The Pallavas –Political History | Tamil Nadu State PSC (TNPSC): Preparation - TNPSC (Tamil Nadu) PDF Download

 Page 1


UNIT - III
6. THE PALLAVAS –POLITICAL HISTORY
The period of Pallava rule is an important chapter in the
history of Tamil Nadu. After defeating the Kalabhras, Pallavas
established their rule in the Tamil country. Their rule had extended
from Sixth century A.D. to Ninth century A.D. The core of the
Pallava kingdom was known as Thondai Mandalam. It extended
from the river Krishna in the North to the river Palar in the South.
The Pallava rule was significant in many respects. There was
religious revival as well as literary growth. An excellent
Fig. 9. Map - Pallava Kingdom
1. Chittannavasal
2. Kanchi
3. Mamallapuram
4. Vatapi
50
Page 2


UNIT - III
6. THE PALLAVAS –POLITICAL HISTORY
The period of Pallava rule is an important chapter in the
history of Tamil Nadu. After defeating the Kalabhras, Pallavas
established their rule in the Tamil country. Their rule had extended
from Sixth century A.D. to Ninth century A.D. The core of the
Pallava kingdom was known as Thondai Mandalam. It extended
from the river Krishna in the North to the river Palar in the South.
The Pallava rule was significant in many respects. There was
religious revival as well as literary growth. An excellent
Fig. 9. Map - Pallava Kingdom
1. Chittannavasal
2. Kanchi
3. Mamallapuram
4. Vatapi
50
UNIT - III
6. THE PALLAVAS –POLITICAL HISTORY
The period of Pallava rule is an important chapter in the
history of Tamil Nadu. After defeating the Kalabhras, Pallavas
established their rule in the Tamil country. Their rule had extended
from Sixth century A.D. to Ninth century A.D. The core of the
Pallava kingdom was known as Thondai Mandalam. It extended
from the river Krishna in the North to the river Palar in the South.
The Pallava rule was significant in many respects. There was
religious revival as well as literary growth. An excellent
Fig. 9. Map - Pallava Kingdom
1. Chittannavasal
2. Kanchi
3. Mamallapuram
4. Vatapi
50
Page 3


UNIT - III
6. THE PALLAVAS –POLITICAL HISTORY
The period of Pallava rule is an important chapter in the
history of Tamil Nadu. After defeating the Kalabhras, Pallavas
established their rule in the Tamil country. Their rule had extended
from Sixth century A.D. to Ninth century A.D. The core of the
Pallava kingdom was known as Thondai Mandalam. It extended
from the river Krishna in the North to the river Palar in the South.
The Pallava rule was significant in many respects. There was
religious revival as well as literary growth. An excellent
Fig. 9. Map - Pallava Kingdom
1. Chittannavasal
2. Kanchi
3. Mamallapuram
4. Vatapi
50
UNIT - III
6. THE PALLAVAS –POLITICAL HISTORY
The period of Pallava rule is an important chapter in the
history of Tamil Nadu. After defeating the Kalabhras, Pallavas
established their rule in the Tamil country. Their rule had extended
from Sixth century A.D. to Ninth century A.D. The core of the
Pallava kingdom was known as Thondai Mandalam. It extended
from the river Krishna in the North to the river Palar in the South.
The Pallava rule was significant in many respects. There was
religious revival as well as literary growth. An excellent
Fig. 9. Map - Pallava Kingdom
1. Chittannavasal
2. Kanchi
3. Mamallapuram
4. Vatapi
50
administrative structure had existed under the Pallava rule. The
Pallavas had also effected important changes in the sphere of art and
architecture.
Learn to mark the extent of the Pallava Kingdom
on the outline map of South India.
Sources for the History of the Pallavas:
The sources for the history of the Pallavas may be classified
as native and foreign sources. The native sources may further be
classified as literary and archaeological sources.
Sources
Native Sources Foreign Sources
Literary Archaeological Mahavamsa Siyuki-
Sources Sources Deepavamsa (Hiuen Tsang’s
Travel Accounts)
Tamil Sanskrit
Literature Literature
Inscriptions Copper Monuments
Plates
The literary sources for the study of Pallavas include both
Tamil and Sanskrit literature. They provide a lot of information
about the Pallavas.
