Pallava Dynasty: All You Need to Know about Pallava Dynasty

The Pallavas which was a pastoral tribe emerged as a force to reckon with in the 3rd century CE. They set the stage for a great cultural outpouring and building spree that forged the template for much of the South over the next 600 years of their rule.

Tondaimandalam which was located at Pallavpuri was conquered by Pallavas which helped them to establish their kingdom in the ruins of Eastern part of the kingdom of Satavahanas. 

Their kingdom was stretched from southern Andhra Pradesh and northern Tamil Nadu – the fertile plains between the river basins of the Penna and Ponnaiyar rivers. The port city of Mamallapuram was the source of all their wealth and Kanchipuram was the capital of their empire.

Origin of Pallava is disputed while many consider them to natives whereas dinner others say they worked as the officials under the Satavahana rulers and then they became the local rulers.

The real founder of Pallava dynasty was Simhavishnu who was a great ruler. He defeated Kalabhras, Cholas to extend territory till Kaveri. They were in constant conflict with both Chalukyas of Badami in the north, and the Tamil kingdom of Cholas and Pandyas in the South throughout their rule in Tondaimandalam.

During the reign of Mahendravarnam-I and Narasimhavarman-I Pallava Dynasty reached to their peak. They contributed enormously in the fields of economy, religion, philosophy, art & coins and were considered as the most influential rulers of South India.

Mahendravarman I (600-630 A.D.):

He was the son of Simhavishnu. He ruled the Southern portion of present day Andhra region and Northern regions of what forms present-day Tamil Nadu in India in the early 7th century. During his reign conflict between Pallava-Chalukya began. 

Pulakeshin-II marched against them during a series of wars though he was able to save his capital but list the Northern part of his kingdom.

He converted to Saivism from Jainism after being influence of Saiva saint, Tirunavukkarasar/Appar. He was known as a builder of cave temples, built temples for Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. He promoted art and music prominently throughout his reign.

Narasimhavarman I (630-668 A.D.):

He was the son and successor of Mahendravarma-I who defeated Pulakeshin-II of Chalukya dynasty. He was also known as Mamalla which means ‘great wrestler’.

After defeating Pulakesin-II of western Chalukyas in Battle of Manimangalam near Kanchi, He ransacked the Chalukyan capital city of Vatapi (also known as Badami). He then got the title of ‘Vatapikonda.’

Hiuen Tsang who visited Kanchipuram during his reign was impressed and called it big and beautiful with one hundred Buddhist monasteries with ten thousand buddhist monks. A great learning centre Ghatika was established by him in Kanchi.

Mamallapuram and monolithic rathas was founded by Narsimhavarman-I.

Narsimhavarman-II (695-722 A.D.):

He was the successor of Narsimhavarman-II, he was also known as Rajasimha. His offered ample opportunities for development of arts and was a peaceful ruler. Mamallapuram shore temple and Kailasanatha at Kanchipuram was built during his reign.

Dandin was a court poet of Rajasimha. Maritime trade flourished during his reign. Parameshwaravarman-II and Nandivarman-II were the successors of him.

Pallava rule lasted till 9th century A.D. The last Pallava ruler Aparajita was defeated by Aditya I of Chola dynasty.

Administration under Pallava Dynasty:

State was divided in kottams (administered by officers of king). A well trained army helped them to be secure. They granted lands to Brahmanas which were called Brahmadeya and the lands which were granted for temples were called Devadhana. These land grants were charged no Tax.

The primary source of government revenue was the land tax. The village land records, local affairs and temple management were maintained by the Village Sabhas.

Society under Pallava Dynasty:

Tamil society under the caste system became rigid. Brahmins were given a high place. Saivism and Vaishnavism rose in this period while Buddhism and Jainism declined during this period.

The Bhakti Movement was led by the Saiva Nayanmars and Vaishnava Alwars who composed tamil hymns.

Education and Learning during Pallava Rule:

The Ghatika was a popular centre of learning at Kanchipuram. Various noted pupils of Ghatika  were – Dandin( Sanskrit writer in Narasimhavarman-I’s court), Bharavi( Sanskrit scholar in time of Simhavishnu), Dharmapala( who later became the head of Nalanda), Dinganaga( Buddhist writer ).

Mattavilasa Prahasana was written by Mahendravarman-I. Nandivarman II who patronized Perundevanar translated Mahabharata into Bharatha Venba in tamil. Nayanmars composed Devaram and Nalyradivyaprabandan composed by Alwars.

Pallava Dynasty Art and Architecture:

The art of excavating temples from rock was introduced by Pallavas. They began Dravidian style of architecture.
Pallava temples were constructed in four different styles:

Under Mahendravarman I:

Rock cut temples were introduced by him. Temples like mandagapattu, Mahendravadi, Mamandur, Dalavanur, Tiruchirappalli were built during his reign.

Under Mamalla:

Monolithic rathas of Mamallapuram/ Mahabalipuram were built under Narasimhavarman-I. There are five rathas or 5 Pagodas also known as Pancha Pandava rathas with mandapas covered with beautiful sculptures on it walls.

Mandapas at Mahishasurmardini mandap, Thirumurthi mandapam, Varaha mandapam.

Under Rajasimha:

Structural temples built by soft sand rocks were introduced by him. The example of greatest Pallava art is Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram. The Shore temple at Mamallapuram Pallava dynasty Mahabalipuram shore temple was also constructed under him.

Hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to Kanchipuram and Mamallapuram every year, to visit the famous temples and marvel at their architectural wonders. It is where the legacy of the great Pallavas, whose artistic, architectural and cultural achievements are set in stone.

Written by: Gourav Chowdhury