Correct Option
Emperor Harsha's ambition to extend his empire south of the Narmada River was decisively halted by Pulakesin II, the most prominent ruler of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami. This significant confrontation, which occurred on the banks of the Narmada, established the river as the effective boundary between Harsha's northern empire and the Chalukya territories in the Deccan. The victory of Pulakesin II over Harsha is explicitly documented in the Aihole inscription, composed by his court poet Ravikirti.
Incorrect Options
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Pulakesin-I: He was the founder of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami in the mid-6th century CE. His reign predates that of Emperor Harsha (early 7th century CE), making him an unlikely contemporary opponent.
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Vikramaditya-I: He was a later Chalukya ruler, reigning in the mid-7th century CE. He was the son of Pulakesin II's son Adityavarman and succeeded his brother Chandraditya. His reign falls after Harsha's period, and his conflicts were primarily with the Pallavas, not Harsha.
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Vikramaditya-II: He was a much later Chalukya king, ruling in the early 8th century CE. He is known for his victories against the Pallavas and for commissioning significant temple constructions. His period is considerably after Emperor Harsha's reign.