Pallavas of Kanchi: History, Art, Culture, Conflicts, Decline - UPSC Notes

The Pallava of Kanchi was established around 250 A.D. and reigned for about five hundred years. The Pallava of Kanchi ruled over the Tondaimandalam region. The Kanchi city (identical to present-day Kancheepuram) was the capital of the Pallava dynasty. The administrative system of the Pallava dynasty was well organised. The dynasty is known for its patronage towards architecture. The sculptures and temples they constructed laid the foundations for South Indian architecture. Most of their works, such as Kailasanatha temple at Kanchi, Shore temple at Mamallapuram etc, are outstanding even today.

The Pallava of Kanchi is a topic relevant to the UPSC CSE context under General Studies Paper I. It is a basic topic for aspirants to understand the historical background of the Pallava of Kanchi. The Pallava of Kanchi is an important topic for UPSC Civil Services because it highlights the history of pallava rulers, which are frequently discussed in the exam. Join UPSC Coaching today to boost your preparation. 

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The Pallava of Kanchi was a significant South Indian dynasty of history. Pallava of Kanchi ruled over parts of present-day Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh from the 3rd to the 9th century CE. They played a significant role in shaping the political, cultural, and architectural landscape of the region. The Pallava of Kanchi were known for their administrative skills, contributions to the growth of Dravidian architecture and patronage of the arts.

History of the Pallava Dynasty

The Pallava of Kanchi emerged during the 3rd century CE, with its capital at Kanchipuram. They originated as a feudatory of the Satavahanas and gradually gained independence and expanded their territory. The early Pallava rulers, such as Simhavarman I and Mahendravarman I, laid the foundation of the dynasty and established their authority.

Under the rule of Narasimhavarman I, also known as Mamalla, the Pallavas reached the peak of their power and influence. He undertook successful military campaigns. This included the defeat of the Chalukyas and the occupation of Vatapi (modern-day Badami). Narasimhavarman I was known for his patronage of arts, literature, and architecture.

The Pallava of Kanchi experienced periods of decline and revival over the centuries. They faced invasions from the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and Cholas. The Cholas eventually overpowered the Pallavas in the 9th century CE, ending their rule.

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Pallava Of Kanchi - Rulers

The Pallavas of Kanchi were a powerful South Indian dynasty that ruled from the 3rd to 9th century CE, with Kanchipuram as their capital. They are known for promoting art, architecture, and learning. The Pallava of Kanchi saw several notable rulers who left a lasting impact:

• Simhavarman I: He is considered the founder of the Pallava of Kanchi and laid the initial groundwork for its growth.
• Mahendravarman I: He was a great patron of art and literature and promoted the growth of Tamil literature. He also constructed rock-cut temples, including the famous Mandagapattu cave temples.
• Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla): He was a renowned warrior king who expanded the Pallava Empire and defeated rival kingdoms. He was known for his architectural contributions, including the creation of the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram.
• Rajasimha Pallava: He is credited with constructing the Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram, which is considered a masterpiece of Pallava architecture.
• Nandivarman II: He was a patron of the arts and literature, and his reign witnessed a flourishing of cultural activities.

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Administration of the Pallava Of Kanchi

The administration of the Pallavas of Kanchi was centralized and efficient, with the king as the supreme authority. They maintained local governance through officials and village assemblies for smooth administration. The Pallava of Kanchi had a well-organised administrative system.

• King was the Sovereign, and kingship was hereditary.
• King was accompanied by a council of ministers who assisted him in various matters.
• Mandalam was the biggest unit of the Pallava kingdom, and Yuvaraja was appointed as its head by the king.
• Each Mandalam was further divided into Kottams (provinces). The king appointed officials to administer it. Tondaimandalam was divided into twenty-four kottams.
• The following administrative unit was Nadu, which consisted of several villages. Nattar was responsible for its administration.
• Oor was the smallest administrative unit, and it was under the control of the sabha, which was the village committee. The members of this sabha were known as Perumal.
• Sabhas were responsible for maintaining the record of village lands, and they kept local affairs.
• Several committees were formed within the sabha, and they were known as variyam. Each variyam was held responsible for particular works like temple administration, irrigation tanks, etc.
• The Kings of the Pallava of Kanchi maintained a well-trained army.
• Government officials were appointed to preside over the judicial system, and the king was the supreme arbiter of justice.
• Devdhana granted lands to temples, and Brahmadeya granted land to Brahmans.
• Except for the lands under Devdhana and Brahmadeya, land tax was levied on all the lands. It was collected at a rate ranging from one-sixth to one-tenth of the produce.
• Kings adopted titles such as Maharajadhiraja, Dharma Maharajadhiraja, agnistoma vape and so on.

