Civilization and Culture of the Pallavas

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The Pallava rule formed a golden epoch in the cultural history of south India. The period under the Pallavas was marked by considerable literary activities and cultural revival. The Pallavas warmly patronized Sanskrit language and most of the literary records of the time were composed in that language. Due to the cultural renaissance and a great revival of the Sanskrit language a galaxy of scholars flourished during the Pallava era, which accentuated the literary and Cultural Development in Southern India. Tradition referred that Simhavishnu, the Pallava king invited the great poet Bharvi to adorn his court. Dandin, the master of Sanskrit prose probably lived in the court of Narasimhavarmana II. Under the royal patronage, Kanchi became the seat of Sanskrit language and literature. The core of Learning and Education, Kanchi became the point of attraction for the literary scholars. Dinanaga, Kalidasa, Bharvi, Varahamihir etc were the distinguished person with enormous talent in the Pallava country. Not only the Sanskrit literature, the Tamil literature also received a huge impetus during the Pallava period. “Maatavailasa Prahasana”, written by Mahendravarmana became very popular. The famous Tamil classic “Tamil Kural was composed during the period under the royal patronage. Madurai became a great center of the Tamil literature and culture. The Tamil grammar “Talakappiam” and Tamil versical compilation “Ettalogai” etc were composed during the period. These were of immense literary importance.

From the 6th century AD, due to the Sanskrit revival, long poetical composition replaced the earlier style of the short poetry. Poetry was written according to the taste of the sophisticated and aristocratic people of the Society. The “Silappadigaram” is one of such work suited to the taste of the sophisticated, educated people of the Pallava era. One of the most important literary works of the time was “Ramayanam” by Kaban. This is known as the Tamil form and version of Ramayana, where the character of Ravana was painted with all the noble virtues in comparison to Rama. It is consistent with the Tamil tradition and Tamil ego against the Northern Ramayana by Valmiki. The Buddhist literary work “Manimekhala” and the Jaina poetical work “Shibaga sindamani” etc. also flourished during the period.

The devotional songs composed by Vaishnava Alavaras and the Saiva Nayanaras also shared a significant position in the cultural renaissance of the Pallava period. Appar, Sambandhar, Manikkabsagar, Sundar were some of the devotional Narayana poets who composed Tamil Stotras or hymns. Siva was the object of worship and love. Since the Pallava kings were great musicians themselves they were the great patrons of music. Several celebrated musical treatise were also composed under their patronage. During the time painting also received a great patronage from the Pallava kings. Specimen of the Pallava painting has been found in the Pudukottai State.

Civilization of the Pallava period was greatly influenced by the religious reform movement that swept over India during the eighth century. The wave of the reform movement was originated in the Pallava kingdom first. The Pallavas completed the Aryanisation of Southern India. The Jains who had entered south India earlier had set up educational centers at Madurai and Kanchi. They also made a massive use of Sanskrit, Prakrit and Tamil as the medium of their preaching. But in the competition with the growing popularity of the Brahmanical Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism, Jainism lost its prominence in the long run.

Mahendravarmana lost interest in Jainism and became a staunch follower and patron of Saivism. Consequently Jainism began to fade out and continued in diminishing glory in centers like Pudukottai and in the hilly and forest regions.

Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism, which had earlier penetrated in the south, fought against invading Brahmanism in the monasteries and public debates. The Buddhist scholars debated finer points of theology with Brahmanical scholars and mostly lost the ground.

The civilization of the Pallava period was marked by the tremendous ascendancy of the Hinduism, which has been branded by the modern historians as the victory of the northern Aryanism. It is said that the influx of the mlechcha Sakas, Huns and the Kushanas in Northern India had polluted the significance of the Vedic rites and religion. In order to protect the purity of Vedic religion many Brahmins migrated to Southern India and preached the Vedic Religion. Henceforth the civilization of Deccan or southern India was mostly influenced by the Brahmanical Hinduism. Pallavas became the patrons of the orthodox Vedic preachers. The performance of the horse sacrifices by the Pallava rulers testified the ascendancy of the Vedic civilization. The success of Hinduism was mostly caused by the royal patronage to this religion. Sanskrit was the vehicle of the Brahmanical thought. Hence both the Brahmanical religion and Sanskrit literature made a great progress during the Pallava period. Several centers for the Brahmanical study sprang up. These study centers were closely connected with the temple premises and were known as Ghetikas. The study of the Brahmanical scriptures and literatures was the order of the day. The Pallava kings in order to promote the Brahmanical civilization made land grants or agraharas to the maintenance of the educational institutions. In the 8th century AD, another significant Hindu institution called Mathas or monasteries were in vogue. They were a combination of temple, rest houses, educational centers, debating and discoursing centers and the feeding Houses. The university of Kanchi became the spearhead of Aryan-Brahmanical influences of the South. Kanchi was regarded as one of the sacred cities of the Hindus. The Pallava king though mainly were the worshippers of Vishnu and Siva, they were tolerant towards other religious creeds. Although the religions like Buddhism and Jainism lost its former significance during the Pallava era, yet the civilization of the Pallava period was marked by the multiethnicity promoted by the Pallava kings.,

The Pallavas were a dynasty that ruled over southern India from the 3rd to the 9th centuries CE. They were patrons of the arts and sciences, and their reign saw a flowering of culture in the region.

