2.Pandiyas -Tamil
The Pandyan dynasty, also referred to as the Pandyas of Madurai, was an ancient Tamil dynasty of South India, and among the three great kingdoms of Tamilakam, the other two being the Cholas and the Cheras.
Existing since at least the 4th to 3rd centuries BCE, the dynasty passed through two periods of imperial dominance, the 6th to 10th centuries CE, and under the 'Later Pandyas' (13th to 14th centuries CE).
The Pandyas ruled extensive territories, at times including regions of present-day South India and northern Sri Lanka through vassal states subject to Madurai.
The rulers of the three Tamil dynasties were referred to as the "three crowned rulers (the mu-ventar) of the Tamil country". The origin and the timeline of the Pandya dynasty are difficult to establish. The early Pandya chieftains ruled their country (Pandya Nadu) from the ancient period, which included the inland city of Madurai and the southern port of Korkai.
The Pandyan dynasty, also referred to as the Pandyas of Madurai, was an ancient Tamil dynasty of South India, and among the three great kingdoms of Tamilakam, the other two being the Cholas and the Cheras. Existing since at least the 4th to 3rd centuries BCE, the dynasty passed through two periods of imperial dominance, the 6th to 10th centuries CE, and under the 'Later Pandyas' (13th to 14th centuries CE). The Pandyas ruled extensive territories, at times including regions of present-day South India and northern Sri Lanka through vassal states subject to Madurai.
The rulers of the three Tamil dynasties were referred to as the "three crowned rulers (the mu-ventar) of the Tamil country". The origin and the timeline of the Pandya dynasty are difficult to establish. The early Pandya chieftains ruled their country (Pandya Nadu) from the ancient period, which included the inland city of Madurai and the southern port of Korkai
Sangam literature
Pandyas are mentioned in Sangam literature (c. 100 – 200 C.E.) as well as by Greek and Roman sources during this period. Various Pandyan kings are mentioned in a number of poems in the Sangam literature. Among them, Nedunjeliyan ("the victor of Talaiyalanganam"), Nedunjeliyan ("the conqueror of the Aryan army"), and Mudukudimi Peruvaludi ("of several sacrifices") deserve special mention.
During their history the Pandyas were repeatedly in conflict with the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Hoysalas, and finally the Muslim invaders from the Delhi Sultanate. Nonetheless, they also gave peace and stability to the southern plains of India for many centuries. In the end, they could not compete with the Muslim Delhi Sultanate as it pushed south, and lost power in the sixteenth century. Within a century, the British East India Company had started its operations and by the end of the eighteenth century this part of India was part of British India.
First empire
After the close of the Sangam age, the first Pandyan empire was established by Kadungon defeating the Kalabhras in the sixth century. The following is a chronological list of the Pandyan emperors based on an inscription found on the Vaigai riverbeds.
Kadungon (560 – 590)
Maravarman Avani Culamani (590 – 620)
Cezhiyan Cendan (620 – 640)
Under the Cholas
The Chola domination of the Tamil country began in earnest during the reign of Parantaka Chola II. Cholan armies led by Aditya Karikala, son of Parantaka Chola II, defeated Vira Pandya in battle. The Pandyas were assisted by the Sinhalese forces of Mahinda IV. The Pandyas were driven out of their territories and had to seek refuge on the island of Sri Lanka.
Pandyan revival
The thirteenth century was the greatest period in the history of the Pandyan Empire. Their power reached its zenith under Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan in the middle of the thirteenth century. The foundation for such a great empire was laid by Maravarman Sundara Pandya early in the thirteenth century.
Maravarman Sundara Pandya (1216 – 1238)
Sundaravaramban Kulasekaran II (1238 – 1240)
Maaravaramban Sundara Pandyan II (1241 – 1251)
Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan (1251 – 1268)
Maaravaramban Kulasekara Pandyan I (1268 – 1311)
Sundara Pandyan IV (1309 – 1327)
Vira Pandyan IV (1309 – 1345)
Religion
The Madurai Meenakshi temple, a Shiva temple, was originally built by the Pandyan kings in the twelfth century.
Historically Madurai was a stronghold of Shaivism. Following the invasion of Kalabhras, Jainism gained a foothold in the Pandyan kingdom. With the advent of Bhakti movements, Saivism and Vaishnavism resurfaced. The latter-day Pandyas after 600 C.E. were Saivites who claimed to descend from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The 13th century is the greatest period in the history of the Pandyan Empire. Their power reached its zenith under Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan in the middle of the 13th century. The foundation for such a great empire was laid by Maravarman Sundara Pandya early in the 13th century.
The beginning of the 13th century, the Chola dynasty became extinct and it gave way to Pandyan supremacy.
The Pandiyan regime was short-lived. When the Pandyan Kingdom was in civil war, the muslim ruler Ala-Ud-Din Khiliji, the Sultan of Delhi, took advantage of it and overpowered the Pandyas. Thanjavur then came under the muslim rulers.
