Social, Economic and Religious Conditions under the Pallavas | Tamil Nadu State PSC (TNPSC): Preparation - TNPSC (Tamil Nadu) PDF Download

 Page 1


8. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND RELIGIOUS
CONDITIONS UNDER THE PALLAVAS
The Pallava rule had witnessed a drastic change in the social
and economic life of the people. The emergence of the Bakthi
Movement had significantly changed their way of life. It was further
stimulated by the temple-building activity of the Pallava kings.
There was also a remarkable growth of economy during this period.
In general, there was a tremendous change in the society and culture
during the Pallava rule.
Page 2


8. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND RELIGIOUS
CONDITIONS UNDER THE PALLAVAS
The Pallava rule had witnessed a drastic change in the social
and economic life of the people. The emergence of the Bakthi
Movement had significantly changed their way of life. It was further
stimulated by the temple-building activity of the Pallava kings.
There was also a remarkable growth of economy during this period.
In general, there was a tremendous change in the society and culture
during the Pallava rule.
Social Structure:
The society under the Pallavas was chiefly divided into four,
namely, Brahmins, Kshatryas, Vaisyas and Sudras. Besides the
four-fold division, there were also other sub castes in the society based
on their occupation.
The Brahmins occupied the first place in the society. They
were the learned and the most respected in the society. They had
lived in a separate place called Agraharam. They had recited Vedas
and performed puja in the temples. The Pallava kings had made
extensive land grants to them. These land grants were known as
Brahmadeyas. The Brahmins helped the kings in performing
sacrifices. They had also enjoyed higher position in the government.
The Kshatryas had remained in the next position in the social
hierarchy. Generally, they belonged to the ruling class. They had
also become warriors. They also gave liberal donations to the
temples and Brahmins.
Those who indulged in agriculture and trade were called as
Vaisyas. They had contributed to the development of society by
establishing Mutts and choultries. They also fed the poor and
committed to public welfare and social progress.
The Sudras had occupied the last place in the social structure.
They remained low-grade servants. The literature of the Pallava
period refers to them as pulayar and chandalas. However, a few
of them had become religious saints due to their devotion to God.
Try to know the social divisions prevalent in the
modern society.
Status of women:
The women from royal and rich families had enjoyed high
status in the society. They were also given property rights. They
remained pious and religious and granted liberal donations to the
temples and Brahmins. Chastity was their noble virtue. However,
other women in the middle and lower strata of the society had to
work hard to earn their livelihood. They indulged in spinning,
weaving and other similar works. There were also separate dancing
girls in the society. They were employed in the temples because of
their talent in music and dance.
Have a discussion in your class regarding the
development of women in modern times.
Food, dress and ornaments:
Rice was the staple food of the people during the Pallava
period. They had also consumed milk, ghee, and curd. Generally,
people wore simple dress made of cotton. The rich people were
fond of wearing silk garments. The sculptures of this period indicate
several types of ornaments used by the people. They include
earrings, bangles, necklaces and anklets.
Education:
Much importance was given to the Sanskrit education during
the Pallava period. The Mutts had remained as important
educational centres. The kings and nobles made land grants to them.
The temples had also functioned as educational centres. The Buddhist
69 70
Kadigai in Kanchipuram was a famous educational centre.
The Chinese traveler Hiuen-Tsang stayed there and studied.
Another Buddhist scholar Dharmapala was also an alumnus of
the Kanchi Kadigai. The Jain Pallis had also been functioning in
Kanchi. Literature, Grammar, Astrology, Medicine and Painting
were some of the important subjects taught in these institutions.
Compare the modern educational institutions with
those of the Pallava period.
Page 3


8. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND RELIGIOUS
CONDITIONS UNDER THE PALLAVAS
The Pallava rule had witnessed a drastic change in the social
and economic life of the people. The emergence of the Bakthi
Movement had significantly changed their way of life. It was further
stimulated by the temple-building activity of the Pallava kings.
There was also a remarkable growth of economy during this period.
In general, there was a tremendous change in the society and culture
during the Pallava rule.
