for students of BA II Sem BHU

1. BA II Sem
Pallavas of Kanchi
By
Prachi Virag Sontakke

4. Introduction
• One of the prominent dynasties of
south India.
• Rose to prominence after the decline
of Andhra Satavahanas.
• Contemporary to Chalukyas of Badami
dynasty.
• Early area of rule : Tamil Nadu.
• Patrons of language, art and
architecture.

5. Antiquity of Pallavas
• Referred to in Sangam literature text Tolkappiyam
• But not an important nor powerful dynasty during Sangam age.
• Not mentioned in Ashokan inscription 2 in context of south India.
• Prayag Prashasti mentions Vishnugopa of Kanchi.
• Early inscriptions in Prakrit and later in Sanskrit.
• Royal emblem: bull & lion.

6. Sources
• Inscriptions: Kashakkudi inscription, Mandgapatt
inscription, Kuram copper plate, Cherzala inscription,
Talguda inscription (Kadamb), Aihole Prasasti & Gadwal
inscription (Chalukya)
• Literature: Kavyamimaansa by Rajshekhar, Mahavamsha,
Accounts of Xuan Xang.
• Coins
• Art and architecture : Pallava bronzes, Mahabalipuram
Rathas & Mandapas, Baikunthperumal temple, Shore
temple, Kailashnath temple etc.

7. Mandgapattu inscription

26. Origin of Pallavas
Origin
Theory
Foreign
origin
Mix
origin
Indian
origin

27. Origin of Pallavas: Foreign origin Theory 1 A
• Theory: Sri Lanka as original homeland
• View propounded by : C.R.Mudaliyar, M.S.Ramaswami Aiyangar
• View: Sri Lankan Tamils.
• Analysis : Evidence ?
• Conclusion: Unacceptable view.

30. Origin of Guptas: Foreign origin Theory 1 B
• Theory: Parthian origin
• View propounded by : Dubrail , Heras
• Basis: 1. Related to Pahlava Suvishakh of Junagarh inscription.
2. Depiction in Baikunthaperumal temple.
3. Depiction of sun & moon on Pallava coins.
• Analysis : 1.Kavyamimansa mentions Pallava and Pahlava as two different tribes.
2. Name Suvishakha doesn’t figure in Pallava geneology.
• Conclusion: Unacceptable view.

31. Origin of Pallavas: Foreign origin Theory 1 C
• Theory: Persian origin
• View propounded by : S.Aiyangar
• Basis: 1. . Original name = Tiraiyar = Persian
• Analysis : Evidence ?
• Conclusion: Unacceptable view.

32. Origin : Theory 2- Mix origin
• Theory: Initially from Srilanka. Indianised foreigners
• View propounded by : V.A.Smith
• Basis: ?
• Conclusion: Unacceptable view.

33. Origin of Pallavas: Theory 3- Indian origin
• Theory 3A: Related to Vakatakas
• View propounded by : K.P.Jayaswal
• Basis : ?
• Analysis : Gotra of Vakatakas & Pallavas
different
• Conclusion: Unacceptable view.

34. Indian origin
• Theory 3B: Palad/Pulind related to Kurumb tribe of Tondamandalam
• View propounded by : D.C.Sircar
• Basis : Ashokan inscription
• Conclusion: No evidence to substanciate the claim of relation
between Palad and Pallava.

35. Indian origin
• Theory 3C: Andhra Pradesh
• View propounded by : R.Gopalan, C.Meenakshi
• Basis : Early inscriptions from Andhra Pradesh
• Conclusion: Unacceptable view.

36. Indian origin
• Theory 3D: Tamil Paal-Avil. Named their kingdom as Paalvan.
• View propounded by : Alexander Rhea
• Basis : Phonetic similarity
• Conclusion: No evidence to substanciate the claim of relation
between Paal Avil and Pallava.

37. Indian origin
• Theory 3E: Related to Shalankayan of Vengi.
• View propounded by : T.V.Mahalingam
• Basis : ?
• Analysis : Gotra of & Shalankayan & Pallavas different
• Conclusion: Unacceptable view.

38. Indian origin
• Theory 3F: North India
• View propounded by : K.A.N.Shashtri
• Basis : ?
• Analysis: Early inscriptions between Krishna & Godavari.
• Conclusion: Unacceptable view.

39. Indian origin
• Theory 3C: Originial homeland = Tamil Nadu.
• View propounded by : S.K.Aiyangar, R.R.Aiyangar
• Basis : Sangam Literature - Manimekhalai
• Analysis : Probable

40. Origin : conclusion
• Original homeland : South India.
• Early inscriptions between Krishna & Godavari.
• Established independent kingdom in Tondamandalam.
• Later made Kanchi their seat of power.
• Address themselves as Brahmins of Bharadwaj gotra & descendants
of Ashvatthama.
• Talgunda inscription : Called Pallavas as Kshatriyas.

41. Early rulers
• Many names of kings available.
• Details of their reign : Unknown.
• Early inscriptions only provide regnal years of kings
• Difficult to ascribe chronological construct.
• Chronology on the basis of script & language of inscriptions.
• Early inscriptions in Prakrit language. Later in Sanskrit.
• Issued copper coins with ship depiction on reverse (imitation of
Satavahana coins).

