Unit II: Dynasties of South India

1. Pallavas

The Pallavas emerged as a formidable power in the Southern Andhra and Northern Tamil Nadu regions, with their capital at Kanchi (Kanchipuram). They were known for their sustained conflict with the Chalukyas and their immense contribution to South Indian art and architecture.

1.a) Political History: Mahendravarman I, Narasimhavarman

• Mahendravarman I (c. 600–630 CE):
  • He was a versatile genius—a poet, musician, and architect. He wrote the Sanskrit plays Mattavilasa Prahasana and Bhagavadajjukiyam.
  • He pioneered the rock-cut temple architecture in the Pallava kingdom, moving away from brick and timber.
  • His reign marked the beginning of the long-drawn Pallava-Chalukya conflict. He was defeated by Pulakesin II, who captured the northern parts of the Pallava kingdom.
  • Initially a Jain, he converted to Shaivism under the influence of the saint Appar.
• Narasimhavarman I (c. 630–668 CE):
  • Also known as 'Mamalla' (Great Wrestler), he was the greatest of the Pallava kings.
  • Revenge against the Chalukyas: His most significant achievement was his victory over Pulakesin II. He led his army into the Chalukyan kingdom, defeated Pulakesin II (who died in the battle), and captured the Chalukyan capital, Badami.
  • To commemorate this victory, he assumed the title 'Vatapikonda' (Conqueror of Vatapi/Badami).
  • Naval Expedition: He sent a naval expedition to Sri Lanka to help the prince Manavarma regain his throne.
  • Founnding of Mamallapuram: He founded the city of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), which is named after him. He commissioned the famous Pancharatnas (Five Chariots), which are monolithic temples, and other monuments there.
  • The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang visited Kanchi during his reign and described it as a large, prosperous city and a great center of learning.

1.b) Administrative system

The Pallava administration was well-organized and became the model for the later Chola empire.

• King: The king was the head of state, with absolute power. Kingship was hereditary.
• Council of Ministers: The king was assisted by a council of ministers (Mantri Mandalam).
• Administrative Divisions: The empire (Rajya) was divided into provinces called 'Mandalam'. Royal princes were often appointed as governors.
• Mandalams were further divided into 'Kottam' or Vishaya (districts).
• Village Administration: The lowest unit was the village (Gramam). Village assemblies played a crucial role in local governance.
  • 'Ur': This was the assembly of regular, non-Brahmin villages.
  • 'Sabha' (or Mahasabha): This was the assembly of Agraharas (Brahmin-donated villages). It was a more formal and organized body, often divided into sub-committees to manage irrigation, temples, and justice.
• Revenue: The main source of revenue was land tax.

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2. Cholas

The Cholas (c. 850–1279 CE), ruling from their capital Thanjavur (Tanjore), created the greatest maritime empire of South India. They are renowned for their military power, strong navy, and, most importantly, their highly organized system of local self-government. The dynasty was founded by Vijayalaya.

2.a) Political History: Rajaraja the Great, Rajendra Chola

• Rajaraja the Great (Rajaraja I, c. 985–1014 CE):
  • He was the architect of the Chola empire, a brilliant military general and a great administrator.
  • Military Conquests: He defeated the Cheras, Pandyas, and Gangas. He annexed northern Sri Lanka. His powerful navy also conquered the Maldive Islands.
  • Brihadeshwara Temple: His most enduring legacy is the magnificent Brihadeshwara (or Rajarajeswara) Temple at Thanjavur, dedicated to Shiva. It is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture.
  • Administrative Reforms: He introduced a meticulous land survey (Kudavolai) to improve revenue collection and reorganized the administrative structure.
• Rajendra Chola (c. 1014–1044 CE):
  • The son of Rajaraja, he was an even greater conqueror and expanded the empire to its zenith.
  • Conquest of Sri Lanka: He completed the conquest of Sri Lanka, bringing the entire island under Chola rule.
  • Northern Expedition: His armies marched north, crossed the Kalinga, and reached the Ganga River, defeating the Pala king Mahipala of Bengal. To commemorate this, he assumed the title 'Gangaikonda' (Conqueror of the Ganga).
  • New Capital: He built a new capital city called Gangaikonda Cholapuram, with its own magnificent temple.
  • Greatest Naval Achievement: He launched a major naval expedition against the Srivijaya Kingdom (in modern-day Indonesia/Malaysia) to protect Indian trade routes, defeating their king and establishing Chola dominance over the Southeast Asian maritime trade.

2.b) Administrative system

The Chola administrative system was highly efficient and is celebrated for its remarkable system of local self-government.

Source: Much of our detailed knowledge of Chola village administration comes from the Uttiramerur Inscriptions.

• Central Government: The king was the head, but he was assisted by a council of ministers and a vast, organized bureaucracy.
• Provinces (Mandalams): The empire was divided into provinces (Mandalams), which were often governed by royal princes.
• Village Assemblies (Local Self-Government): This was the most unique feature.
  • 'Ur': A general assembly of the landowners in non-Brahmin villages.
  • 'Sabha' (or Mahasabha): An assembly of Brahmin landowners in Agrahara villages. This was a highly structured body.
• The 'Sabha' System:
  • The Sabha functioned through committees ('Variyams'). There were separate committees for different tasks, such as the Tank Committee (Eri-Variyam), Garden Committee (Thotta-Variyam), and Justice Committee.
  • Election Method: Members were chosen by a form of lottery (Kudavolai system). The names of eligible candidates were written on palm leaves, put in a pot, and a young boy would pick them.
  • Qualifications: The Uttiramerur inscription lays down detailed qualifications (age, land ownership, knowledge of Vedas) and disqualifications (e.g., for corruption, previous misconduct) for members.