Social Structure:
The society under the Pallavas was chiefly divided into four,
namely, Brahmins, Kshatryas, Vaisyas and Sudras. Besides the
four-fold division, there were also other sub castes in the society based
on their occupation.
The Brahmins occupied the first place in the society. They
were the learned and the most respected in the society. They had
lived in a separate place called Agraharam. They had recited Vedas
and performed puja in the temples. The Pallava kings had made
extensive land grants to them. These land grants were known as
Brahmadeyas. The Brahmins helped the kings in performing
sacrifices. They had also enjoyed higher position in the government.
The Kshatryas had remained in the next position in the social
hierarchy. Generally, they belonged to the ruling class. They had
also become warriors. They also gave liberal donations to the
temples and Brahmins.
Those who indulged in agriculture and trade were called as
Vaisyas. They had contributed to the development of society by
establishing Mutts and choultries. They also fed the poor and
committed to public welfare and social progress.
The Sudras had occupied the last place in the social structure.
They remained low-grade servants. The literature of the Pallava
period refers to them as pulayar and chandalas. However, a few
of them had become religious saints due to their devotion to God.
Try to know the social divisions prevalent in the
modern society.
Status of women:
The women from royal and rich families had enjoyed high
status in the society. They were also given property rights. They
remained pious and religious and granted liberal donations to the
temples and Brahmins. Chastity was their noble virtue. However,
other women in the middle and lower strata of the society had to
work hard to earn their livelihood. They indulged in spinning,
weaving and other similar works. There were also separate dancing
girls in the society. They were employed in the temples because of
their talent in music and dance.
Have a discussion in your class regarding the
development of women in modern times.
Food, dress and ornaments:
Rice was the staple food of the people during the Pallava
period. They had also consumed milk, ghee, and curd. Generally,
people wore simple dress made of cotton. The rich people were
fond of wearing silk garments. The sculptures of this period indicate
several types of ornaments used by the people. They include
earrings, bangles, necklaces and anklets.
Education:
Much importance was given to the Sanskrit education during
the Pallava period. The Mutts had remained as important
educational centres. The kings and nobles made land grants to them.
The temples had also functioned as educational centres. The Buddhist
69 70
Kadigai in Kanchipuram was a famous educational centre.
The Chinese traveler Hiuen-Tsang stayed there and studied.
Another Buddhist scholar Dharmapala was also an alumnus of
the Kanchi Kadigai. The Jain Pallis had also been functioning in
Kanchi. Literature, Grammar, Astrology, Medicine and Painting
were some of the important subjects taught in these institutions.
Compare the modern educational institutions with
those of the Pallava period.
Social Structure:
The society under the Pallavas was chiefly divided into four,
namely, Brahmins, Kshatryas, Vaisyas and Sudras. Besides the
four-fold division, there were also other sub castes in the society based
on their occupation.
The Brahmins occupied the first place in the society. They
were the learned and the most respected in the society. They had
lived in a separate place called Agraharam. They had recited Vedas
and performed puja in the temples. The Pallava kings had made
extensive land grants to them. These land grants were known as
Brahmadeyas. The Brahmins helped the kings in performing
sacrifices. They had also enjoyed higher position in the government.
The Kshatryas had remained in the next position in the social
hierarchy. Generally, they belonged to the ruling class. They had
also become warriors. They also gave liberal donations to the
temples and Brahmins.
Those who indulged in agriculture and trade were called as
Vaisyas. They had contributed to the development of society by
establishing Mutts and choultries. They also fed the poor and
committed to public welfare and social progress.
The Sudras had occupied the last place in the social structure.
They remained low-grade servants. The literature of the Pallava
period refers to them as pulayar and chandalas. However, a few
of them had become religious saints due to their devotion to God.
Try to know the social divisions prevalent in the
modern society.
Status of women:
The women from royal and rich families had enjoyed high
status in the society. They were also given property rights. They
remained pious and religious and granted liberal donations to the
temples and Brahmins. Chastity was their noble virtue. However,
other women in the middle and lower strata of the society had to
work hard to earn their livelihood. They indulged in spinning,
weaving and other similar works. There were also separate dancing
girls in the society. They were employed in the temples because of
their talent in music and dance.
