Pandya Dynasty: Governance, Society and Trade in Ancient South India

The Pandya dynasty in South India had a rich history of governance and trade. From their capital in Madurai, they ruled with titles like Pandiyatirasan and Kodanda Raman, overseeing a well-structured political administration. Their administration, documented titles, and economic prowess highlight a dynamic era in South Indian history. Through their governance and trade, the Pandyas contributed significantly to the heritage of Tamil Nadu and beyond.

An Overview of Governance and Society in the Pandya Dynasty

1. Political Administration

• Capital City: Pandya kings made Madurai their capital which was revered as Kudal and Tamil Kelukudal. 
• Royal Titles: The kings were traditionally revered as Kudalkon, Kudal Nagar Kavalan & Madurapura Paramesvaran.
• Military Advantage: The Pandyas derived military advantage over their neighbours by means of their horses, which they imported through their connection to Arabs.
• Royal Seating Arrangements: Kings used to sit on a royal couch while exercising power.
  • Couches were named after the local chiefs:  Munaiya Daraiyan, Pandiya Daraiyan and Kalinkat Traiyan.
• Documentation of Royal Orders: The king issued royal orders orally. It was documented by a royal scribe called Tirumantira Olai.
• Royal Palaces: were called Tirumaligai and Manaparanan Tirumaligai.
• Titles of the early Pandyas: Pandiyatirasan, Pandiya Maharasan, Mannar Mannan, Avaniba Sekaran, Eka Viran, Sakalapuvana Chakkaravarti.
• Titles of the Later Pandyas: Kodanda Raman, Kolakalan, Puvanekaviran, and Kaliyuga Raman. 
• Titles in Chaste Tamil:  Sembian, Vanavan and Thennavan.
• Royal Officials

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• Political Divisions
• • Pandy Mandalam or Pandy Nadu: consisted of many Valanadus.
  • Valandu: were divided into many Nadus and Kurrams. 
  • Nadu and Kurram: contained settlements, viz., Mangalam, Nagaram, Ur and Kudi, inhabited by different social groups.
  • Nattars: These were the administrative authorities of Nadus.
  • Mangalam or Chaturvedimangalam: were Brahmin settlements with irrigation facilities. 
    • These settlements were given royal names and names of the deities. 
  • Brahmmadhi Rajan and Brahmmaraiyan: these titles were held by Influential Brahmin
• Inscription from Manur (Tirunelveli district): provides an account of village administration.
  • It looks similar to the local governance of Cholas, which included village assemblies and committees. Both civil and military powers were vested in the same person.

2. Irrigation

• Kulakkil: A unique political division in Pandy Mandalam, i.e., the area under the irrigation tank. For instance, Madurai is described in an inscription as Madakkulakkil Madurai. 
• Naming of Irrigation Sources: Irrigation sources created by Pandya were named after members of the royal family such as Vasudeva Peraru, Virapandya Peraru, Srivallaba Peraru and Parakirama Pandya Peraru.
• Names of Irrigation Tanks: The tanks were named Tirumaleri, Maraneri, Kaliyaneri and Kadaneri.
• The Sendan Maran Inscription: of the Vaigai river bed speaks of a sluice installed by Pandya to distribute the water from the river.

3. Trade

• Expansion of Arab Trade Connection: Arab settlements on the west coast of southern India led to the expansion of their trade connection to the east coast of Tamizh country. 
• Goods Traded: were spices, pearls, precious stones, horses, elephants and birds.
• Names and Titles of Traders: Traders were referred to as Nikamattor, Nanadesi, Ticai-Ayiratu-Ainutruvar, Ainutruvar, Manikiramattar and Patinen-Vishyattar.
• Residential Centers of Traders: Teru was the place where the traders lived.
• Record of Horse Trade by Wassaff: Horse trade was recorded by Wassaff  (Persian historian). 
  • Those trading in horses were called Kudirai-Chetti.
• Key Port Towns: The busiest port town under the Pandyas was Kayalpattinam (now in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu) on the east coast. 
• Trading Centers: Cintamani, Mylapore, Tiruvotriyur, Tiruvadanai and Mahabalipuram were other busy coastal trading centres. 
• Use of Gold Coins in Trade: Gold coins were used as a medium of trade.
  • It was called Kasu, Palankasu, Anradunarpalankasu, Kanam, Kalancu and Pon. 
• Titular Gods of Traders: The titular gods of the traders were Ayirattu Aynurruvaar Udaiyar and Sokka Nayaki Amman.
• Periodically Held Fairs: were called Tavalamin settlements.

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Conclusion

Through meticulous land surveys, irrigation management, and trade relations with Arab settlements, the Pandya rulers established a prosperous kingdom. Their legacy includes market towns, skilled officials, and enduring political divisions that shaped the region’s socio-economic landscape.

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