Category Social Sciences

When did the Pandyas revive their kingdom after its decline in the Sangam age?

           Upon the invasion of the Kalabhras, the early Pandya Dynasty of the Sangam Age faded into obscurity. But, they made a glorious comeback in the early 6th century by driving away the Kalabhras out of the Tamil country and started ruling from Madurai.

           The restored kingdom crumbled into ruins with the rise of the Cholas in the 9th century; the Pandyas were in constant conflict with the Cholas. In their defence, the Pandyas allied themselves with the Sinhalese and the Cheras and fought against the Chola Empire till the late 13th century.

           The time under the rule of Maravarman Sundara Pandyan and Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan is known as the golden age of the later Pandyas. Both the rulers worked to expand the empire; Kalinga and Sri Lanka were conquered during this time. Their trade links extended to include the Southeast Asian maritime empires of Srivijaya and their successors. Pearl fisheries were largely under their control along the south Indian coast that produced some of the finest pearls of the time.

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Why is it said that Pallava temples are great examples of architectural marvel?

           The art and architecture that came into being during their reign speak for the glory of the Pallavas. The Pallavas were pioneers in art and architecture in the south.

          The Pallavas constructed the first stone and mortar temples of south India. They also made cave temples, rock sculptures and brick temples, all of which can be found at Mahabalipuram.

           Rock-cut temples came to be built in various parts of Tamil Nadu during the period of Mahendravarman I, the most important ones being at Pallavaram, Mamandur and Thalavanur. Narasimhavarman I became famous for building monolithic rathas, the notable ones being the fall of the river Ganga from the head of Lord Shiva, and Arjuna’s penance.

          The construction of structural temples began during the reign of Rajasimha. They came to be known so as they were built using granite slabs. The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram, with two vimanas surrounded by seated nandis is one of the remarkable structural temples.

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When did the Pallavas reassert their power?

          The Pallavas reasserted their power in the 6th century AD, after defeating the Kalabhras.

          During the rule of Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I, the Pallavas dominated the Telugu and northern parts of the Tamil region. With Kanchi as their capital, they established themselves as a major power and ruled for about 600 years. The Chinese traveller Hieun Tsang visited Kanchi during the reign of Narasimhavarman I. In his descriptions, he notes that Kanchi had fertile soil.

           The climate was hot and the region produced plenty of grain, and many flowers and fruits. The area also produced precious gems. The people were courageous, honest and truthful.

           The Chalukyas of Badami and the Tamil kingdoms of the Cholas and the Pandyas were in constant conflict during the reign of the Pallavas.

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Who were the prominent rulers of the Rashtrakuta dynasty?

           The Rashtrakutas occupied the territory that was earlier ruled by the Chalukyas; Dantidurga established his kingdom in the western Deccan in AD 735, after defeating the Chalukyas. Dantidurga is said to be the son of a Chalukyan princess Bhavanaga. He took the titles Rajadhiraja and Parameshvara after defeating the Chalukyas.

           The Rashtrakuta kings expanded their territory by winning wars against the Pallavas, Cholas and other prominent rulers of south India. In the north, they fought against the Pratiharas and Palas and even occupied Kanauj for a while.

           Amoghavarsha occupied a special place amongst the Rashtrakuta kings; he was known for his learning and liking for Jainism. Krishna III, who annexed part of the Chola Empire in AD 949, is known as the last great Rashtrakuta king.

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Why is the rule of the Chalukyas a milestone in the history of south India?

 

            The rule of the Chalukyas is often regarded as the Golden Age of Karnataka. A huge shift happened in the politics of south India with the ascendancy of the Badami Chalukyas, as smaller kingdoms were replaced by large empires.

           Their kingdom based in south India took control over and consolidated the entire region between the rivers Kaveri and Narmada.

           This period saw an exemplary administration, a rise in overseas trade and commerce, and the development of a new style of architecture called the ‘Chalukyan architecture’.

           Kannada literature enjoyed royal patronage during the reign of the Western Chalukyas, while the Eastern Chalukyas patronized Telugu literature.

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Which was the capital of the Western Chalukyas?

           The Chalukyas of Kalyani were the last members of the much celebrated Chalukya dynasty. With its capital at Kalyani, the kingdom of the Western Chalukyas was established by Tailapa II, who was probably a feudatory of the Rashtrakutas. Some historians have claimed that the Kalyani Chalukyas were not related to the Badami Chalukyas, and that they belonged to a different lineage.

           Their power was well established after the Western Chalukyas fought against the Paramaras of Malwa, the Kalachuris of Chedi and the Cholas of the south and they quickly grew into an empire under Someshwara I. His son Vikramaditya VI is famous for defeating the kings of the Gangetic valley. As recorded in many inscriptions, and records by scholars and religious centres, Vikramaditya VI was an able warrior and a devout king.

           The Chalukya power declined after the demise of Vikramaditya VI. It finally dissolved towards the end of the 12th century, making way for the emerging Hoysala Empire, the Pandyas, the Kakatiyas and the Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri.

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