Have a discussion in your class regarding the
development of women in modern times.
Food, dress and ornaments:
Rice was the staple food of the people during the Pallava
period. They had also consumed milk, ghee, and curd. Generally,
people wore simple dress made of cotton. The rich people were
fond of wearing silk garments. The sculptures of this period indicate
several types of ornaments used by the people. They include
earrings, bangles, necklaces and anklets.
Education:
Much importance was given to the Sanskrit education during
the Pallava period. The Mutts had remained as important
educational centres. The kings and nobles made land grants to them.
The temples had also functioned as educational centres. The Buddhist
69 70
Kadigai in Kanchipuram was a famous educational centre.
The Chinese traveler Hiuen-Tsang stayed there and studied.
Another Buddhist scholar Dharmapala was also an alumnus of
the Kanchi Kadigai. The Jain Pallis had also been functioning in
Kanchi. Literature, Grammar, Astrology, Medicine and Painting
were some of the important subjects taught in these institutions.
Compare the modern educational institutions with
those of the Pallava period.
Page 4


8. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND RELIGIOUS
CONDITIONS UNDER THE PALLAVAS
The Pallava rule had witnessed a drastic change in the social
and economic life of the people. The emergence of the Bakthi
Movement had significantly changed their way of life. It was further
stimulated by the temple-building activity of the Pallava kings.
There was also a remarkable growth of economy during this period.
In general, there was a tremendous change in the society and culture
during the Pallava rule.
Social Structure:
The society under the Pallavas was chiefly divided into four,
namely, Brahmins, Kshatryas, Vaisyas and Sudras. Besides the
four-fold division, there were also other sub castes in the society based
on their occupation.
The Brahmins occupied the first place in the society. They
were the learned and the most respected in the society. They had
lived in a separate place called Agraharam. They had recited Vedas
and performed puja in the temples. The Pallava kings had made
extensive land grants to them. These land grants were known as
Brahmadeyas. The Brahmins helped the kings in performing
sacrifices. They had also enjoyed higher position in the government.
The Kshatryas had remained in the next position in the social
hierarchy. Generally, they belonged to the ruling class. They had
also become warriors. They also gave liberal donations to the
temples and Brahmins.
Those who indulged in agriculture and trade were called as
Vaisyas. They had contributed to the development of society by
establishing Mutts and choultries. They also fed the poor and
committed to public welfare and social progress.
The Sudras had occupied the last place in the social structure.
They remained low-grade servants. The literature of the Pallava
period refers to them as pulayar and chandalas. However, a few
of them had become religious saints due to their devotion to God.
Try to know the social divisions prevalent in the
modern society.
Status of women:
The women from royal and rich families had enjoyed high
status in the society. They were also given property rights. They
remained pious and religious and granted liberal donations to the
temples and Brahmins. Chastity was their noble virtue. However,
other women in the middle and lower strata of the society had to
work hard to earn their livelihood. They indulged in spinning,
weaving and other similar works. There were also separate dancing
girls in the society. They were employed in the temples because of
their talent in music and dance.
Have a discussion in your class regarding the
development of women in modern times.
Food, dress and ornaments:
Rice was the staple food of the people during the Pallava
period. They had also consumed milk, ghee, and curd. Generally,
people wore simple dress made of cotton. The rich people were
fond of wearing silk garments. The sculptures of this period indicate
several types of ornaments used by the people. They include
earrings, bangles, necklaces and anklets.
Education:
Much importance was given to the Sanskrit education during
the Pallava period. The Mutts had remained as important
educational centres. The kings and nobles made land grants to them.
The temples had also functioned as educational centres. The Buddhist
69 70
Kadigai in Kanchipuram was a famous educational centre.
The Chinese traveler Hiuen-Tsang stayed there and studied.
Another Buddhist scholar Dharmapala was also an alumnus of
the Kanchi Kadigai. The Jain Pallis had also been functioning in
Kanchi. Literature, Grammar, Astrology, Medicine and Painting
were some of the important subjects taught in these institutions.