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Society & Culture of Pallava Dynasty

One of the significant contributions of the Pallava of Kanchi to society was the Aryanisation of South India. The caste system was rigid, and Brahmins were placed high in the society. Through the Bakthi movements, Nayanmars and Alwars contributed to the rise of Saivism and Vaishnavism. There was a decline in Buddhism and Jainism.

The rulers of the Pallava of Kanchi constructed several temples belonging to Saivism and Vaishnavism. The rulers of the Pallava dynasty practised Brahmadeya, i.e. lands and villages were granted to the Brahmins. The University of Kanchi became the great centre of education during the reign of Pallavas.

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Art & Architecture of Pallava Dynasty

There was a massive transition in architectural works during the reign of the Pallava of Kanchi, from rock-cut temples to stone-built temples. The architectural works belonging to the Pallava dynasty were classified into four different styles, namely Mahendravarman style, Mammals style, Rajasimha and Nandivarman style and Aparajita style.

Mahendravarman Style (600 – 625 AD)

• Mahendravarman I introduced rock-cut temples.
• This style of architecture can be seen in Mandagapattu, Tiruchirappalli, Dalavanur, Mamandur, Seeyamangalam, Vallam, and Mahendravadi.

Mammala Style (625 – 674 AD)

• Monolithic rathas and Mandapams constructed by Narasimhavarman represent this style.
• The pancha rathas at Mamallapuram signifies five different types of temple architecture.
• Mahishasura Mardini mandapam, Varaha mandapam and Tirumurthi mandapam are some of the famous ones.

Rajasimha And Nandivarman Style (674 – 800 AD)

Rajasimha introduced structural temples made out of soft sand rocks.

• Kailasanatha temple at Kanchi 
• Shore temple at Mamallapuram 

Aparajita Style (Early 9th Century)

Later, Pallavas developed this style.

• Vaikunda Perumal temple
• Muktheeswara temple
• Matangeshwar temple

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Literature of the Pallava Dynasty

The literature of the Pallava of Kanchi flourished in both Sanskrit and Tamil, showcasing rich religious, philosophical, and poetic works. It played a key role in shaping early South Indian literary and cultural traditions. Some of the essential literature of the Pallava of Kanchi includes the following:

• Ghatika, the capital city of Kanchi , was a great centre of learning.
• Great Sanskrit scholars lived during the Pallava times
  • Bharavi – During Simhavishnu Reign
  • Dandin – During Narasimhavarman II reign
• Mattavilasa Prahasanam was a Sanskrit play written by Mahendravarman I
• Religious hymns were composed by Nayanmars and Alwars in Tamil
  • Devaram – By Nayanmars
  • Nalayradivyaprabandam – By Alwars
• Bharathavenba by Perundevanar was the Tamil translation of Mahabharata

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Fall of Pallava Dynasty

The fall of the Pallava Dynasty began in the late 8th century and became evident by the 9th century CE. Continuous wars with the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and later the rising power of the Cholas weakened the dynasty. Internal conflicts, loss of territories, and declining administrative strength further hastened their decline. The final blow came when Aditya I of the Chola Dynasty defeated Aparajitavarman, the last Pallava ruler, around 897 CE. This marked the end of Pallava rule, paving the way for Chola supremacy in South India. Despite their fall, the Pallavas left behind a lasting cultural and architectural legacy.

The Chola dynasty defeated the Pallava of Kanchi and came to an end in the early Ninth century. The various contributions made by Pallavas in literature, art and architecture marked a change in South Indian culture.

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