Post-Gupta Age: Political, Social, and Cultural Developments
Pallavas Dynasty - Post Gupta Age
Introduction
The Pallavas ruled south-eastern India from the 3rd through the 9th centuries CE. Their empire covered what is today the Tamil Nadu state.
Their origin is shrouded in mystery though historians believe their roots might have been from Andhra Pradesh state, north of Tamil Nadu. The Pallavas were one of the greatest dynasties of South India. They played significant role in the political, social and cultural history of South India.
History
Early Pallavas rose to power during the latter part of the Ikshvaku rule in Andhra.
Pallava king Simhavarma defeated the Ikshvaku king Rudrapurushadatta in 300 CE and established Pallava rule in Coastal Andhra, known at that time as "Karmarashtra," marking the beginning of Pallava political power in South India.
Simhavarma (280-335 CE) is believed to be the founder of the dynasty, with Sivaskandavarman being the greatest of the early Pallavas.
Nandivarman I was the last of the early Pallava kings, facing the invasion of the Kalabhras during his reign.
Imperial Pallavas emerged with Simhavishnu (575–590 CE), defeating the Kalabhras and laying the foundation for their imperial rule.
Significant rulers include Mahendravarman I (590–630 CE), Narasimhavarman I (630–668 CE), Mahendravarman II (668–670 CE), Paramesvaravarman I (670–695 CE), Narasimhavarman II (695–722 CE), and Nandivarman II (731–795 CE).
The Pallava rule lasted till the end of the 9th Century CE, with Nandivarman III (846–869 CE), Nripatunga (869–899 CE), and Aparajitavarman (903 CE) being the last rulers.
The end of Pallava rule came with Chola king Aditya I's defeat of Aparjitavarman and seizure of the Kanchi region.
Administration
The Pallavas had a well-organized administrative system with monarchy as the prevailing order.
The king exercised his rule righteously, being the head of the state, the fountain of honor, judge, and leader of the armed forces.
The Pallava state was divided into Kottams, each administered by officers appointed by the king.
The village served as the basic unit of administration, with different types of villages and local autonomous assemblies existing.
Land revenue was the major source of income, supplemented by taxes on professions, marriages, salt, sugar, textiles, draught cattle, etc.
The village acted like self-sufficient miniature republics in the Pallava period, with its own court of justice and professional servants.
Religion
Buddhism and Jainism were active in the Pallava kingdom, but Vedic religion gained dominance over time.
Most Pallava kings followed both Vaishnavism and Saivism, performing Vedic sacrifices and worshiping gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
The rise of Vedic religion was facilitated by the decline of Buddhism and Jainism, paving the way for the Bhakti movement.
The Nayanars and Alvars contributed to the growth of Saivism and Vaishnavism, popularizing the concept of compassionate God.
The Vedic tradition was reinforced by Sankaracharya's movement, advocating Advaita philosophy.
Education and Literature
The Pallavas were great patrons of learning, with the University of Kanchi attracting students from different parts of India and abroad.
Sanskrit works produced during this period include the Kiratarjuniyam of Bharavi, Dasakumaracharita of Dandi, and the Mattavilasaprahasana of Mahendravarman I.
Tamil literature flourished under Pallava patronage, with Tiruvalluvar, the author of 'Kural,' living during this period.
Perundevanar translated the Mahabharata into Tamil under the patronage of Nandivarman II.
Religious literature included the 'Thevaram' composed by the Nayanars and 'Nalayaradivyaprabhandam' composed by the Alvars.
Music, dance, and painting also developed, with temple festivals featuring religious hymns sung with musical accompaniment and dance.
Art and Architecture
The Pallavas made immense contributions to Indian art and architecture, with the history of Dravidian style in the south beginning with them.
The evolution ranged from cave temples to monolithic Rathas, culminating in structural temples.
Notable examples include the Five Rathas at Mamallapuram and the Kailasanatha temple at Kanchi.
They also contributed to sculpture, with beautiful sculptures adorning Mandapas.
The 'Descent of Ganges' sculpture at Mamallapuram and paintings at the caves of Sittannavasal are exemplary works of Pallava art.
Legacy
The Pallavas became torchbearers of Hindu culture in South-East Asia, laying the foundation for Greater India.
Their contributions in art, architecture, literature, and religion left a lasting impact on South Indian culture and heritage.
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