Compare the modern educational institutions with
those of the Pallava period.
Social Structure:
The society under the Pallavas was chiefly divided into four,
namely, Brahmins, Kshatryas, Vaisyas and Sudras. Besides the
four-fold division, there were also other sub castes in the society based
on their occupation.
The Brahmins occupied the first place in the society. They
were the learned and the most respected in the society. They had
lived in a separate place called Agraharam. They had recited Vedas
and performed puja in the temples. The Pallava kings had made
extensive land grants to them. These land grants were known as
Brahmadeyas. The Brahmins helped the kings in performing
sacrifices. They had also enjoyed higher position in the government.
The Kshatryas had remained in the next position in the social
hierarchy. Generally, they belonged to the ruling class. They had
also become warriors. They also gave liberal donations to the
temples and Brahmins.
Those who indulged in agriculture and trade were called as
Vaisyas. They had contributed to the development of society by
establishing Mutts and choultries. They also fed the poor and
committed to public welfare and social progress.
The Sudras had occupied the last place in the social structure.
They remained low-grade servants. The literature of the Pallava
period refers to them as pulayar and chandalas. However, a few
of them had become religious saints due to their devotion to God.
Try to know the social divisions prevalent in the
modern society.
Status of women:
The women from royal and rich families had enjoyed high
status in the society. They were also given property rights. They
remained pious and religious and granted liberal donations to the
temples and Brahmins. Chastity was their noble virtue. However,
other women in the middle and lower strata of the society had to
work hard to earn their livelihood. They indulged in spinning,
weaving and other similar works. There were also separate dancing
girls in the society. They were employed in the temples because of
their talent in music and dance.
Have a discussion in your class regarding the
development of women in modern times.
Food, dress and ornaments:
Rice was the staple food of the people during the Pallava
period. They had also consumed milk, ghee, and curd. Generally,
people wore simple dress made of cotton. The rich people were
fond of wearing silk garments. The sculptures of this period indicate
several types of ornaments used by the people. They include
earrings, bangles, necklaces and anklets.
Education:
Much importance was given to the Sanskrit education during
the Pallava period. The Mutts had remained as important
educational centres. The kings and nobles made land grants to them.
The temples had also functioned as educational centres. The Buddhist
69 70
Kadigai in Kanchipuram was a famous educational centre.
The Chinese traveler Hiuen-Tsang stayed there and studied.
Another Buddhist scholar Dharmapala was also an alumnus of
the Kanchi Kadigai. The Jain Pallis had also been functioning in
Kanchi. Literature, Grammar, Astrology, Medicine and Painting
were some of the important subjects taught in these institutions.
Compare the modern educational institutions with
those of the Pallava period.
Economic Life:
Agriculture:
The economy of the Pallava kingdom was chiefly based on
villages and agriculture. Almost each village had remained self-
sufficient during the Pallava rule. There were two types of lands -
cultivable and arid. Paddy and cotton were extensively cultivated.
Rice was also exported to China and East Indies.
The creation of the Brahmadeya villages had started during
the Pallava period. The Brahmins began to settle in these villages
and they were exempted from paying taxes. The lands denoted to
the temples were called as Devadana. The number of villages had
increased during the Pallava rule. Arid lands were reclaimed and
cultivated. The Pallava kings had erected several irrigation tanks. For
example, Mahendravarman I erected the Mamandur tank. It was called
Chitra Mega Tadakam. A number of such tanks were constructed
during the Pallava period and they facilitated to the growth of
agriculture. In turn, the economy flourished.
Crafts:
The crafts of the Pallava period include weaving, stone
cutting, pottery, carpentry, ivory works, etc. Cotton clothes were
exported to China, Babylonia and Egypt. Kanchipuram had
remained an important centre for silk weaving.
Internal Trade:
The increase in production and the expanding economy under
the Pallavas led to the growth of trade and commerce. Both internal
and external trade flourished during this period.
There was a remarkable growth in the internal trade. The
regular markets had gradually become urban centres. Various
commodities were brought from villages to these markets for sale.
There were excellent highways to transport goods from one place
to another. The capital city, Kanchipuram had remained an
important trading centre.
