Post Gupta Dynasties: Pallava

From 275 CE to 897 CE, the Pallava dynasty ruled much of the Deccan, also known as Tondaimandalam.

Pallavas developed agriculture and sea trade, amassing enormous riches, which is reflected in the spectacular temple architecture of the time.
The Pallava Kingdom was divided into Kottams.
During the Pallava administration, land concessions were provided to Brahmans (Brahmadeya) and temples Devadhana that were exempt from revenue.
The group of villages was called ‘Nadu‘.
The group of Nadus was referred to as ‘Nagaram’ (merchant organization) and the group of Nagarams as ‘Manadalam’.
Sabhas (assembly) of Brahmin landowners were organized into smaller assemblies/committees that oversaw irrigation, agriculture, roads, and temples.
Non-Brahmin landowners’ gatherings were known as ‘Ur‘.
The Pallava inscriptions shed significant insight on village assemblies known as sabhas and associated committees.

Kanchi grew into a major center of education, culture, and trade. Kanchi’s Ghatikas (learning centers) were quite popular.
Pallavas fostered the growth of Tamil language and literature, as well as Sanskrit.
Patronage for saints resulted in the creation of religious writing.
Periyapuranam: A collection of Shiva-loving and devotional songs.
Nalayiram-Divya-Prabandham: A collection of Vishnu-loving and devotional songs.

The Pallavas established the Dravidian style of Indian architecture in the South. There was a continuous transition from cave temples to monolithic Rathas, culminating in structure temples.
Under Pallavas, the main aspects of Dravidian architecture, such as Vimana, Mandapam, and Gopuram, were vividly developed.
Under Mahendravarman I, miniature rock-cut temples known as Mandapas were built; examples include the Bhairavakona temple and the Anantheshwara temple in Undavalli.
Narsimhavarman I expanded the mandapas, established Mahabalipuram/Mamallpuram city, and built several monolithic Ratha (Chariot) temples, including the Panchapandavar rathas. Important Mandapams include Varaha, Mahishasuramardhini, and Tirumurthi.
Narsimhavarman II built Mahabalipuram’s well-known Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Kailashnath Temple.
The Pallavas also contributed to the development of sculpture. Beautiful sculptures cover the Mandapas’ walls.
The sculpture in Mamallapuram showing the “Descent of Ganges or the Penance of Arjuna” is a work of classical art.
The paintings in the Sittannavasal caves date back to the Pallava period.
Mahendravarman I was referred to as Chittirakkarapuli (tiger among painters).
The Dakshina Chitra (Instruction manual for painters) was compiled during the reign of Mahendravarman I.

The Kudumianmalai and Thirumayam music inscriptions demonstrate their passion for music.
Musical instruments included yaazhi, mridangam, and murasu.
The Mamandur inscription includes information about vocal music notation.
Both Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I were musical geniuses.
Dance was popular during the Pallava period, as evidenced by temple sculptures.

The Pallava dynasty’s dominance began to diminish in the eighth century when the Cholas and Pandyas seized control of the region.
Aparajita, the final Pallava ruler, was defeated by Chola king Aditya I, effectively ending the Pallava dynasty’s power.
Despite their final demise, the Pallavas left a lasting impact on southern India, particularly in the disciplines of art and architecture.
Today, historians, archaeologists, and art enthusiasts enjoy and study the complex carvings and architectural marvels they constructed.
The Pallava dynasty’s contributions to Indian culture, as well as its unique architectural style, make it a significant chapter in South Indian history.
Simhavishnu vanquished Kalabhras and established the rule of imperial Pallavas.
The Pallavas ascended to power during the reigns of Mahendravarman and Narasimhavarman-I.
Throughout their rule, they were at odds with the Chalukyas of Vatapi in the north and the Tamil kingdoms of Cholas and Pandyas in the south.
The Pallavas established their control throughout south Andhra Pradesh and north Tamil Nadu, with Kanchi serving as their capital.
Kanchi flourished as a temple town and a hub of trade and commerce under their leadership.
Pallavas are known for their support for the Hindu temple architecture.
By the time of the Pallavas, the Chalukyas of Badami and the Pandyas of Madurai had started fighting for control of southern India.