Tamil Literature:
The Tamil literature consisted of the songs composed by
Azhalvars and Nayanmars. They had lived during the Pallava
period. The compositions of Alwars are known as Nalayira Divya
Prabhandam. The songs of Nayanmars are compiled into Panniru
Thirumurais. These works describe the social and religious life
of the people during the Pallava rule. The Periyapuranam written
by Sekkilar is also another important literary source for this period.
Sanskrit Literature:
The Sanskrit works Avani Sundari Katha written by
Dandin and Loga Vibagam written by Sarva Nandi provide a
lot of information about the importance of Simhavishnu and his
rule. The famous Pallava monarch Mahendravarman I himself
wrote the Mathavilasa Prakasanam in Sanskrit language. It
provides information regarding the social and religious condition
during the Pallava period.
Archaeological Sources:
Copper plates, inscriptions, monuments and coins remain
the important archaeological sources for the study of the Pallavas.
The Allahabad Pillar Inscription of Samudra Gupta mentions about
the Pallava king Vishnu Gopa. The Aihole Inscription of the
Chalukyan king, Pulakesin II gives details about the Pallava-
Chalukya conflict. The Kenthoor Stone Carving of
Keerthivarman also belonged to the Pallava period. Apart from
these popular inscriptions, there exist hundreds of Pallava
inscriptions throughout South India. They depict the military
achievements of the Pallava kings. These inscriptions also explain
the social and economic conditions of the Pallava period.
Make a visit to an old temple in your district and
see the sculptures and inscriptions.
The copper plates of the Pallava period remain useful
historical sources. The Kuram Copper Plates issued by
Parameshwaravarman and the Velurpalayam copper plates of
Nandivarman III record their military achievements. The temples,
51 52
Page 4


UNIT - III
6. THE PALLAVAS –POLITICAL HISTORY
The period of Pallava rule is an important chapter in the
history of Tamil Nadu. After defeating the Kalabhras, Pallavas
established their rule in the Tamil country. Their rule had extended
from Sixth century A.D. to Ninth century A.D. The core of the
Pallava kingdom was known as Thondai Mandalam. It extended
from the river Krishna in the North to the river Palar in the South.
The Pallava rule was significant in many respects. There was
religious revival as well as literary growth. An excellent
Fig. 9. Map - Pallava Kingdom
1. Chittannavasal
2. Kanchi
3. Mamallapuram
4. Vatapi
50
UNIT - III
6. THE PALLAVAS –POLITICAL HISTORY
The period of Pallava rule is an important chapter in the
history of Tamil Nadu. After defeating the Kalabhras, Pallavas
established their rule in the Tamil country. Their rule had extended
from Sixth century A.D. to Ninth century A.D. The core of the
Pallava kingdom was known as Thondai Mandalam. It extended
from the river Krishna in the North to the river Palar in the South.
The Pallava rule was significant in many respects. There was
religious revival as well as literary growth. An excellent
Fig. 9. Map - Pallava Kingdom
1. Chittannavasal
2. Kanchi
3. Mamallapuram
4. Vatapi
50
administrative structure had existed under the Pallava rule. The
Pallavas had also effected important changes in the sphere of art and
architecture.
Learn to mark the extent of the Pallava Kingdom
on the outline map of South India.
Sources for the History of the Pallavas:
The sources for the history of the Pallavas may be classified
as native and foreign sources. The native sources may further be
classified as literary and archaeological sources.
Sources
Native Sources Foreign Sources
Literary Archaeological Mahavamsa Siyuki-
Sources Sources Deepavamsa (Hiuen Tsang’s
Travel Accounts)
Tamil Sanskrit
Literature Literature
Inscriptions Copper Monuments
Plates
The literary sources for the study of Pallavas include both
Tamil and Sanskrit literature. They provide a lot of information
about the Pallavas.
Tamil Literature:
The Tamil literature consisted of the songs composed by
Azhalvars and Nayanmars. They had lived during the Pallava
period. The compositions of Alwars are known as Nalayira Divya
Prabhandam. The songs of Nayanmars are compiled into Panniru
Thirumurais. These works describe the social and religious life
of the people during the Pallava rule. The Periyapuranam written
by Sekkilar is also another important literary source for this period.