Try to know the significance of Kanchipuram
The merchants of the Pallava period had to obtain license to
keep shops and they were also asked to pay taxes. The barter system
of trade was generally prevalent. Later, the Pallavas had issued
gold and silver coins, which had resulted in the expansion of
commerce. The merchants had also formed their own organizations
called Manigramam.
Foreign Trade:
We have already studied about the overseas commerce
between South India and the West during the Sangam period. It
had declined after the Sangam Age. During the Pallava rule trade
with foreign countries had been revived. Spices, cotton textiles,
precious stones and medicinal plants were exported to the countries
like Java, Sumatra, Kadaram, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, China and
Burma. The foreign merchants were known as Nanadesi.
Mamallapuram, Vasavasamudram and Mylapore were the
important seaports of the Pallavas.
Weights and Measures:
Lands were measured with the units called Uzhavu,
Nivarthanam or Pattiga. The term Hala also refers to a unit of land.
Plough was used for measuring the land.
Paddy and rice were measured by Chudunazhhi. The other
units such as Videl, Vidugu and Uzhakku  were also used for
measurement. Pidi was the smallest unit. The units such as
Aazhakku, Uzhakku, Uri and Nazhi were used to measure items
71 72
Page 5


8. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND RELIGIOUS
CONDITIONS UNDER THE PALLAVAS
The Pallava rule had witnessed a drastic change in the social
and economic life of the people. The emergence of the Bakthi
Movement had significantly changed their way of life. It was further
stimulated by the temple-building activity of the Pallava kings.
There was also a remarkable growth of economy during this period.
In general, there was a tremendous change in the society and culture
during the Pallava rule.
Social Structure:
The society under the Pallavas was chiefly divided into four,
namely, Brahmins, Kshatryas, Vaisyas and Sudras. Besides the
four-fold division, there were also other sub castes in the society based
on their occupation.
The Brahmins occupied the first place in the society. They
were the learned and the most respected in the society. They had
lived in a separate place called Agraharam. They had recited Vedas
and performed puja in the temples. The Pallava kings had made
extensive land grants to them. These land grants were known as
Brahmadeyas. The Brahmins helped the kings in performing
sacrifices. They had also enjoyed higher position in the government.
The Kshatryas had remained in the next position in the social
hierarchy. Generally, they belonged to the ruling class. They had
also become warriors. They also gave liberal donations to the
temples and Brahmins.
Those who indulged in agriculture and trade were called as
Vaisyas. They had contributed to the development of society by
establishing Mutts and choultries. They also fed the poor and
committed to public welfare and social progress.
The Sudras had occupied the last place in the social structure.
They remained low-grade servants. The literature of the Pallava
period refers to them as pulayar and chandalas. However, a few
of them had become religious saints due to their devotion to God.
Try to know the social divisions prevalent in the
modern society.
Status of women:
The women from royal and rich families had enjoyed high
status in the society. They were also given property rights. They
remained pious and religious and granted liberal donations to the
temples and Brahmins. Chastity was their noble virtue. However,
other women in the middle and lower strata of the society had to
work hard to earn their livelihood. They indulged in spinning,
weaving and other similar works. There were also separate dancing
girls in the society. They were employed in the temples because of
their talent in music and dance.
Have a discussion in your class regarding the
development of women in modern times.
Food, dress and ornaments:
Rice was the staple food of the people during the Pallava
period. They had also consumed milk, ghee, and curd. Generally,
people wore simple dress made of cotton. The rich people were
fond of wearing silk garments. The sculptures of this period indicate
several types of ornaments used by the people. They include
earrings, bangles, necklaces and anklets.
Education:
Much importance was given to the Sanskrit education during
the Pallava period. The Mutts had remained as important
educational centres. The kings and nobles made land grants to them.
The temples had also functioned as educational centres. The Buddhist
69 70
Kadigai in Kanchipuram was a famous educational centre.
The Chinese traveler Hiuen-Tsang stayed there and studied.
