Pallava Dynasty [275 CE-897 CE]: A Comprehensive Study Guide for UPSC PSC

Introduction: Pallava Dynasty

The Pallava Dynasty was a South Indian dynasty that ruled the region of modern-day Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh.

The Pallavas are known for their contributions to Dravidian architecture, most notably the rock-cut temples and monolithic sculptures of Mahabalipuram, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Under the patronage of rulers like Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I, the Pallava period saw a flourishing of art, culture, and literature, with notable advancements in Sanskrit and Tamil.

Pallava Dynasty at a Glance

Mandagapattu Tirumurti Temple: Pallava Architecture — ***Mandagapattu Tirumurti Temple***

Period	275 CE–897 CE
Region	Southern India, primarily in modern-day Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh
Capital	Kanchipuram
Languages	Tamil (Official) Sanskrit
Religion	Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism
Founder	Simhavarman I (275–300 AD)
Last Ruler	Aparajitavarman (885–897 AD)
Major Battles Fought	Battle of Vatapi (642 AD) between Narasimhavarman I and Pulakesin II of Chalukya Dynasty

Pallava Dynasty at a Glance

Key facts about the Pallava Dynasty

Overview of the Pallava Dynasty: The Pallava Dynasty was a South Indian dynasty that ruled the southern part of Modern-day Andhra Pradesh and the northern parts of Tamil Nadu from 275 CE to 897 CE.
Historians’ Perspective about their Origin:
- According to historians S. Krishnaswami Aiyangar and K. A. Nilakanta Sastri, Pallavas were originally feudatories of the Satavahanas in the southeastern part of their empire who became independent when the Satavahana power declined.
- Pallavas were former subsidiaries of Satavahanas in the Andhradesa (north of the Penna River in modern Andhra Pradesh).
Patronage of Language and Literature: The Pallava kings were patrons of the Sanskrit language. Most of their inscriptions are in Sanskrit. Even in Tamil inscriptions, the Sanskrit language is used in the “Prashasti” section.
Religion:
- The Pallavas were followers of Hinduism and made land donations to Brahmins.
- Ritual Practices: Some rulers performed Vedic sacrifices like the Ashvamedha.
- Religious Tolerance:
  - They were tolerant of other religions as well. During the reign of Narasimhavarman I, the Chinese monk Hiuen-Tsang visited Kanchipuram and mentioned the presence of 100 Buddhist monasteries.

The Pallavas Origin

Historian	Theory/Argument	Details
S. Krishnaswami Aiyangar & K. A. Nilakanta Sastri	Andhra Origin Theory	– Suggested that Pallavas were initially feudatories of the Satavahanas. – Believed they became independent as Satavahana’s power declined. – Viewed as “strangers to the Tamil country,” unrelated to the ancient lines of Cheras, Pandyas, and Cholas.
R. Sathianathaier	Pallavas as Natives of Tondaimandalam	– Viewed Pallavas as natives of Tondaimandalam.
D. C. Sircar	Naga Princess Theory	– Indicated that Pallava family legends link them to Ashwatthama and a Naga princess.

Origin of the Pallava Dynasty

Pallava Dynasty Rulers

Simhavishnu (575–600 AD)

Simhavishnu also known as Avanisimha was responsible for the revival of the Pallava dynasty.
He conquered the region up to the Kaveri River and came into conflict with the Pandyas.
During his reign, the struggle between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas began.
He was portrayed as a great conqueror in Mattavilasa Prahasana, a drama written by his son Mahendravarman I.
Simhavishnu patronized Sanskrit poet Bharavi who wrote Kirata Arjuniya.
He was probably a worshiper of Vishnu.

Simhavishnu Pallava Ruler — **Simhavishnu with his Queens**
A sculpture located in the **Adivaraha Mandapam, Mahabalipuram**

Mahendravarman I (600–630)

Period of Reign: Mahendravarman I ruled the Pallava kingdom from 600-630 CE. Mahendravarman I succeeded his father, Simhavishnu, who revived the Pallava kingdom.
Territory: His kingdom covered parts of present-day southern Andhra Pradesh and northern Tamil Nadu.
Military Campaign:
- The Chalukya king Pulakeshi II attacked the Pallava kingdom during his reign. Although Mahendravarman defended his capital, Kanchipuram, he lost the northern provinces.
- His son, Narasimhavarman I, later defeated Pulakeshin II and destroyed the Chalukyan capital, Vatapi.
Religious Belief:
- Mahendravarman I was initially a follower of Jainism but converted to Shaivism (worship of Lord Shiva) under the influence of the saint Appar. As a result of Appar’s preaching, Shaivism flourished in the Pallava kingdom.
- Despite his conversion, he showed tolerance for other religions.
Cultural Patronage:
- He was a great supporter of literature and drama. He wrote a Sanskrit comedy play called Mattavilasa Prahasana, which humorously criticized religious ascetics.
- During his rule, Tamil saints like Appar and Sambandhar became famous for their devotional hymns known as Tevaram.
Arts and Architecture:
- Mahendravarman I was known for introducing rock-cut architecture. His reign marked a significant transformation in temple construction, moving away from traditional materials like wood and brick to using stone.
- Rock-Cut Temples:
  - Mahendravarman was responsible for the creation of several rock-cut temples, many dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu.
  - Mahendravarman I initiated the use of stone for constructing temples, a revolutionary move in South Indian architecture.
- Mahabalipuram: While many of the monuments at Mahabalipuram were completed by his successors, Mahendravarman I laid the groundwork for this site.