Art and architecture

The Pallavas were renowned for their art and architecture. Their temples are some of the finest examples of South Indian architecture, and their sculptures are considered to be masterpieces. The Pallavas were also patrons of painting, music, and dance.

Literature

The Pallavas were also patrons of literature. They commissioned many works of poetry and drama, and their court was a center of learning. The Pallavas also wrote many works on history, philosophy, and science.

Religion

The Pallavas were Hindus, and their religion played an important role in their culture. They built many temples to Hindu gods and goddesses, and they sponsored many religious festivals. The Pallavas also supported the study of Hindu scriptures and philosophy.

Society

The Pallava society was divided into four main classes: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. The Brahmins were the highest class, and they were the priests and scholars. The Kshatriyas were the warriors, and they were the rulers. The Vaishyas were the merchants and farmers, and they were the middle class. The Shudras were the laborers, and they were the lowest class.

economy

The Pallava economy was based on agriculture, trade, and Industry. The Pallavas were skilled farmers, and they grew a variety of crops, including rice, wheat, and sugarcane. The Pallavas also traded with other parts of India and with the Middle East. They exported spices, textiles, and precious stones. The Pallavas also had a thriving industry, and they produced a variety of goods, including Pottery, metalwork, and jewelry.

Government

The Pallavas were a Monarchy, and their government was based on the Hindu caste system. The king was the head of state, and he was assisted by a council of ministers. The king was also the chief judge, and he had the power to make laws and to punish criminals.

Military

The Pallavas had a strong military, and they were able to conquer a large territory. The Pallava army was made up of infantry, cavalry, and elephants. The Pallavas were also skilled in the use of gunpowder and other weapons.

Science and technology

The Pallavas made significant contributions to science and technology. They were the first to develop a system of decimal numerals, and they also made advances in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. The Pallavas also built many canals and Dams, and they developed a system of Irrigation.

Foreign relations

The Pallavas had close ties with other parts of India, and they also had contact with the Middle East and China. The Pallavas traded with other countries, and they also sent embassies to other courts. The Pallavas were also involved in a number of wars with other kingdoms.

Legacy

The Pallavas left a lasting legacy on South Indian culture. Their art, architecture, literature, and religion continue to influence the region today. The Pallavas also played an important role in the development of South Indian history.

Who were the Pallavas?

The Pallavas were a dynasty that ruled southern India from the 3rd to the 9th centuries CE. They were originally a minor clan that rose to power in the region of Kanchipuram. The Pallavas were patrons of art and architecture, and their reign saw the construction of many important temples and monuments.

What were the major achievements of the Pallavas?

The Pallavas were a major power in southern India for over 600 years. They were responsible for the construction of many important temples and monuments, including the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram and the Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram. The Pallavas were also patrons of art and literature, and their reign saw the development of a unique style of art and architecture.

What was the impact of the Pallavas on Indian history?

What were the causes of the decline of the Pallavas?

The Pallavas declined in the 9th century CE due to a number of factors, including internal strife, the rise of the Chola dynasty, and the invasion of the Rashtrakutas. The Pallavas were eventually overthrown by Cholas/”>The Cholas in 897 CE.

What were the contributions of the Pallavas to Indian culture?

The Pallavas made significant contributions to Indian culture, including the development of a unique style of art and architecture. The Pallavas were also patrons of art and literature, and their reign saw the development of a number of important works of art and literature. The Pallavas had a significant impact on Indian culture, and their legacy can still be seen in the temples and monuments that they built.

The Pallavas were a dynasty that ruled over southern India from the 3rd to the 9th centuries CE. They were known for their contributions to art, architecture, and literature.
The Pallavas were patrons of the arts and commissioned many beautiful temples and sculptures. The Kailasanatha Temple in Kanchipuram is one of the most famous examples of Pallava Architecture.
The Pallavas also made significant contributions to literature. The Tamil poet Ilango Adigal wrote the epic poem Silappadikaram, which is considered one of the masterpieces of Tamil literature.
The Pallavas were a powerful dynasty that ruled over a large part of southern India. They were known for their military prowess and their ability to maintain order and stability in their kingdom.
The Pallavas were eventually overthrown by the Cholas in the 9th century CE. However, their legacy continues to this day, and their contributions to art, architecture, and literature are still celebrated.

Here are some MCQs about the Pallavas:

Which of the following is not a contribution of the Pallavas?
(A) Art
(B) Architecture
(C) Literature
(D) Science
Which of the following is the most famous example of Pallava architecture?
(A) The Kailasanatha Temple
(B) The Brihadeeswara Temple
(C) The Minakshi Temple
(D) The Shore Temple
Who wrote the epic poem Silappadikaram?
(A) Ilango Adigal
(B) Thiruvalluvar
(C) Kamban
(D) Subramania Bharati
The Pallavas were eventually overthrown by the:
(A) Cholas
(B) Pandyas
(C) Cheras
(D) Vijayanagara Empire
The Pallavas were known for their:
(A) Military prowess
(B) Ability to maintain order and stability
(C) Both (A) and (B)
(D) Neither (A) nor (B)

Answers:
1. (D)
2. (A)
3. (A)
4. (A)
5. (C)