Another Buddhist scholar Dharmapala was also an alumnus of
the Kanchi Kadigai. The Jain Pallis had also been functioning in
Kanchi. Literature, Grammar, Astrology, Medicine and Painting
were some of the important subjects taught in these institutions.
Compare the modern educational institutions with
those of the Pallava period.
Social Structure:
The society under the Pallavas was chiefly divided into four,
namely, Brahmins, Kshatryas, Vaisyas and Sudras. Besides the
four-fold division, there were also other sub castes in the society based
on their occupation.
The Brahmins occupied the first place in the society. They
were the learned and the most respected in the society. They had
lived in a separate place called Agraharam. They had recited Vedas
and performed puja in the temples. The Pallava kings had made
extensive land grants to them. These land grants were known as
Brahmadeyas. The Brahmins helped the kings in performing
sacrifices. They had also enjoyed higher position in the government.
The Kshatryas had remained in the next position in the social
hierarchy. Generally, they belonged to the ruling class. They had
also become warriors. They also gave liberal donations to the
temples and Brahmins.
Those who indulged in agriculture and trade were called as
Vaisyas. They had contributed to the development of society by
establishing Mutts and choultries. They also fed the poor and
committed to public welfare and social progress.
The Sudras had occupied the last place in the social structure.
They remained low-grade servants. The literature of the Pallava
period refers to them as pulayar and chandalas. However, a few
of them had become religious saints due to their devotion to God.
Try to know the social divisions prevalent in the
modern society.
Status of women:
The women from royal and rich families had enjoyed high
status in the society. They were also given property rights. They
remained pious and religious and granted liberal donations to the
temples and Brahmins. Chastity was their noble virtue. However,
other women in the middle and lower strata of the society had to
work hard to earn their livelihood. They indulged in spinning,
weaving and other similar works. There were also separate dancing
girls in the society. They were employed in the temples because of
their talent in music and dance.
Have a discussion in your class regarding the
development of women in modern times.
Food, dress and ornaments:
Rice was the staple food of the people during the Pallava
period. They had also consumed milk, ghee, and curd. Generally,
people wore simple dress made of cotton. The rich people were
fond of wearing silk garments. The sculptures of this period indicate
several types of ornaments used by the people. They include
earrings, bangles, necklaces and anklets.
Education:
Much importance was given to the Sanskrit education during
the Pallava period. The Mutts had remained as important
educational centres. The kings and nobles made land grants to them.
The temples had also functioned as educational centres. The Buddhist
69 70
Kadigai in Kanchipuram was a famous educational centre.
The Chinese traveler Hiuen-Tsang stayed there and studied.
Another Buddhist scholar Dharmapala was also an alumnus of
the Kanchi Kadigai. The Jain Pallis had also been functioning in
Kanchi. Literature, Grammar, Astrology, Medicine and Painting
were some of the important subjects taught in these institutions.
Compare the modern educational institutions with
those of the Pallava period.
Economic Life:
Agriculture:
The economy of the Pallava kingdom was chiefly based on
villages and agriculture. Almost each village had remained self-
sufficient during the Pallava rule. There were two types of lands -
cultivable and arid. Paddy and cotton were extensively cultivated.
Rice was also exported to China and East Indies.
The creation of the Brahmadeya villages had started during
the Pallava period. The Brahmins began to settle in these villages
and they were exempted from paying taxes. The lands denoted to
the temples were called as Devadana. The number of villages had
increased during the Pallava rule. Arid lands were reclaimed and
cultivated. The Pallava kings had erected several irrigation tanks. For
example, Mahendravarman I erected the Mamandur tank. It was called
Chitra Mega Tadakam. A number of such tanks were constructed
during the Pallava period and they facilitated to the growth of
agriculture. In turn, the economy flourished.
Crafts:
The crafts of the Pallava period include weaving, stone
cutting, pottery, carpentry, ivory works, etc. Cotton clothes were
exported to China, Babylonia and Egypt. Kanchipuram had
remained an important centre for silk weaving.
Internal Trade:
The increase in production and the expanding economy under
the Pallavas led to the growth of trade and commerce. Both internal
and external trade flourished during this period.
