Simhavarman II

Simhavarman II was a ruler of the Pallava dynasty during the Early Pallava period. He is notable for his patronage of Buddhism and for being mentioned in the historical text Lokavibhaga.

Biography

Simhavarman II was the son and successor of Skandavarman III. Unlike most other Pallava kings who were predominantly orthodox Hindus, Simhavarman II was a follower of Buddhism.

Reign and date of ascension

The chronology of Simhavarman II's reign is primarily established through the Lokavibhaga, a Digambara Jaina cosmological work. Rishi Simhasuri translated the work from Prakrit into Sanskrit.
According to the text, the copying of the work was completed by Muni Sarvanandin in the village of Patalika during the **22nd regnal year** of Simhavarman, the Lord of Kanchi. This date is specified as **Saka 380**, which corresponds to **458 CE**. This allows historians to backdate his ascension to approximately 436 CE.