Sanskrit Literature:
The Sanskrit works Avani Sundari Katha written by
Dandin and Loga Vibagam written by Sarva Nandi provide a
lot of information about the importance of Simhavishnu and his
rule. The famous Pallava monarch Mahendravarman I himself
wrote the Mathavilasa Prakasanam in Sanskrit language. It
provides information regarding the social and religious condition
during the Pallava period.
Archaeological Sources:
Copper plates, inscriptions, monuments and coins remain
the important archaeological sources for the study of the Pallavas.
The Allahabad Pillar Inscription of Samudra Gupta mentions about
the Pallava king Vishnu Gopa. The Aihole Inscription of the
Chalukyan king, Pulakesin II gives details about the Pallava-
Chalukya conflict. The Kenthoor Stone Carving of
Keerthivarman also belonged to the Pallava period. Apart from
these popular inscriptions, there exist hundreds of Pallava
inscriptions throughout South India. They depict the military
achievements of the Pallava kings. These inscriptions also explain
the social and economic conditions of the Pallava period.
Make a visit to an old temple in your district and
see the sculptures and inscriptions.
The copper plates of the Pallava period remain useful
historical sources. The Kuram Copper Plates issued by
Parameshwaravarman and the Velurpalayam copper plates of
Nandivarman III record their military achievements. The temples,
51 52
administrative structure had existed under the Pallava rule. The
Pallavas had also effected important changes in the sphere of art and
architecture.
Learn to mark the extent of the Pallava Kingdom
on the outline map of South India.
Sources for the History of the Pallavas:
The sources for the history of the Pallavas may be classified
as native and foreign sources. The native sources may further be
classified as literary and archaeological sources.
Sources
Native Sources Foreign Sources
Literary Archaeological Mahavamsa Siyuki-
Sources Sources Deepavamsa (Hiuen Tsang’s
Travel Accounts)
Tamil Sanskrit
Literature Literature
Inscriptions Copper Monuments
Plates
The literary sources for the study of Pallavas include both
Tamil and Sanskrit literature. They provide a lot of information
about the Pallavas.
Tamil Literature:
The Tamil literature consisted of the songs composed by
Azhalvars and Nayanmars. They had lived during the Pallava
period. The compositions of Alwars are known as Nalayira Divya
Prabhandam. The songs of Nayanmars are compiled into Panniru
Thirumurais. These works describe the social and religious life
of the people during the Pallava rule. The Periyapuranam written
by Sekkilar is also another important literary source for this period.
Sanskrit Literature:
The Sanskrit works Avani Sundari Katha written by
Dandin and Loga Vibagam written by Sarva Nandi provide a
lot of information about the importance of Simhavishnu and his
rule. The famous Pallava monarch Mahendravarman I himself
wrote the Mathavilasa Prakasanam in Sanskrit language. It
provides information regarding the social and religious condition
during the Pallava period.
Archaeological Sources:
Copper plates, inscriptions, monuments and coins remain
the important archaeological sources for the study of the Pallavas.
The Allahabad Pillar Inscription of Samudra Gupta mentions about
the Pallava king Vishnu Gopa. The Aihole Inscription of the
Chalukyan king, Pulakesin II gives details about the Pallava-
Chalukya conflict. The Kenthoor Stone Carving of
Keerthivarman also belonged to the Pallava period. Apart from
these popular inscriptions, there exist hundreds of Pallava
inscriptions throughout South India. They depict the military
achievements of the Pallava kings. These inscriptions also explain
the social and economic conditions of the Pallava period.
Make a visit to an old temple in your district and
see the sculptures and inscriptions.
The copper plates of the Pallava period remain useful
historical sources. The Kuram Copper Plates issued by
Parameshwaravarman and the Velurpalayam copper plates of
Nandivarman III record their military achievements. The temples,
51 52
Page 5


UNIT - III
6. THE PALLAVAS –POLITICAL HISTORY
The period of Pallava rule is an important chapter in the
history of Tamil Nadu. After defeating the Kalabhras, Pallavas
established their rule in the Tamil country. Their rule had extended
from Sixth century A.D. to Ninth century A.D. The core of the
Pallava kingdom was known as Thondai Mandalam. It extended
from the river Krishna in the North to the river Palar in the South.