Notable temples built during the reign of Mahendravarman I:

Temple Name	Location	Type	Deity	Notable Features
Mandagapattu Tirumurti Temple	Mandagapattu, Tamil Nadu	Rock-Cut Temple	Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva)	First rock-cut temple, built without wood, brick, mortar, or metal
Mahendravishnugrha Temple	Mahendravadi, Tamil Nadu	Rock-Cut Cave Temple	Vishnu	One of the earliest Vishnu rock-cut temples
Satyagirinathar & Satyagirishwarar Temples	Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu	Twin Rock-Cut Temples	Shiva	Twin temples featuring Pallava rock-cut architecture
Pallavaram Cave Temple	Pallavaram, Tamil Nadu	Rock-Cut Cave Temple	Shiva
Seeyamangalam Temple (Avanibhajana Pallaveswaram)	Seeyamangalam, Tamil Nadu	Rock-Cut Cave Temple	Shiva	Carved during Mahendravarman’s reign, dedicated to Lord Shiva
Ranganatha Temple	Singavaram, Tamil Nadu	Rock-Cut Temple	Vishnu	Early Pallava rock-cut Vishnu temple, part of Mahendravarman’s works

Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla)

Narasimhavarman I ruled from 630 to 668 CE.
He was known as Mamalla or Mahamalla (great wrestler), and Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) was named after him.
Temple Construction:
- During his reign, the Pancha Rathas Temple complex was constructed. This rock-cut temple complex is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- After the discovery of new inscriptions historian Nagaswamy suggested that many of the monuments in Mahabalipuram were built during the reign of Narasimhavarman II (c. 690–725 CE).

Pancha Rathas of Mahabalipuram - Pallava Dynasty — ***Pancha Rathas of Mahabalipuram***

Visit of Chinese Traveller: In 640 CE, the famous Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang visited Kanchipuram (the Pallava capital) during his reign.
Military Victory:
- Narasimhavarman I defeated the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II in the battle of Vatapi in 642 CE and occupied the Chalukyan capital (Vatapi). He assumed the title Vatapikonda.
- He constructed a Mallikarjuna Temple at Vatapi to commemorate his victory.

Narasimhavarman II (700–727)

He was popularly known as Rajasimha.
He is credited with constructing the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram, the Panamalai Temple in South Arcot, and the Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram.
He made a military alliance with the Tang dynasty of China to defend the expanding Tibetan Empire.
Narasimhavarman was a skilled dramatist and poet who wrote many works in Sanskrit.
The Sanskrit litterateur Dandin spent several years in his court and was patronized by the king.

Nandivarman II (732–796)

He was born in the country of Champa (modern-day Vietnam).
Vaikunta Perumal Temple at Kanchipuram is believed to have been built by the Pallava king Nandivarman II.
The famous Alwar saint and scholar Thirumangai was a contemporary of Nandivarman II.

Dantivarman (775–825)

He was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king Govinda III in 803 CE.
During his reign, the Pallava kingdom started to decline.

Nandivarman III

Nandivarman III ruled the Pallava kingdom from 846 to 869 CE.
He was the son of King Dantivarman and a Kadamba princess Aggalanimati.
His guru was Jinasena, a well-known Digambara Jain monk.
Political and Military Achievements:
- He formed an alliance with the Rashtrakutas and the Gangas against the Pandyas.
- He defeated the Pandyas at the Battle of Tellaru in 830 CE. However, the Pandya king Srimara Srivallabha later regained territories and defeated the Pallavas at Kumbakonam.
Naval Strength and Trade:
- He maintained a strong navy. He had trade relations with regions like Siam (Thailand) and Malaya.
- A Vishnu temple was built in Siam and placed under the protection of the Manigramam merchant guild.
Patronage of Arts and Literature:
- Supported the translation of the Bharatam into Tamil by the poet Perundevanar.
- Commissioned the Nandikkalambakam, a poetic work in his praise.
- Constructed significant temples, such as the Vishnu temple at Kiliyanur and the Shiva temple at Thirukattupalli.
Marriages and Succession:
- Married a Rashtrakuta princess, Shankha, likely the daughter of Rashtrakuta emperor Amoghavarsha I, and had a son, Nripatunga, who succeeded him.
- He divided his kingdom between his sons before his death.

Nriputungavarman

Reign:
- Nriputungavarman succeeded his father Nandivarman III.
- He ruled between 869 and 880 CE.
- He was the younger son of Nandivarman III and his Rashtrakuta wife, Shankha.
Architectural Contributions:
- Commissioned the rock-cut shrine at Namakkal.
Education and Grants:
- A copper plate inscription from the 18th year of his reign was found in Bahour (Puducherry).
- The inscription is written in both Sanskrit and Tamil and describes a grant of income from three villages, reflecting his patronage of education and learning.