There was a remarkable growth in the internal trade. The
regular markets had gradually become urban centres. Various
commodities were brought from villages to these markets for sale.
There were excellent highways to transport goods from one place
to another. The capital city, Kanchipuram had remained an
important trading centre.
Try to know the significance of Kanchipuram
The merchants of the Pallava period had to obtain license to
keep shops and they were also asked to pay taxes. The barter system
of trade was generally prevalent. Later, the Pallavas had issued
gold and silver coins, which had resulted in the expansion of
commerce. The merchants had also formed their own organizations
called Manigramam.
Foreign Trade:
We have already studied about the overseas commerce
between South India and the West during the Sangam period. It
had declined after the Sangam Age. During the Pallava rule trade
with foreign countries had been revived. Spices, cotton textiles,
precious stones and medicinal plants were exported to the countries
like Java, Sumatra, Kadaram, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, China and
Burma. The foreign merchants were known as Nanadesi.
Mamallapuram, Vasavasamudram and Mylapore were the
important seaports of the Pallavas.
Weights and Measures:
Lands were measured with the units called Uzhavu,
Nivarthanam or Pattiga. The term Hala also refers to a unit of land.
Plough was used for measuring the land.
Paddy and rice were measured by Chudunazhhi. The other
units such as Videl, Vidugu and Uzhakku  were also used for
measurement. Pidi was the smallest unit. The units such as
Aazhakku, Uzhakku, Uri and Nazhi were used to measure items
71 72
Economic Life:
Agriculture:
The economy of the Pallava kingdom was chiefly based on
villages and agriculture. Almost each village had remained self-
sufficient during the Pallava rule. There were two types of lands -
cultivable and arid. Paddy and cotton were extensively cultivated.
Rice was also exported to China and East Indies.
The creation of the Brahmadeya villages had started during
the Pallava period. The Brahmins began to settle in these villages
and they were exempted from paying taxes. The lands denoted to
the temples were called as Devadana. The number of villages had
increased during the Pallava rule. Arid lands were reclaimed and
cultivated. The Pallava kings had erected several irrigation tanks. For
example, Mahendravarman I erected the Mamandur tank. It was called
Chitra Mega Tadakam. A number of such tanks were constructed
during the Pallava period and they facilitated to the growth of
agriculture. In turn, the economy flourished.
Crafts:
The crafts of the Pallava period include weaving, stone
cutting, pottery, carpentry, ivory works, etc. Cotton clothes were
exported to China, Babylonia and Egypt. Kanchipuram had
remained an important centre for silk weaving.
Internal Trade:
The increase in production and the expanding economy under
the Pallavas led to the growth of trade and commerce. Both internal
and external trade flourished during this period.
There was a remarkable growth in the internal trade. The
regular markets had gradually become urban centres. Various
commodities were brought from villages to these markets for sale.
There were excellent highways to transport goods from one place
to another. The capital city, Kanchipuram had remained an
important trading centre.
Try to know the significance of Kanchipuram
The merchants of the Pallava period had to obtain license to
keep shops and they were also asked to pay taxes. The barter system
of trade was generally prevalent. Later, the Pallavas had issued
gold and silver coins, which had resulted in the expansion of
commerce. The merchants had also formed their own organizations
called Manigramam.
Foreign Trade:
We have already studied about the overseas commerce
between South India and the West during the Sangam period. It
had declined after the Sangam Age. During the Pallava rule trade
with foreign countries had been revived. Spices, cotton textiles,
precious stones and medicinal plants were exported to the countries
like Java, Sumatra, Kadaram, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, China and
Burma. The foreign merchants were known as Nanadesi.
Mamallapuram, Vasavasamudram and Mylapore were the
important seaports of the Pallavas.
Weights and Measures:
Lands were measured with the units called Uzhavu,
Nivarthanam or Pattiga. The term Hala also refers to a unit of land.
Plough was used for measuring the land.
Paddy and rice were measured by Chudunazhhi. The other
units such as Videl, Vidugu and Uzhakku  were also used for
measurement. Pidi was the smallest unit. The units such as
Aazhakku, Uzhakku, Uri and Nazhi were used to measure items
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