D for Determination
“We all have
dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of
determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” - Jesse Owens, the U.S. Sprinter and Winner of Four Gold Medals in 1936
Summer Olympics
Kamala teacher was again pleasantly surprised when, along
with Brinda, a few more children too had moved to the front bench.
“Yes teacher. We decided to move forward to the front row
from today onwards.”
“It is really quite encouraging to note that you chose to
move forward. But let me tell you something more. Just making a choice is not
going to be enough. You need to be determined about moving forward all the
time. You need to be devoted to what you deeply desire to have. Do you know
what the great Emperor Narasimha Pallava did?”
“The dynasty of Pallava emperors ruled the Southern States of
our country during the 2nd to 9th Centuries.
Mahendravarma Pallava was one of the most renowned emperors of Pallava dynasty
during the 7th Century. He was greatly into arts, especially
rock-cut temple architecture. Mahendravarma Pallava’s rule was marked by peace
and tranquility, with no aggression, ever since he became the emperor after
defeating his other enemy Pallava kings and other kings from other dynasties.
His son Narasimhavarma Pallava was a great wrestler and was popularly addressed
as ‘Mamallan’. Narasimhavarma was very much devoted to his father Mahendravarma
Pallava. They ruled high with Kancheepuram as their Capital.
Pulikesin II of Chalukya Dynasty was another powerful king from
North and ruled from Vatapi (Badami now) as Capital. He invaded the kingdom of
Pallavas with the intention of capturing Kancheepuram and expanding his
kingdom. Though Mahdendravarma Pallava succeeded in defending Kancheepuram, he
was defeated at several places by Pulikesin and he lost substantial territory
in Northern areas of his kingdom. He also died as an aftermath of the war. This
led to a long conflict between Chalukyas and Pallavas.
After several years Pulikesin II once again attempted to
seize the Pallava Capital, having failed in his earlier attempt. This time
Narasimha Pallava was at the reigns of the Pallava kingdom and he was waiting
for an opportunity to avenge his father’s defeat. During all these long years,
Narasimha Pallava was carefully strengthening his army and preparing for an
eventual war with Pulikesin II. He defeated Pulikesin II in several battles
including the one at Manimangalam, close to Kancheepuram. He was determined to
restore his kingdom’s prestige. He went after Pulikesin, invaded Vatapi and
successfully defeated the Chalukya king. On his successful return, he was given
the Tamil title: ‘Vatapikondan’. He also completed several unfinished rock-cut
temple projects launched by his father. Today, Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram,
with its rock temples, stands as one of the world heritage sites.”
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All the stories are excellent.
ReplyDeleteThe book was very interesting.The collection of stories and histoical events are very good
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