The Pallava rule was significant in many respects. There was
religious revival as well as literary growth. An excellent
Fig. 9. Map - Pallava Kingdom
1. Chittannavasal
2. Kanchi
3. Mamallapuram
4. Vatapi
50
UNIT - III
6. THE PALLAVAS –POLITICAL HISTORY
The period of Pallava rule is an important chapter in the
history of Tamil Nadu. After defeating the Kalabhras, Pallavas
established their rule in the Tamil country. Their rule had extended
from Sixth century A.D. to Ninth century A.D. The core of the
Pallava kingdom was known as Thondai Mandalam. It extended
from the river Krishna in the North to the river Palar in the South.
The Pallava rule was significant in many respects. There was
religious revival as well as literary growth. An excellent
Fig. 9. Map - Pallava Kingdom
1. Chittannavasal
2. Kanchi
3. Mamallapuram
4. Vatapi
50
administrative structure had existed under the Pallava rule. The
Pallavas had also effected important changes in the sphere of art and
architecture.
Learn to mark the extent of the Pallava Kingdom
on the outline map of South India.
Sources for the History of the Pallavas:
The sources for the history of the Pallavas may be classified
as native and foreign sources. The native sources may further be
classified as literary and archaeological sources.
Sources
Native Sources Foreign Sources
Literary Archaeological Mahavamsa Siyuki-
Sources Sources Deepavamsa (Hiuen Tsang’s
Travel Accounts)
Tamil Sanskrit
Literature Literature
Inscriptions Copper Monuments
Plates
The literary sources for the study of Pallavas include both
Tamil and Sanskrit literature. They provide a lot of information
about the Pallavas.
Tamil Literature:
The Tamil literature consisted of the songs composed by
Azhalvars and Nayanmars. They had lived during the Pallava
period. The compositions of Alwars are known as Nalayira Divya
Prabhandam. The songs of Nayanmars are compiled into Panniru
Thirumurais. These works describe the social and religious life
of the people during the Pallava rule. The Periyapuranam written
by Sekkilar is also another important literary source for this period.
Sanskrit Literature:
The Sanskrit works Avani Sundari Katha written by
Dandin and Loga Vibagam written by Sarva Nandi provide a
lot of information about the importance of Simhavishnu and his
rule. The famous Pallava monarch Mahendravarman I himself
wrote the Mathavilasa Prakasanam in Sanskrit language. It
provides information regarding the social and religious condition
during the Pallava period.
Archaeological Sources:
Copper plates, inscriptions, monuments and coins remain
the important archaeological sources for the study of the Pallavas.
The Allahabad Pillar Inscription of Samudra Gupta mentions about
the Pallava king Vishnu Gopa. The Aihole Inscription of the
Chalukyan king, Pulakesin II gives details about the Pallava-
Chalukya conflict. The Kenthoor Stone Carving of
Keerthivarman also belonged to the Pallava period. Apart from
these popular inscriptions, there exist hundreds of Pallava
inscriptions throughout South India. They depict the military
achievements of the Pallava kings. These inscriptions also explain
the social and economic conditions of the Pallava period.
Make a visit to an old temple in your district and
see the sculptures and inscriptions.
The copper plates of the Pallava period remain useful
historical sources. The Kuram Copper Plates issued by
Parameshwaravarman and the Velurpalayam copper plates of
Nandivarman III record their military achievements. The temples,
51 52
administrative structure had existed under the Pallava rule. The
Pallavas had also effected important changes in the sphere of art and
architecture.
Learn to mark the extent of the Pallava Kingdom
on the outline map of South India.
Sources for the History of the Pallavas:
The sources for the history of the Pallavas may be classified
as native and foreign sources. The native sources may further be
classified as literary and archaeological sources.
Sources
Native Sources Foreign Sources
Literary Archaeological Mahavamsa Siyuki-
Sources Sources Deepavamsa (Hiuen Tsang’s
Travel Accounts)
Tamil Sanskrit
Literature Literature
Inscriptions Copper Monuments
Plates
The literary sources for the study of Pallavas include both
Tamil and Sanskrit literature. They provide a lot of information
about the Pallavas.
Tamil Literature:
The Tamil literature consisted of the songs composed by
Azhalvars and Nayanmars. They had lived during the Pallava
period. The compositions of Alwars are known as Nalayira Divya
Prabhandam. The songs of Nayanmars are compiled into Panniru
Thirumurais. These works describe the social and religious life
of the people during the Pallava rule. The Periyapuranam written
by Sekkilar is also another important literary source for this period.
