Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas | KPSC KAS Preparation: All subjects - KPSC KAS (Karnataka) PDF Download

South Indian Kingdoms

• The Asokan edicts (c. 270-30 BCE) provide a glimpse into the political landscape of ancient South India.
• Rock Edict II mentions Cholas, Pandyas, Keralaputras, and Satiyaputra as neighboring rulers beyond the Mauryan empire's domain.
• During that time, the Mauryan empire controlled the northern regions of Karnataka and Andhra, while the Tamil kingdoms were considered independent entities.

Satavahana Empire

• The Satavahanas arose during the first century BCE in the Deccan region.
• They governed territories encompassing Andhra, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
• The Satavahana Empire saw a decline by the 3rd century CE, succeeded by the Ikshvakus, Pallavas in Andhra, and the Kadambas in northern Karnataka.

The Sangam Age

• The time span from 300 BCE to 300 CE is commonly recognized as the Sangam period.
• Information regarding this era primarily stems from Sangam literature.
• This period pertained to ancient Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Sri Lanka (formerly known as Tamilakam).
• The geographical region extended from Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh to Kanyakumari.
• It derived its name from the renowned Sangam assemblies of poets and scholars situated in Madurai.

Sangam Literature 

• The Sangam literature comprises ancient Tamil songs that offer valuable insights into life in ancient Tamilakam.
• This collection is considered the oldest body of Tamil literature, believed to have been compiled between 300 BCE and 300 CE.
• Sangam literature serves as a rich source of information about various aspects of life during ancient times in Tamilakam.
• These songs provide a glimpse into the culture, society, and beliefs of the people who lived during that era.
• For example, poems in Sangam literature depict themes like love, war, nature, and everyday life, offering a holistic view of society back then.
• The compilation of Sangam literature sheds light on the intellectual and literary heritage of the ancient Tamils.
• It showcases the advanced literary skills and cultural sophistication of the Tamil people during that period.
• For instance, the poetry in Sangam literature reflects the artistic prowess and creativity of ancient Tamil poets.

Chola Dynasty

• Muvendar, 'the three crowned kings': The Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas were three royal families that held sway over significant agrarian lands, trade routes, and urban centers.
• The Cholas (300s BCE–1279 CE) governed the central and northern regions of Tamil Nadu.
• Their primary area of dominion was the fertile Kaveri delta, later recognized as Cholamandalam.
• Uraiyur, situated near Thiruchirapalli town, served as their capital, with Puhar or Kaviripattinam as an alternate royal seat and primary port city.
• Karikalan is celebrated as the most prominent Chola ruler of the Sangam era.
• Karikalan's notable military triumph was the subjugation of the Cheras and Pandyas.
• The symbol of the Chola dynasty was the majestic tiger. 

Chera Dynasty

• The Chera dynasty governed the central and northern regions of Kerala along with the Kongu area in Tamil Nadu.
• Their capital was Vanji, and they held authority over the ports of Musiri and Tondi on the western coast.
• Chenguttuvan, a significant ruler of the Chera dynasty, is noted in the Tamil Epic, Silappathikaram.
• Senguttuvan, who reigned in the 2nd century CE, stood out as a prominent leader of the Cheras.
• The emblem associated with the Cheras symbolizes a 'bow and arrow'.

 Pandya Dynasty 

• The Pandyas ruled over the Southern region of present-day Tamil Nadu.
• Madurai served as the capital of the Pandyas.
• They identified with the twin fish Carp as their emblem.
• They expanded their control by invading Southern Kerala and managing the port of Nelkynda, situated near Kottayam.

Social Structure during the Sangam Age 

Sangam poems provide insights into the social structure of that era.
According to the Thinai concept, Tamilagam was divided into five distinct landscapes:

• Kurinji: In the hilly region of Kurinji, people primarily survived through hunting and gathering forest resources. Some poems also suggest that they practiced shifting cultivation. Pepper and other spices were grown in this area.
• Mullai: In the grasslands known as Mullai, cattle rearing was the main occupation of the inhabitants.
• Palai: In the arid region of Palai, people were known for increasing their cattle wealth by seizing cattle, a practice commonly undertaken by those from these dry lands.
• Marutam: In the fertile wetland of Marutam, rice and sugarcane were cultivated. Evidence from this period indicates the use of iron ploughshares attached to ploughs.
• Neytal: The coastal region of Neytal was where fishing and salt production were the primary occupations. Salt was produced by evaporating seawater collected in salt pans.