Pallava Dynasty

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The Pallava dynasty was an ancient Indian dynasty that ruled over parts of southern India, particularly
the region of Tamil Nadu, during the 4th to 9th centuries CE. The Pallavas made significant contributions
to art, architecture, and culture in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent. Read here to learn more
about the ancient kingdom.

The Pallava dynasty’s origins are not entirely clear, but they are believed to have started as a ruling family in the
Tondaimandalam region of present-day Tamil Nadu.

During their reign, the Pallavas had a significant impact on the history and legacy of South India.

Following the overthrow of the Satavahana dynasty, with whom they had previously shared a feudatory
relationship, the dynasty gained prominence.

Pallava dynasty

The Pallava dynasty existed from 275 CE to 897 CE, ruling a substantial portion of the Deccan, also known as
Tondaimandalam.

Pallava power expanded beyond their original heartland, and they came into conflict with other dynasties,
particularly the Chalukyas and Cholas.

These conflicts are often referred to as the “Tripartite Struggle” for dominance in southern India.

The earliest Pallava kings, such as Simhavarman I and Mahendravarman I, are known for their patronage of the
arts and for laying the foundation for the Pallava dynasty’s rise to prominence.
 Pallava king, Simhavarma defeated the Ikshvaku king Rudrapurushadatta in 300 CE and established
Pallava rule in Coastal Andhra, which was known at that time as Karmarashtra and started as a political
power in south India.

Mahendravarman I, in particular, was a notable patron of literature and built the rock-cut temple at Mamallapuram
(Mahabalipuram), which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to Pallava architecture.

During the reign of Vishnugopa, Samudragupta invaded South India and defeated him. The “Allahabad Pillar
Inscription” mentions that during the annexation of Samudragupta during 345-350 CE Vishnugopa was the
Pallava ruler of Kanchipuram.

Rulers of the Pallava dynasty

Simhavarman I (c. 275 – 300 CE): Simhavarman I is considered one of the earliest known Pallava rulers.
He is credited with laying the foundation for the dynasty’s rule in the region.
Mahendravarman I (c. 600 – 630 CE): Mahendravarman I was a notable Pallava king known for his
patronage of the arts and literature. He was a prolific poet himself and is believed to have authored the
Sanskrit play “Mattavilasa Prahasana.” He was a follower of Jainism but later embraced Shaivism.
Narasimhavarman I (c. 630 – 668 CE): Also known as Mamalla, Narasimhavarman I was one of the most
famous Pallava rulers. He is best known for his military campaigns and his patronage of art and
architecture. He is credited with the construction of the famous Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, a
UNESCO World Heritage site.
Nandivarman II (c. 731 – 796 CE): Nandivarman II was another Pallava king who made significant
contributions to art and architecture. He is known for his patronage of rock-cut temples, including the
Mandagapattu and Trichinopoly rock-cut temples.
Dantivarman (c. 796 – 847 CE): Dantivarman was one of the last known Pallava rulers. His reign marked a
period of decline for the dynasty as it faced pressure from the rising Chola dynasty.
Nandivarman III (c. 850 – 869 CE): Nandivarman III was one of the later Pallava rulers. His reign also
witnessed the continuing decline of the Pallava dynasty as the Cholas expanded their influence in the
region.

Administration
The Pallava dynasty, like many other Indian dynasties, was primarily a monarchy with hereditary succession. The
ruling king held the highest authority in both administrative and military matters.

The Pallava Empire was divided into provinces, each of which was governed by a provincial governor or
viceroy known as a “Maharaja.” These governors were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting
taxes, and administering justice within their respective regions.
The Pallavas had different capital cities during its rule. Initially, their capital was Kanchipuram, but it later
shifted to Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) and even to other locations like Kumbakonam and Thanjavur
during different periods.
The revenue collection system was crucial for the administration. Land revenue, known as “Bali,” was
collected from agricultural lands. Taxes were also levied on trade and commerce, and these revenues were
used to support the administration and various public projects.
The Pallavas maintained a standing army to protect its territory and interests. The king was the supreme
commander of the armed forces, and military governors were appointed to oversee various regions. The
navy also played a crucial role due to the Pallavas’ maritime activities and trade connections.
The Pallavas were known for their religious tolerance. They were staunch Hindus but also supported
Buddhism and Jainism. The monuments and inscriptions from their period reflect their religious diversity.
The Pallavas had diplomatic relations with other South Indian kingdoms and with foreign powers, including
the Chalukyas in the Deccan and the Chinese. They also engaged in maritime trade with Southeast Asian
countries, contributing to the spread of Indian culture.
Art and Architecture
The Pallavas are renowned for their contributions to Indian art and architecture. Their style is characterized by
rock-cut cave temples, monolithic rathas (chariots), and intricately carved sculptures.

The Pallavas are credited with the development and popularization of Dravidian architectural styles. Dravidian
architecture is characterized by its distinctive pyramid-shaped temples with intricate carvings and sculptures.

Monolithic Rock-Cut Temples: One of the most remarkable features of Pallava architecture is the creation
of monolithic rock-cut temples. These temples were carved from a single piece of rock, showcasing the
Pallavas’ remarkable architectural skills. Examples include the Shore Temple in Mamallapuram
(Mahabalipuram) and the Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas).
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram): This coastal town in Tamil Nadu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and
a major center of Pallava art and architecture. The town is known for its rock-cut monuments, including the
Shore Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features intricate carvings of various deities and
mythological scenes. The Arjuna’s Penance Relief, a massive open-air sculpture, is another notable
attraction.
Ratha Temples: The Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas) in Mamallapuram are monolithic temples carved in the
shape of chariots (rathas). Each ratha is dedicated to a different deity and showcases unique architectural
elements. These rathas provide insight into the development of temple architecture during the Pallava
period.
Cave Temples: The Pallavas also constructed several rock-cut cave temples. These temples feature
elaborately carved pillars, sculpted panels, and shrines dedicated to various deities. The
Mahishasuramardini Cave Temple and the Varaha Cave Temple in Mamallapuram are notable examples.
Mandapas: Pallava temples often include pillared halls or mandapas, which were used for various rituals
and ceremonies. These halls were adorned with intricate sculptures and provided space for gatherings and
cultural events.
Nandi Mandapas: Nandi mandapas, dedicated to the bull Nandi (the vehicle of Lord Shiva), was an
integral part of Pallava temples. The Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram, built by King Rajasimha,
features a beautifully carved Nandi mandapa.
Temple Towers (Gopurams): While the towering gateway structures, known as gopurams, are more
commonly associated with later South Indian temple architecture, the Pallavas laid the foundation for these
structures. Gopurams became a prominent feature in temples during subsequent Chola and Vijayanagara
dynasties.

Decline of the Pallava dynasty

The last Pallava ruler, Aparajita, was defeated by the Chola king Aditya I, marking the end of the Pallava
dynasty’s rule.

Despite their eventual decline, the Pallavas left a lasting legacy in southern India, particularly in the fields of art
and architecture.

The intricate carvings and architectural marvels they created continue to be admired and studied by historians,
archaeologists, and art enthusiasts today.

The Pallava dynasty’s contributions to Indian culture and its distinctive architectural style make it an important
chapter in the history of South India.