Sanskrit Literature:
The Sanskrit works Avani Sundari Katha written by
Dandin and Loga Vibagam written by Sarva Nandi provide a
lot of information about the importance of Simhavishnu and his
rule. The famous Pallava monarch Mahendravarman I himself
wrote the Mathavilasa Prakasanam in Sanskrit language. It
provides information regarding the social and religious condition
during the Pallava period.
Archaeological Sources:
Copper plates, inscriptions, monuments and coins remain
the important archaeological sources for the study of the Pallavas.
The Allahabad Pillar Inscription of Samudra Gupta mentions about
the Pallava king Vishnu Gopa. The Aihole Inscription of the
Chalukyan king, Pulakesin II gives details about the Pallava-
Chalukya conflict. The Kenthoor Stone Carving of
Keerthivarman also belonged to the Pallava period. Apart from
these popular inscriptions, there exist hundreds of Pallava
inscriptions throughout South India. They depict the military
achievements of the Pallava kings. These inscriptions also explain
the social and economic conditions of the Pallava period.
Make a visit to an old temple in your district and
see the sculptures and inscriptions.
The copper plates of the Pallava period remain useful
historical sources. The Kuram Copper Plates issued by
Parameshwaravarman and the Velurpalayam copper plates of
Nandivarman III record their military achievements. The temples,
51 52
sculptures and other monuments of the Pallava period also provide
valuable historical information. The coins of the Pallava period
remain important sources to study the economic conditions of this
period.
Foreign Sources:
The foreign sources for the Pallava period include the Sri
Lankan books, namely, Deepavamsa and Mahavamsa. These
books are written in Pali language. They describe about the
relationship between the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I and
the Sri Lankan king Manavarman. The Chinese traveler Hiuen-
Tsang had visited the Pallava kingdom and his travel accounts are
known as Siyuki. He had given a detailed account of the capital
city of the Pallavas, Kanchipuram. He also mentioned about the
Buddhist Viharas in Kanchi and described the social and economic
conditions of the Pallava kingdom.
Origin of the Pallavas:
There are many theories regarding the origin of the Pallavas.
Some scholars consider that the Pallavas were foreigners.
According to this theory, the Pallavas were the descendents of the
Persians who invaded North India. But many scholars do not accept
this theory.
The theory that the Tamil country had been the original home
of the Pallavas is based on the story of Thondaiman Ilanthiraiyan.
He was considered to be a descendent of the Chola-Naga tribes.
However, the Tamil origin for the Pallavas has been ruled out on
many counts.
It is generally considered that the Pallavas had migrated to
the Tamil country from North India. While in North India, they
served under the Mauryas. After the decline of the Mauryas, the
Pallavas migrated to the Andhra region. Before coming to the Tamil
country, they stayed in the Andhra region for some time and served
under the Satavahanas. Subsequently, they established the Pallava
kingdom in Thondaimandalam by overthrowing the Kalabhras.
Early Pallavas:
The history of the early Pallavas is not clear. We come to
know about the names of some Pallava rulers from the copper
plates. They were Pappadeva and Sivaskandavarman. These
kings had issued their copper plates and inscriptions in Prakrit
language.
Medieval Pallavas:
The next line of the Pallava rulers is called as medieval
Pallavas. The most famous among them was Vishnu Gopa. During
his South Indian expedition, the Gupta Emperor, Samudragupta
defeated Vishnu Gopa. The medieval Pallavas had issued their
copper plates and inscriptions in Sanskrit language.
Later Pallavas:
The history of the later Pallavas begins with the reign of
Simhavishnu. He defeated and eliminated the Kalabhras from the
Tamil country. He gave the status of an Empire to the Pallava
kingdom. The inscriptions of the later Pallavas are in both Sanskrit
and Tamil languages.
Mahendravarman I- A.D. 600-630:
Simhavishnu was succeded by his son Mahendravarman I.
In the beginning of his life, Mahendravarman I was a follower of
Jainism. Later, he embraced Saivism due to the influence of the
Saivaite Saint Tirunavukkarasar, who is also known as Appar.
This is testified by Periyapuranam.
Try to know the biography of
Saint Tirunavukkarasar.
53 54