Post Gupta Dynasties: Pallava Period

Basics

From 275 CE to 897 CE, the Pallava dynasty ruled much of the Deccan, also known as Tondaimandalam.
The Pallavas had their capitals at Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram) and Kanchi.

Important Rulers

Simhavishnu (575-590 CE)
- Founder of the Pallava dynasty.
- Titles: Avanisimha (lion of the Earth) and Simhavishnupottarayan.
- Court Poet Bharavi wrote Kiratarjuniya (Duel between Shiva and Arjuna).
Mahendravarman I (600-630 CE)
- Titles:
  - Mattavilasa- Addicted to pleasures
  - Chitrakarapuli- Tiger among the painters
  - Lalitankura- Charming offspring
  - Gunabhara- Virtuous
  - Chattakari- Temple builder, and
  - Vichitrachitta- Curious-minded.
- Killed by Chalukyan King Pulakesin II.
- Under his reign, Tamil literature flourished. Tevaram, for instance, was written by Appar and Sambandhar.
- He is credited with writing the Sanskrit play “Mattavilasa Prahasana.”
- Bodhayan wrote Bhagwatajjukam (a satire).
- Mahendravarman I was a Jainist before switching to Shaivism.
- Mahendra Style: He introduced a new style into Dravidian architecture.
- He mentioned it on a stone inscription in Mamandur, alongside his own Mattavilas Prahasan.
- Monuments in Mamallapuram: Those honoring Shiva were built during his reign.
Narsimhavarman I (630-668 CE)
- He is regarded as the greatest Pallava ruler.
- He adopted the moniker of Mamalla (great warrior).
- He conquered and murdered Chalukyan ruler Pulakesin II, destroying the Chalukyan city of Vatapi. He assumed the title Vatapikonda (Conqueror of Vatapi).
- Mahabalipuram was a port city constructed by Narsimhavarman I.
- There were seven Ratha Temples during his rule.
- Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas were all defeated at his hands.
- Ceylon Invasion: He invaded Ceylon (Sri Lanka) twice to assist Manavamma, an exiled Ceylon prince who had approached him for help in securing Ceylon’s throne.
- Hsuen Tsang, a Chinese traveler, paid a visit to Kanchipuram in 642 CE during his reign.
Narsimhaavarman II (Rajamalla) (695-722 CE)
- Narsimhaavarman II’s reign was peaceful with battles between the Chalukyas and Pallavas coming to an end.
- He sent embassies to China.
- He is responsible for building Mahabalipuram’s well-known Shore Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Kailashnath Temple.
Nandivarman II (731–796 CE)
- The Pallava ruler who had a great influence on both art and architecture was Nandivarman II.
- He is renowned for having supported several rock-cut temples, such as those in Trichinopoly and Mandagapattu.
Dantivarman (796 – 847 CE)
- He was among the final Pallava kings.
- Due to pressure from the burgeoning Chola dynasty, the dynasty saw a period of collapse under his rule.
Nandivarman III (850 until 869 CE)
- During his reign, the Pallava dynasty continued to fall while the Cholas grew in power in the area.

Administration

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.

Literature

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.

Architecture and Paintings

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.

Music

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.

Decline of Pallavas

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.