The Pahlavas are a people mentioned in ancient Indian texts like the Manu Smriti, various Puranas, the Ramayana, The Mahabharata, and the Brhatsamhita. In some texts the Pahlavas are also mentioned as “Pallavas”: While the Vayu Purana distinguishes between Pahlava and Pahnava, the Vamana Purana and Matsya Purana refer to both as Pallava. The Brahmanda Purana and Markendeya Purana refer to both as Pahlava or Pallava. Bhishama Parava Mahabharata 6.11.66 . of the Mahabharata also does not distinguish between the Pahlavas and Pallavas. The Pahlavas are said to be same as the Parasikas.[citation needed] According to P. Carnegy, the Pahlava are probably those people who spoke Paluvi or Pehlvi, that is the Parthian language. Buhler similarly suggests Pahlava is an Indic form of Parthava meaning ‘Parthian’. In the 4th century BCE, Vartika of Katyayana mentions the Sakah-Parthavah demonstrating an awareness of these Saka-Parthians, probably by way of commerce.
The Pallavas had followed the system of monarchy. The king was the head of the kingdom. Hereditary SUCCESSION to the throne had been in practice. Normally, the eldest son would be the next ruler. The Paliava kings had considered themselves as the representatives of God. They had assumed many titles like Maharaja, Maharajathi Raja and Dharma Rajathiraja. These titles indicate the imperial power of the Pallava kings. The Pallava kings had also claimed a divine origin.
Council of Ministers
There was an efficient Council of Ministers in the Pallava kingdom. The Ministers were known as Amatyas. They were given titles such as Uthamaseelan, Brahmarajan and Peraraiyan. The Minister carried out the orders of the king. They had also rendered their co-operation and service to the king in all matters of administration. Besides the Council of Ministers, there were many officials to look after each department of the Pallava administration.
Judiciary
There were three types of courts in the Pallava kingdom. The highest judicial organization was called Dharmasena. The king acted as its head. The courts in the towns were known as Adikarnas. The village courts were called as Karnas. The village Sabhas also acted as courts in settling the civil disputes in the villages. Punishments were not cruel and harsh. Fines were also imposed along with punishment.
Pallavas art and architecture
Four distinct stages of architecture can be gleaned from the Pallava temples. The first is the Mahendra style. The influence of the cave style of architecture is to be seen in an ancient pillar engraved in the Ekambaranatha (Kanchipuram) temple. The second is the Mamalla style. The seven Pagodas are small temples, each of which is hewn out of a single rock boulder. They lie near Mahabalipura Mahabalipuram, founded by Narasimhavarman. These monolithic temples are complete with all the details of an ordinary temples and stand as an undying testimony to the superb quality of the Pallava art. The third is the Rajasimha style. The most famous temple of this style is the kailasha style. The most famous temple of this style is the Kailasha temple of kanchi. It has a pyramidal tower, a flat-roofed mandapam and a series of cells surround it resembling rathas. This style is a very elaborate one foreshadowing the ornate Chola architecuture. The fourth is the Aparajita style. This is more ornate resembling the Chola architecture. A few temples built in the style are found at Dalavanur. The note worthy feature of some shrines is that they are aborned by beautiful life-like images of Pallava kings and their queens. All told they are unique in the history of Temple Architecture.
Pallava sculpture owed more to the Buddhist tradition. On the whole it is more monumental and linear in form, thus avoiding the typical ornamentation of the Deccan sculpture. The free standing temples at Aithole and Badami in the Deccan and the Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram in the Tamil country, provided a better background for sculpture than the rock-cut temples. And the Pallava sculpture was monumental and linear in form resembling the Gupta sculpture. Although the basic form was derived from the older tradition, the end result clearly reflected its local genius. Now for literature it has been recently proved that Bharavi and Dandin lived in the Pallava court. Bharavi’s Kiratarjuniyam and Dandin’s Dashakumaracharita were the two masterpieces. One of Dandin’s poems was written with such skill that when read normally it gives the story of the Ramayana; and whe read in reverse, the study of Mahabharata. Dandin was the author of a standard work on poetics. Till the eight century Pallava influence was predominant in Cambodia. Saivism was the of ficial form of worship. And the Pallava type of sikhara is to be found in the temples of Java, Cambodia and Annam. This dissemination of Hindu culture proves that it was dynamic till 1,000 A.D. in southern India. Thus, the Pallavas rendered invaluable service to the country both within and without as they were one of the torch bearers of Hindu civilization to south-east Asia. Far more singular is their contribution to architecture-transforming the architecture and suculpture from wood to stone. Smith opines that this grat disparimmense length of the course of Indian history, and the extreme slowness with which changes have been effeated.
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The Pallavas were a dynasty that ruled parts of southern India from the 3rd to the 9th centuries CE. They were originally a feudatory of the Satavahana dynasty, but they eventually became independent and established their own kingdom in the region of Kanchipuram. The Pallavas were patrons of art and architecture, and they built many temples and other monuments in their kingdom. They were also known for their military prowess, and they fought many wars against the Chalukyas and other dynasties. The Pallavas were eventually overthrown by Cholas/”>The Cholas in the 9th century CE, but their legacy continues to this day.
The Pallavas were originally a feudatory of the Satavahana dynasty, which ruled much of southern India from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. The Pallavas first came to prominence in the 3rd century CE, when they helped the Satavahanas defeat the Western Kshatrapas. In the 4th century CE, the Pallavas became independent and established their own kingdom in the region of Kanchipuram.
The Pallavas reached the height of their power in the 7th and 8th centuries CE, under the rule of the kings Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I. During this time, the Pallavas expanded their kingdom and built many temples and other monuments. They also fought many wars against the Chalukyas, who ruled much of northern India.
