Context:
Archaeologists recently discovered an eighth-century Kotravai sculpture, an artifact that dates back to the Pallava period, near Ulundurpet, Tamil Nadu.
Relevance:
GS I: History
Pallava Dynasty Overview
Historical Period:
- The Pallava Dynasty was a prominent power in South India, spanning from the 3rd to the 9th centuries.
Territorial Rule:
- Ruled the northern regions of Tamil Nadu, parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, with Kanchipuram as their capital.
Religious Patronage:
- Supported Buddhism, Jainism, and the Brahminical faith.
- Notable patrons of music, painting, and literature.
Origins:
- Initially feudatories of Andhra Satavahanas, the Pallavas gained autonomy after the decline of Andhra Satavahanas at Amaravati.
- Established their capital at Kanchipuram in the 4th century CE.
- The rule of Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I witnessed a significant increase in the wealth and influence of the Pallava realm.
Cultural Contributions:
- Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang depicted Bodhidharma, initiator of the Chan (Zen) school of Buddhism in China, as a Pallava prince.
- Known for their contributions to Dravidian architecture, particularly temple architecture.
- Transitioned from rock-cut architecture to stone temples.
- Mahabalipuram became a significant center for art, architecture, and literature under Pallava rule.
- Notable temples include Kailasanatha Temple, Shore Temple, and Vaikuntaperumal shrine.
Religion:
- Adopted the local religion of Shaivism and embraced Dravidian cultural elements.
- Conflicts:
- Engaged in continuous conflicts with the Chalukya Dynasty in the north and the Tamil kingdoms of Chola and Pandyas in the south.
- Eventually subdued by the Chola kings in the 8th century CE.
Decline:
- The rise of the Rashtrakutas marked the decline of the Pallava Dynasty.
- Vijayalaya, the Chola King, defeated Aparajitavarman, the last Pallava King, in 897 AD.
-Source: The Hindu
