Mahabalipuram's history is deeply rooted in the Pallava dynasty, who ruled the region from the 3rd to the 9th centuries AD. The Pallava kings, particularly Narasimhavarman I and Rajasimha, were great patrons of art and architecture, and they commissioned the rock-cut temples and sculptures that are now UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Shore Temple, a prominent structure on the beach, was built during the reign of Rajasimha in the 8th century. It served as a landmark for sailors and a testament to the Pallava's maritime power. The tsunami of 2004 exposed more sculptures buried under the sand, further revealing the extent of the Pallava's artistic legacy. The beach and its surrounding monuments stand as a remarkable example of early Dravidian architecture.