Emperor Harsha’s southward march was stopped on the Narmada river by

The evidence attributes Harsha’s southward advance into the Deccan to a confrontation with the Badami (Vatapi) Chalukya ruler Pulakeshin II. Contemporary and later sources record that Pulakeshin II humbled or defeated Harsha and prevented further northern expansion into the Deccan, with inscriptions at Vatapi commemorating this victory [1]. Web-based historical summaries and inscriptions specifically place the clash on the banks of the Narmada (around 618–619 CE) and note a resulting settlement or recognition of Chalukya control south of the Narmada. General histories of the Chalukyas likewise emphasize Pulakeshin II’s role in checking both northern and southern powers to secure Deccan dominance [2]. Together these sources identify Pulakeshin II as the ruler who stopped Harsha at the Narmada.

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 8: Harsha and Rise of Regional Kingdoms > Pulikesin II, the Chalukya King > p. 106
2. [2] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > I Chalukyas and Pallavas Chalukyas > p. 132