The Muslim drive south from their stronghold in Delhi in the north followed by the British and other Europeans, especially the French with whom they competed—the Pandyan kingdom could not survive. The Muslim conquest was followed by incorporation within the Vijayanagar Empire, then into the British Empire, and eventually by the emergence of India as an independent state in 1947. The ancient kingdom of the Pandyans is now largely within the state of Tamil Nadu.
3 THE CHOLAS
The ancient capital of Cholas was Palayarai.
Vijayalaya revived the Chola Empire in the 9th century AD. He took the title of Narkesari and established the capital at Tanjore.
Aditya Chola defeated the Pallava king Aparajit, captured Tondamandalam and took the title of ‘Madurai Honda’. He built a Shiva temple at Tanjore.
Parantaka I established his authority over the North-Eastern part of Sri-Lanka. His copper-plate inscription informs us about the administration of the Cholas.
Rajaraja I (AD 985-1014) attacked Sri Lanka. He permitted the Shailendra king to build the Churamani Buddhist Vihara at Nagapattinam. He himself built the Rajarajeshwara temple (Saiva temple) at Tanjore. He is known as Rajaraja – The Great in history.
Rajendra I (AD 1014-1044) conquered complete Sri Lanka and made Anuradhapura as his capital.
He defeated the Pala king Mahipala and took the title of Gangaikonda Cholan Lake and the city of Gangaikonda Cholapuram. He won the Java, Sumatra and Malaya areas from the Shailendra king.
Rajendra III was the last king of the dynasty.
Other Aspects of the Cholas
Administration: The Chola empire was divided into mandals and then into valadus. The most important feats of the Chola administration was the local-self Government. Each village was divided into 30 wards. Several committees were constituted under the Gram Sabha for various purposes.
Cholas maintained a strong navy. Kasu or Kalanju was their gold coin.
Literature Bentak Madhav wrote commentary on Rig Veda in this period.
Jayanodar wrote Phalingtuparni and Shekilar wrote Periyapuranam in the court of Kulottunga I.
Kamban, Kuttana and Pugalendi were considered as three gems of Tamil Poetry. Kamban wrote Ramavataram and Kamba Ramayana.
Architecture: The dancing figure of Shiva called Nataraja was made during the Chola period.
The Chola style of architecture is called Dravida style in the temples, the vimana or the tall pyramid tower dominating the whole structure of the shrine. Gopurams and Garbhagriha are the two other important structures.
The best specimens of the temples are Vijayala - Choleshwar and the Nageshwar Koranganatha temple.
CHOLA TEMPLES
The Chola dynasty, known for its extensive influence and achievements in South India, left a significant mark on history.
Here are ten important points about the Cholas:
Dynastic Origins: The Chola dynasty claimed descent from the sun god Surya and traced its lineage back to the legendary Manu Neeti Chola, establishing its authority in present-day Tamil Nadu.
Expansion of Territory: Under Rajaraja Chola I ( 985-1014) and his son Rajendra Chola I (1014-1044), the Chola Empire expanded significantly, encompassing most of South India, parts of Sri Lanka, and even extended maritime influence to Southeast Asia.
Administrative Excellence: The Cholas were renowned for their efficient administrative system, which included a well-organised bureaucracy, revenue administration, and local self-government through village assemblies known as Sabha and Ur.
Temple Architecture: They made remarkable contributions to temple architecture, with the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, built by Rajaraja Chola I, in 1010 AD ,being a prime example of their grandeur and engineering prowess.
Naval Power: The Cholas developed a formidable naval force that dominated the Bay of Bengal and conducted extensive trade with Southeast Asian countries, contributing to the spread of Indian culture abroad.
Cultural Patronage: They were great patrons of literature, art, and music, with Tamil literature flourishing under their rule. Notable literary works like the epic "Silappatikaram" and the "Tirukkural" were composed during this period.
Legal and Social Structure: The Cholas contributed significantly to the development of legal codes, known as the "Dharmasastras," which regulated social and legal norms within their realm.
Maritime Expeditions: Rajendra Chola I's naval expeditions (known as the "Maha-rajadhiraja Naval Expedition") to Southeast Asia, particularly to places like Srivijaya and Java, enhanced Chola influence and trade networks.
Decline and Successors: The later Chola rulers faced challenges from the Pandyas and the Hoysalas, leading to a gradual decline in their power by the 13th century. The empire eventually fragmented, and their successors, the Chera and Pandya dynasties, emerged in South India.
Legacy: Despite their eventual decline, the Cholas left an enduring legacy in Indian history through their contributions to art, architecture, literature, and administration, influencing subsequent dynasties and shaping Tamil culture.
These points highlight the Chola dynasty's significance in South Indian history, showcasing their achievements and lasting impact on the region's cultural and political landscape