The last Pallava ruler Aparajita Pallava (879-897 AD) was defeated by Aditya Chola in 897 AD.

Art and Architecture of the Pallava Dynasty

Main Article: Pallava Art & Architecture

The history of South Indian art and architecture began under the Pallavas in the latter part of the 6th century.
Here too, like in other places, religion had a deep influence on the development of fine arts.
Mahendravarman I adopted the custom of building temples by carving hills. The Kailash temple of Ellora (Maharashtra) is a notable example of this category of temple. It was modelled after the Kailasanath temple in Kanchi.
Narasimhavarman established the city of Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram on the seashore to the south of the present-day city of Chennai. He also built the “Seven Pagoda” here. Each of them is built by cutting a huge block of stone. These are temple-shaped ‘chariots‘. It was named after the five Pandavas, Draupadi and Ganesha. Mahabalipuram’s temple complex is adorned with beautiful carvings.
Temples built by the Pallava kings can be seen at Dalavanur (Viluppuram district), Pallavaram (Suburb of Chennai), Vallam (Chengalpattu), Purukottai (Trichinopoly District) and Kanchi.
The Pallava kings used the Granth script in their inscriptions.

1024px Kailasanathar Temple. Kanchipuram TamilNadu 20171027144231 — ***Kailasanath Temple at Kanchi***

Pallava Art and Architecture — ***Architecture of the Pallava Dynasty***

Shore Temple Mamallapuram — ***Architecture of the Pallava Dynasty***

Architecture	Builder	Important Points
Descent of the Ganges	Narasimhavarman I	Also known as Arjuna’s Penance The relief was created to celebrate the victory of Narasimhavarman I over Chalukya king Pulakesin II. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites designated in the year 1984.
Shore Temple	Narasimhavarman II	Also called Seven Pagodas It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites designated in the year 1984.
Five Rathas of Mahabalipuram	Narasimhavarman I
Kailasanath Temple	Narasimhavarman II Additions by Mahendra III at a later stage
Mandagapattu Trimurti Temple	Mahendravarman I	It is dedicated to the trinity Brahma-Shiva-Vishnu. The temple is notable for the earliest known Sanskrit inscription written in Grantha script (a South Indian script, found particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala).

Main Article: Pallava Art & Architecture

Religion

Religion Of the Kings:
- Almost all the Pallava kings were Brahminical Hindus.
- The first notable ruler of this dynasty, Simha Vishnu, was probably a worshiper of Vishnu.
- Mahendravarman I was a Jain initially, but in the middle of his reign, he started worshipping Shiva under the influence of the famous saint Appar.
- As a result of Appar’s preaching, the condition of Shaivism improved in the Pallava kingdom.
- Mahendravarman also revered other gods and goddesses. He built the temples of Brahma and Vishnu. But towards the end of his life, he became extremely hostile to Jainism and destroyed a large Jain monastery in South Arcot.
Hiuen Tsang’s Account:
- Hiuen Tsang mentioned that Buddhism did not completely disappear in the Pallava kingdom.
- At Kanchi, he saw hundreds of Buddhist monasteries and ten thousand Buddhist monks. All of them were followers of the Mahayana Buddhism.
- He also mentions many ‘Nirgranthas‘.
Alwars: With the efforts of the Alwars Vaishnavism flourished. Their songs in Tamil language are rich with deep feelings and religion.

Literature

The Pallava kings were patrons of the Sanskrit language. Most of their inscriptions are in Sanskrit; Even in Tamil inscriptions, Sanskrit language is used in the “prashasti” section.
Kanchi has been a prominent centre of Sanskrit since ancient times.
The author of the poem “Kirataryunyam” was a court poet of Simhavishnu.
Dandin, the author of a canonical treatise on rhetoric, probably lived during the reign of Narasimhavarman II.
The first Mahendravarman himself was a famous writer. He probably composed a comedy called “Mattavilas Prahasana”.
Nandivarman was a well-educated scholar. The famous Alwar saint and scholar Thirumangai were present during his reign.

Decline of the Pallava Dynasty

The Pallava dynasty’s decline in the 9th century was marked by intense rivalries and conflicts.
The rivalry between the Chalukyas and the Pallavas in the 7th and 8th centuries is a common feature of South Indian history.
The Chalukyas, their primary rival, claimed numerous victories in their inscriptions, with Vikramaditya I likely defeating Parameshvaravarman I and capturing Kanchi around 670-695 AD.
The Pallavas were weakened by disputes over the throne in the latter half of the 8th century.
During Nandivarman’s reign (730-795 AD), Vikramaditya II of the Chalukyas occupied Kanchi again, although the Pallavas managed to regain their power for a short period.
The dynasty also faced threats from the Cholas, Pandyas, and Gangas. In the early 9th century, Rashtrakuta king Govinda III invaded the Pallava kingdom and defeated Dantivarman (795-845 AD), further destabilizing the Pallavas. Dantivarman and his successors had to struggle against the sinners.
Finally, the Chola king Aditya I defeated the Pallava king Aparajitavarman (879-897 AD) captured Tondamandalam and destroyed the Pallava power.