Aparajit Pallava

Aparajit was a Pallava king who ruled during 9th century AD. He was the sone of Nandivarman III.

The famous Thirupurambiyam battle hapenned during the period of this king. Thirupurambiyam is a small town near Tanjore in Tamil Nadu state of India. The battle was mainly between the Pallava king Aparajit and Pandia king Varaguna Pandian aka Varagunavarman II. After the Pallava king Nandivarman III died in 869 AD, the differences arose between his eldest son Nripatunga and another son Aparajit. Nripatunga was supported by Pandians whereas Aparajit was supported by Pallavas. Aparajit also got the support of Ganga king Prithvipathi I and Aditya Chola I. This battle should have hapenned in 879 AD. The Pandians were defeated in this battle. Although Pallavas won the battle, the Ganga king Prithvipathi was killed in the battle. Hence, the maximum benefit of victory went to the Chola king. Pallavas gave many regions around Tanjore from Mutharaiyars to Chola king as the token of appreciation.

Later, the Chola king Aditya Chola I became very powerful. In a battle, he defeated Aparajit and captured Pallava kingdom. It is believed that he himself killed Aparajit who was riding an elephant in the battle. This battle would have hapenned in 890 AD. However, it appears that for the next few years there was no peace in the newly acquired kingdom. Aditya and his son Parantaga Chola had to keep controlling the revolt and fight tiny battles. Although there is no proper records, it appears that Gangas would have helped Cholas to win Pallavas. It is evident from the fact that they accepted Pallavas as their masters.