The Pallavas were eventually overthrown by the Cholas in the 9th century CE. However, their legacy continues to this day, and they are considered to be one of the most important dynasties in the history of southern India.
Pallava art and architecture
The Pallavas were patrons of art and architecture, and they built many temples and other monuments in their kingdom. Their art and architecture is characterized by its use of intricate stone carvings and sculptures. Some of the most famous Pallava temples include the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, the Kailasanatha Temple in Kanchipuram, and the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur.
The Pallavas also made significant contributions to the development of Indian sculpture. Their sculptures are characterized by their realism and their use of intricate details. Some of the most famous Pallava sculptures include the Dancing Shiva Nataraja and the Vishnu Trivikrama.
Pallava military history
The Pallavas were known for their military prowess, and they fought many wars against the Chalukyas and other dynasties. The Pallavas were able to defeat their enemies due to their superior military tactics and their use of elephants in battle.
The Pallavas were also skilled in the use of fortifications. They built many forts and citadels to protect their kingdom from attack. Some of the most famous Pallava forts include the Fort of Kanchipuram and the Fort of Tiruchirapalli.
Pallava culture
The Pallavas were a highly cultured people, and they made significant contributions to the development of Indian culture. They were patrons of art, literature, and music. They also built many temples and other monuments, which are still admired today.
The Pallavas were also known for their Tolerance of other religions. They allowed Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains to live and worship freely in their kingdom. This tolerance helped to promote peace and harmony in the region.
Pallava legacy
The Pallavas were a powerful and influential dynasty that ruled parts of southern India for over 600 years. They made significant contributions to the development of Indian art, architecture, and culture. Their legacy continues to this day, and they are considered to be one of the most important dynasties in the history of southern India.
The Cholas
The Chola dynasty was a Tamil dynasty that ruled southern India from the 9th to the 13th centuries. The Cholas were one of the most powerful dynasties in Indian history, and they left a lasting legacy in the form of their architecture, art, and literature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the capital of the Chola dynasty?
The capital of the Chola dynasty was Thanjavur.
Who was the founder of the Chola dynasty?
The founder of the Chola dynasty was Vijayalaya Chola.
What was the peak of the Chola dynasty?
The peak of the Chola dynasty was during the reign of Rajaraja Chola I and his son Rajendra Chola I.
What were the major achievements of the Chola dynasty?
The major achievements of the Chola dynasty include their military conquests, their construction of temples and other monuments, and their patronage of art and literature.
What was the end of the Chola dynasty?
The Chola dynasty came to an end in the 13th century, after being defeated by the Pandyas.
Short Answers
The Chola dynasty was a Tamil dynasty that ruled southern India from the 9th to the 13th centuries.
The capital of the Chola dynasty was Thanjavur.
The founder of the Chola dynasty was Vijayalaya Chola.
The peak of the Chola dynasty was during the reign of Rajaraja Chola I and his son Rajendra Chola I.
The major achievements of the Chola dynasty include their military conquests, their construction of temples and other monuments, and their patronage of art and literature.
The Chola dynasty came to an end in the 13th century, after being defeated by the Pandyas.
The Pandyas
The Pandya dynasty was a Tamil dynasty that ruled southern India from the 6th to the 14th centuries. The Pandyas were one of the most powerful dynasties in Indian history, and they left a lasting legacy in the form of their architecture, art, and literature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the capital of the Pandya dynasty?
The capital of the Pandya dynasty was Madurai.
Who was the founder of the Pandya dynasty?
The founder of the Pandya dynasty is unknown.
What was the peak of the Pandya dynasty?
The peak of the Pandya dynasty was during the reign of Maravarman Sundara Pandya I and his son Maravarman Kulasekara Pandya I.
What were the major achievements of the Pandya dynasty?
The major achievements of the Pandya dynasty include their military conquests, their construction of temples and other monuments, and their patronage of art and literature.
What was the end of the Pandya dynasty?
The Pandya dynasty came to an end in the 14th century, after being defeated by the Delhi Sultanate.
Short Answers
The Pandya dynasty was a Tamil dynasty that ruled southern India from the 6th to the 14th centuries.
The capital of the Pandya dynasty was Madurai.
The founder of the Pandya dynasty is unknown.
The peak of the Pandya dynasty was during the reign of Maravarman Sundara Pandya I and his son Maravarman Kulasekara Pandya I.
The major achievements of the Pandya dynasty include their military conquests, their construction of temples and other monuments, and their patronage of art and literature.
The Pandya dynasty came to an end in the 14th century, after being defeated by the Delhi Sultanate.
Which of the following is not a Pallava king? (A) Mahendravarman I (B) Narasimhavarman I (C) Rajasimha (D) Chola I
The Pallavas were a dynasty that ruled over which of the following regions? (A) Tamil Nadu (B) Andhra Pradesh (C) Karnataka (D) Kerala
The Pallavas were known for their contributions to which of the following fields? (A) Art (B) Architecture (C) Literature (D) All of the above
The Pallavas were patrons of which of the following religions? (A) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism (B) Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism (C) Jainism (D) All of the above
The Pallavas were defeated by which of the following dynasties? (A) Cholas (B) Pandyas (C) Chalukyas (D) Rashtrakutas
The Pallavas were a dynasty that ruled over southern India from the 3rd to the 9th centuries CE. (A) True (B) False
The Pallavas were known for their contributions to art, architecture, and literature. (A) True (B) False
The Pallavas were patrons of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. (A) True (B) False
The Pallavas were defeated by the Cholas in the 9th century CE. (A) True (B) False
The Pallavas were a significant dynasty in the history of southern India. (A) True (B) False