How did architecture evolve under successive Pallava rulers? What was the contribution of Pallava architecture to the development of the Dravidian architectural style?

Pallavas in 6-8 century live the heritage of rich Dravidian Architecture in south India. [DIAGRAM PRESENT: Two simple sketches showing 'Pallavas at Peak' with architectural elements, and 'Temple locations of Pallavas' marking Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Pallavanam] Evolution of Architecture under Pallavas *Phase I - under Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavaman 1) Promoted cave architecture - Hill cut temples 2) Square, tall and tiny pillars with capital like lions' 3) Dwarapala at entry eg. Mahendrawadi, Singavanaman and Singasvara Temple 4) More advanced under Narasimhavaran eg. Panche Ratha at Pallavanam Phase 2 - Monolith Rock cut temples eg. At Mahamalai purani - Panchisvara Temple (Yudhishthir Temple as largest) Phase 3 - Structural Temple under Rajasimha - presume of theppan (water tank) and Gopuram Gateway eg. Short Temple Mahabalipuram, Kailosenath in Kanchipuram

Contribution to Dravidian Architecture by Pallavas *Founding of Temple Architecture in south *Introduction of distinct elements eg- Vimana → pyramidical top of temple, capped by Shikhara *Structural temple from rock cut temples started *Introduced 'Gopuram' - became grander with aisles & Rastrakutas *Coupled with a water tank called 'Theppam' *Contributed towards Visara style - adopted Dravidian features by Chola style Thus, Pallavas initiated temple architecture in south which was brought at its peak by Cholas in future.

— Samiksha Dwivedi · AIR 56