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Pallavas were a South Indian dynasty. Pallavas established their capital at Kanchipuram in the 4th cent. CE. They grew wealthy and strong during the reign of Mahendravarman I (571 – 630 CE) and Narasimhavarman I (630 – 668 CE). They dominated the northern parts of Tamil region till the end of the 9th century, for about six hundred years. Throughout their reign they were in constant conflict with both Chalukyas in the north and the Tamil kingdoms of Chola and Pandyas in the south. The Pallavas engaged in constant warfare with the Chalukyas of Badami and were finally eclipsed by the Chola kings in the 8th century CE. Pallavas are most noted for their patronage of Dravidian architecture, seen even today in Mahabalipuram. These powerful rulers, who left behind fantastic sculptures and magnificent temples, which survive to this very day, established the foundations of classical Dravidian architecture.
Origins There have been a number of speculations regarding the origin of the Pallavas. There are some claims based on historical, anthropological, and linguistic evidence indicating that the Pallavas were related to the Pahlavas of Iran. It is possible that a wave of Pahlava/Kambhoja tribes of Indo-Iranian descent migrated Southward and first settled in Krishna valley. This region is called Palnadu or Pallavanadu even today. Pallavas later extended their sway up to Northern Tamil region and established a flourishing empire. According to Dr Jouveau Dubreuil, the Pahlavs migrated from Persia to India and founded the Pallava dynasty of Kanchi. They first occupied Anarta and Konkan and later entered southern India via Kuntala or Vanavasa. "The Pallavas were immigrants from north, or properly speaking from Konkan and Anarta into Deccan. They came into south India through Kuntala or Vanvasa..." (Jouveau Dubreuil). Venkayya notes: "The Pallavas of Kāñcīpuram must have come originally from Persia, though the interval of time which must have elapsed since they left Persia must be several centuries. As the Persians are generally known to (p.220) Indian poets under the name Pārasīka, the term Pahlava or Pallava must denote the Arsacidan Parthians, as stated by Professor Weber." (Venkayya 1907, p.219-220) Dr V. A. Smith says: "It is possible that the Pallavas were not one distinct tribe or class but a mixed population composed partly of foreigners and partly of the Indian population but different in race from Tamils and taking their name from the title of an intruding foreign dynasty (Pahlava) which obtained control over them and welded them into an aggressive political power" (Early History of India, 1924, Dr V. A. Smith). See also: Dr. Samar Abbas, India's Parthian Colony, May 2003 but the pallavas performed Vedic rituals which the Pahlavas opposed originally. *. This change is not unusual or unexpected. The alien Pahlavas/Kambojas had remained under the Satavahana Hindu rulers for quite some time and are believed to have been influenced by the mannerism, customs and royal usages of the latter who they appear to have borrowed many things from. With passage of time, they got more and more Indianised and came under Brahmanical influence. It was also a political sagacity to adapt to the new culture, religion, customs and milieu since they were now far located from the center of culture they had originally come from. There are other opinions supporting their indigenous origins state that they were hereditary feudatory rulers under the Vakatakas. Religion The early Pallavas styled themselves as Brahma Ksnatriyas ( Brahmins in Pursuit of arms). Later by the fifth century CE, the Pallavas were regarded as Kshatriyas and many Kurubas claiming descent from Pallavas live in Tamil Nadu. They were followers of Sanatana Dharma. In line with the prevalent customs, some of the rulers performed the Aswamedha and other Vedic sacrifices. They had made gifts of lands to gods and Brahmins. Later Mahendravarman I and probably his father were adherents of the Jain faith. Mahendravarman later switched to Hinduism under the influence of the Saiva saint Appar. Early Pallava
Later Pallavas The incursion of the Kalabhras and the confusion in the Tamil country was broken by the Pandya Kadungon and the Pallava Simhavishnu. The Pallava kingdom began to gain both in territory and influence over the South Indian peninsula. Pallavas exercised control over their southern neighbours of Cholas and Pandyas. But their history is marked by the continuous conflict with the Badami Chalukyas. Narasimhavarman I and Paramesvaravarman I were the kings who stand out with glorious achievements in both military and architectural spheres. Kadava kingdom During the thirteenth and the fourteenth centuries CE, a small principality of the Kadava dynasty came into brief prominence. These rulers claimed descent from the Pallavas. The notable rulers of this dynasty are Kopperunchinga I (reigned c.1216 - 1242 CE), and his son and successor Kopperunchinga II (c.1243 - 1279 CE). Together they extended the influence of their kingdom and played a major part in the ultimate demise of the Chola dynasty. Kopperunchinga I was related to the Cholas through marriage, and was an officer in the court of Kulothunga Chola III. When the Pandya army invaded the Chola country in 1216 CE, Kopperunchinga I strengthened his position by garrisoning the town of Sendamangalam. From this opportunity, the Kadavas gradually increased their power until Kopperunchinga I could defeat and imprison the Chola king Rajaraja Chola III with some help the Lanka king Parakrama Bahu II. Under Kopperunchinga II , the Kadava power further expanded. Hoysalas, who were the allies of the Cholas were absent from the Tamil country, removing one of the major influences in the region. The last Chola king Rajendra Chola III (1246-1279 CE) came to power with Kopperunchinga II's help. Their relationship was one of alternating friendship and hostility. When the great Pandya king Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan invaded the Chola country, the Kadavas went into obscurity along with the Cholas. Pallava architecture Pallavas were pioneers of south Indian architecutre. The earliest examples of temples in the Dravidian style belong to the Pallava period. The earliest examples of Pallava constructions are rock-cut temples dating from 610 - 690 CE and structural temples between 690 - 900 CE. The greatest accomplishments of the Pallava architecture are the rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram. There are excavated pillared halls and monolithic shrines known as rathas in Mahabalipuram. Early temples were mostly dedicated to Shiva. The Kailasanatha temple in Kanchipuram built by Nandhivarman is a fine example of the Pallava style temple. Notes | ||||||||||
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