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.
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.
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.
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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