Pallavas Dynasty: Significant Rulers and Cultural Contributions

The Pallavas were a tribe from southern India, possibly with roots from both the north and south. They ruled over Tondaimandalam, which is now parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, with their capital at Kanchi. Kanchi grew into a significant temple town and a center for trade under their rule. We can learn about them through Buddhist texts, accounts from Chinese travelers, and works like Periyapuranam and Mathavilasa Prahasanam.

Reigns of the Pallavas Dynasty: 

A. Emergence of Pallavas

• Origin: There is no scholarly consensus about the origin of the Pallavas. 
  • Some believed that Pallava was a variant of Pahlava, known as Parthians, others regarded them as native to south India or “with some mixture of north Indian blood”.
• Rooted in the Land of Creepers: Pallava means ‘creeper’ (a Sanskrit version of the word ‘tondi’).
  • Tondaimandalam: They were a pastoral local tribe who established their authority in the land of creepers called Tondaimandalam (the land between the north Pennar and north Vellar rivers), 
    • comprising southern Andhra Pradesh and northern Tamil Nadu, with their capital at Kanchi. 
• Kanchi: Under them, Kanchi (modern Kanchipuram) became an important temple town and a centre of trade and commerce. 

B. Sources to Study

• Insights from Historical Chronicles and Travelers: Buddhist sources (Deepavamsa and Mahavamsa – written in Pali)
  • The accounts of Chinese travellers Hiuen Tsang and Itsing provide details about the socio-religious and cultural conditions of the Pallava times.
• Literary Treasures: Periyapuranam, written by Sekizhar, and the Mathavilasa Prahasanam, written by Mahendravarman I in Sanskrit, are essential sources to study the Pallava period.

C. Important Rulers

• Shivaskandavarman: Probably ruled in the early 4th century AD, as mentioned in some inscriptions.

• • • Hirahadagalli Plates: referred to Sivaskandavarman as ‘Agnisttomavajapeyasvamedhayaji’ (one who conducted the Agnistoma, Vajapeya and Asvamedha sacrifices).
  • Simhavishnu: Ruled in the last quarter of the 6th century and played a crucial role in the Pallavas’ rise to power.
    • Conquest and Consolidation: He defeated the Ikshvakus and laid a firm foundation for the Pallava empire. 
      • He defeated Kalabhras and conquered the land up to the Kaveri.
    • Capital: He established his capital at Kanchi.
    • Title: Bore the title of ‘Avanisimha’ (Lion of the Earth).
  • Mahendravarman I (590−630 AD): He was defeated by Chalukyan ruler Pulekshin II at Pullalur (near Kanchi), who annexed the northern part of the empire and reached up to Kanchipuram. 
    • Patron of Art: He was a  poet, musician and a great patron of the art.
    • Literary and Architectural Works: He wrote the Mattavilasa Prahasanna and began construction of the cave temple at Mahabalipuram. 
    • Jainism to Shaivism: He was earlier a Jaina but later took up Shaivism under the influence of Appar. [UPSC 2020]
  • Narasimhavarman I /Mahamalla (630−668 AD): He defeated Pulkeshin II and invaded the Western Chalukyan kingdom by capturing Badami with the help of the Sri Lankan prince, Manavarma. 
    • Triumphs and Conquests: He claimed victories over Cholas, Cheras, and Kalabhras.
    • Naval Expedition: He dispatched two naval expeditions to help Manavarma. 
    • Architectural Marvels: An enthusiastic patron of architecture, he constructed the port of Mamallapuram and the Rathas at Mahabalipuram. 
    • Mamallapuram: It is in honour of Narasimhavarman I that Mahabalipuram is also known as Mamallapuram. 
  • Mahendravarman II (668−670 AD): The Pallava−Chalukya conflict continued for decades, and he died fighting the Chalukyas.
  • Parameshvaraman I (670−695 AD): Paramesvaravarman I was called Ugradanda and the ‘destroyer of the city of Ranarasika’. 
    • Ranarasika: was a title of Vikramaditya I. 
    • Kuram Copper Plates: record his military achievements.
  • Narsimhavarman II /Rajasimha (700−728 AD): Constructed Rajasimheshvara / Kailashnatha Temple and Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram.
    • Sent an ambassador to China.
  • Dantivarman (795−846 AD): During his reign, Rashtrakuta king Govind III invaded Kanchi.

• Nandivarman III (846−869 AD): Defeated the Pandyas in the Battle of Sripurambiyam or Thirupurambiyam, aided by western Gangas and Cholas.

• Aparajita (880−893 AD): He died in a battle against Chloa king Aditya I, who invaded Tondaimandalam. This sealed the fate of the Pallavas.

Conclusion

The Pallavas saw a succession of important rulers who left their mark on history. From Shivaskandavarman to Aparajita, each ruler contributed to the empire’s growth, cultural development, and architectural splendor. Despite facing challenges and conflicts, their legacy endures through the temples, inscriptions, and artifacts they left behind, enriching our understanding of ancient Indian history.