42. Early Pallava rulers
(As known from
Prakrit inscriptions)
Simhavarman
Shivaskandavarman
Skandavarman
Vishnugopa
Buddhavarman
Budhyaankur

43. Early Pallava rulers
(As known from
Sanskrit
inscriptions)
Vishnugopa
Kumarvishnu I
Buddhavarman
Kumarvishnu II
Skandavarman II
Simhavarman
Skandvarman III
Nandivarman I
Shantivarman Chodaganga
Simhavarman

44. Simhavaraman
• Known from his Inscriptions recovered from Guntur.
• Inscriptions record his instructions to his governors in Andhra.
• D.C.Sircar : He was probably father of Shivaskandavarman.
• T.V.Mahalingam : reigned from c.315-45 CE.
• D.C.Sircar : Last part of third century CE.
• K.A.N.Shashtri : reigned from c.275-300 CE

45. Shivaskandavarman
• A Pallava inscription : called Yuvamaharaja and of Bharadwaj gotra.
• Hirhadgalli inscription: Issued from Kanchi. Calls him Dharmamaharaja.
• Hirhadgalli inscription: Performed Ashwamedha, Vajpaye and Agnishtom
yajnas.
• Probably was an independent powerful ruler.
• His kingdom included region between Krishna-Godavari, Kuntal. Southern
boundary = Bellary.
• D.C.Sircar : He ruled somewhere around first half of 4th cent CE.

46. Skandavarman
• British Museum inscription: mentions his name as issuer.
• T.V.Mahalingam + K.A.N.Shastri + D.C.Sircar : Shivaskandavarman &
Skandavarman are one and same ruler.
• British Museum inscription: Also refers to Yuvaraj Buddhvarman and
Buddhyankur.
• Probably, they were his sons.
• Not clear if they were independent or not.

47. Vishnugopa
• Contemporary of Samudragupta.
• Prayag Prashasti: Samudragupta defeated Vishugopa of Kanchi.
• Dubrail: A federation of south Indian kings fought Samudragupta
under the leadership of Vishnugopa.
• Some scholars: Pallavas suffered greatly due to this defeat.
• Reign: c.340-350 CE.

48. Succession
• Names of 8 kings mentioned between Vishnugopa and Simhavarman.
• They ruled for 8 years in total.
• History of Pallavas during this duration: hazy.
• Some of them even tried to branch off and establish their own kingdoms.
• Some scholars: Kumarvishnu I tried to reacquire kanchi after Vishnugopa’s
defeat at the hands of Samudragupta.
• Not clear if he took Kanchi from his familial competitors or outsiders like
Cholas.

49. Simhavarman I (c.436-458CE)
• Issued certain royal decrees not from Kanchi but from military camps at Pikir,
Dashpur, Palakkad.
• Some scholars: during his reign, Kanchi was under Cholas Established Gang king
Aayyvarman on Gang throne.
• Skandavarman performed coronation for son of Ganga king Aayyvarman.
• Jain text Lokavibhaaga: written during his reign.
• Succeeded by: Skandavaraman III, Nandivarman I, Shantivarman & Simhavarman II
who probably ruled during 458-500 CE
• Shantivarman performed coronation for a king of a branch of Kadambas.

50. Imperial Pallavas to be studied as per syllabus

51. Imperial Pallavas: Simhavishnu (575-600 CE)
• S/O simhavarman II.
• With his accession all the haze pertaining to Pallava history clears.
• Mattavilaasaprahasana: showers excessive praises unto him.
• Kashaakkudi inscription: Victory over Kalabhras,Malvas,Cholas,Pandyas,Keralas &
Simhala.
• After defeating Cholas he acquired kaveri river valley in his empire.
• T.V.Mahalingam: He fought with western Ganga king Durvineeta.
• Extension of empire: Madras to Kumbhakonam
• Title: Avanisimha.
• Vaishnavite.
• Patron of art & architecture.
• Constructed Adi Varaha temple at Mamallapuram.
• Temple houses his sculpture along with his consorts.

52. Sihmavishnu
with his
consorts

53. Mahendravarman I
(c.600-640CE)
• One of the greatest Pallava kings.
• Patron of arts and culture.
• Contemporary powers: Chalukyas of
Badami and Pandyas of Madura
• Initiated imperialistic campaigns.

55. Mahendravaraman I & Chalukyas
• Cherzala inscription: Guntur in A.P. under Pallavas.
• Between 610-616CE: Pulkesin II acquired Guntur.
• Bana samant of Chalukyas changed his allegiance.
• Aihole Prashasti: Pulkesin II attacked Pallavas and destroyed the pride of
Pallavapati
• Pallavapati = Mahendravaraman I
• T.V.Mahalingam: doesn’t agree.
• Forced Mahendravarman I to take shelter in Kanchi.
• A complete success : Annexed the northern part of the Pallava kingdom.

