The source-backed, question-specific record explains: Harsha of Kanauj (Thanesar) attempted to expand southward but was defeated by the Chalukya king Pulakesi II at the Battle of the Narmada around 618-620 CE. This battle checked Harsha's southward expansion. This evidence establishes the historical relationship required in this Important Battles item. A correct solution must preserve the exact battle, date, participants, commander, location, outcome or significance requested by the stem. Similar periods, genres or national traditions do not make two battle facts interchangeable. Option A gives Pulakesi II of Chalukyas and satisfies every condition stated in the question. The remaining choices—Narasimhavarman of Pallavas, Shashanka of Gauda and Rajyavardhana—do not satisfy the complete requirement. The reliable checking method is to identify the named battle first, recall or verify its verified participant or outcome, and then read qualifiers such as “both works,” “original language,” “first published,” “correctly matched” or “incorrectly matched.” These qualifiers determine what counts as the answer. Replaying that method for this Important Battles question confirms Pulakesi II of Chalukyas without relying on option position.
