate's own response sheet for this shift — the Commission's text, unchanged. Each answer is SSC's tentative key as marked on that sheet; SSC allowed challenges to it and never publishes a final key. The solutions are written by UnlockIAS.

Who among the following Pallava kings occupied Vatapi (Badami) and defeated the Chalukyas?

(a)Parameswaravarman
(b)Sivaskanda Varman
(c)Narasimhavarman
(d)Simhavarman

Answer

Why

Correct — C. Narasimhavarman I, the Pallava ruler of Kanchi, marched into the Chalukya country and took their capital Vatapi (Badami) in about 642 CE. From that victory he carried the title Vatapikonda, conqueror of Vatapi.

It was a reply in kind. Pulakeshin II of the Chalukyas had earlier defeated his father Mahendravarman I and pushed into Pallava territory.

Of the four names offered, option (c) is the one attached to the storming of Badami.

Why the others are wrong

(a)
Parameswaravarman — Parameshvaravarman ruled a generation later and fought the Chalukya Vikramaditya I. By his reign the capture of Vatapi was already history.
(b)
Sivaskanda Varman — Sivaskanda Varman belongs to the early Pallavas of the fourth century, known from Prakrit copper-plate charters. The Chalukyas of Badami did not yet exist in his time.
(d)
Simhavarman — Simhavarman is a name from the earlier Pallava line, before Simhavishnu. The Vatapi campaign was led by Simhavishnu's grandson, two reigns later.

Concept

The seventh century in the Deccan was one long duel between the Pallavas of Kanchi and the Chalukyas of Vatapi, and the advantage changed hands twice.

Pulakeshin II struck first, defeating Mahendravarman I and reaching Pallava country. He is better remembered for halting Harshavardhana on the Narmada.

Narasimhavarman I then reversed it, sacking Vatapi around 642 CE. He is also the Mamalla of Mamallapuram, the port whose rock-cut rathas belong to his reign.

The paper prints the name without a numeral. The king meant is Narasimhavarman I — a later Narasimhavarman II, Rajasimha, the builder of the Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram, had no part in this war.

Key facts

Narasimhavarman I captured the Chalukya capital Vatapi (Badami) in about 642 CE.
He took the title Vatapikonda after that victory.
Pulakeshin II had earlier defeated his father, Mahendravarman I.
Narasimhavarman I is the Mamalla after whom Mamallapuram is named.

Study next

Pallava succession — Simhavishnu, Mahendravarman I, Narasimhavarman I, Narasimhavarman IIChalukyas of Badami — Pulakeshin II, the Aihole inscription and his campaignsPallava rock-cut and structural temples at Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram

Common traps

Confusing Narasimhavarman I with Narasimhavarman II Rajasimha, the temple builder.
Assuming the Chalukyas always had the upper hand because Pulakeshin II is the more famous name.

SSC circles this rivalry from several sides.

Pulakeshin II's defeat of Harshavardhana was asked 25 Sep 2024, 09:00, GA Q.12, through the title Dakshinapatheshvara he took after it.

The dynasty of Mahendravarman I was asked 9 Sep 2024, 09:00, GA Q.19 (Pallava), and the builders of Mahabalipuram 10 Sep 2024, 09:00, GA Q.8 (Pallava).

Related PYQs

No directly related past PYQ was found.