56. Other victories
• Kashakkudi inscription: Mahendravarman I defeated his main enemies at
Pulleloor.
• Some : Main enemy = Pulkesin II ?
• N.Subramanyam: Enemies = western Gangas.
• Velupaalaiyyam inscription: Victory over Telugu Chodas.
• Got Tanjore?
• T.V.Mahalingam: Defeated Telugu Choda king and his supporters who had
acquired Kanchi.
• Acquired Kaveri valley from Cholas.
• Later lost it during Pulkesin II’s attack

57. Extent of empire
• North: Krishna river,
including Guntur and
Nellore.
• Tiruchilapalli
Inscription: Southern
boundaries of Pallavas
= Kaveri river.

58. Literary accomplishments
• Patron of literature and music.
• Wrote Satires: Mattavilasprahasana,
Bhagvadajjukiyam.
• V. Pathak: Bhaarvi & Dandin in his court.
• Kiraatarjuniyam, Dashkumarcharita.
• Wrote book on Painting: Dakshina chitra.
• Title: Chitrakaalppuli
• Tiruchirapalli inscription: He painted Nataraj in
temple
• At his urging, a Sanskrit inscription relating to music
was written down.

59. Architectural accomplishments
• Initiated mandapa style of temple architecture in Tamil nadu.
• Madapa = A rock cut style of temple architecture.
• Mandgapatta inscription: अतद्निष्टक
ं द्रं(मलो)-हमसरधं (विचित्रचि)त्तेि
निम्मवपितन्न्रपे(ण) ब्रह्मोश्िरविष्णरल(क्षि)तायिं
• Vichitrachitta erected monolithic temples for Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh which were devoid of
brick, mortar, wood & metal.
• Tiruchilapalli inscription: Gunabhara a worshipper of Shivalingas.
• Remains of temples made by him in Tiruchirapalli, Vallam, Mahendravadi etc.
• Constructed ponds at Mahendravadi & Chitramegha.
• Took title of Chetthakaari

60. Mahendravadi temple Mandgapatta temple

61. Religious affiliation
• Initially a Jain, intolerant of other religions?
• Periyapuranam: Under the influence of Saint Appar, Pallavapati
became a Shaivite.
• Most scholars: Pallavapati = Mahendravaraman I
• T.V.Mahalingam: Does not agree.
• Periyapuranam: After this change of faith, he demolished Jain
viharas in Kaddalor and constructed a Shaiv temple from their
remains.
• Time of growth of Bhakti movement in south India.
• Surge in Vaishnavite - Shaivite sect worshippers.

62. Sittanavasal Cave

63. Titles
• Mattavilaasa.
• Gunbhara
• Vichitrachitta
• Lalitaankur
• Kalahpyiya
• Chetthakaari
• Chitrakaarappuli
• Shatrumalla
• Avanibhajan
• Lalitaankur
• Mahendravikarm
• Sankirnajaati
• Aluptkaam

64. Coins
• 2 coins recovered.
• One of Ag, other of Cu.
• Depiction of bull.
• Script: Granth
• Title: Lakshit

65. Narsimhavaraman I (c.640-668CE)
• Greatest amongst Pallava kings.
• Pallavas became super power during his reign.
• Strengthened Pallava economy.
• Contribution to Temple architecture in South India.
• Qualified General and an Able administrator
• Also known by his title Mamalla.

66. Narsimhavarman I & Chalukyas: Stage I
• Mahalingam: Pulkesin II attacked Pallavas again in 641-642 CE.
• Reason for attack?
• Accompanied by his brother Vishnuvardhan who was governor of Vengi.
• Pallava inscriptions: Battles fought at Periyal, Manimangalam, Shoormaar
• No Chalukyan inscriptions refers to these battles.
• Pallava armies led by commander Shirutonda amassed huge exploits of war.
• Conquered Vatapi in 642 CE. Pulkesin II was killed.
• Kuram Copper plate: परलक
े शि पृष्ठपट्टशलखित विजयािरस्य
• Kashakkudi inscription: Narsimhavarman I terrified & destroyed Vatapi.
• Erected a victory pillar at Mallikarjun temple.
• Narsimhavarman took the title ‘Vatapikonda’ to celebrate this victory.
• Chalukyas lost control of many areas including Vatapi for many years to come.

67. Narsimhavarman I & Chalukyas: Stage II
• Honnoor inscription: Vikramadity’s camp near Kanchi.
• Gadwal inscription + Savarur inscription: Srivallabha defeated Narsimha, Mahendra & Ishwar & occupied
Kanchi.
• Karnool inscription: Defeated ‘अिनिपनतत्रत्रतय ’
• Fleet + K.V.Ramesh: अिनिपनतत्रत्रतय = Pallava kings Narsimhavarman I, Mahendravarman II,
Parmeshwarvarman.
• Alam inscription: Pallava king worshipped the feet of Vikramaditya I
• Took the title Rajmalla after defeating Narsimhavarman I.
• S.M.Mishra: Helped by his maternal grandfather Durvineet of Ganga dynasty.
• Date: Sometime after 655CE

68. Aftermath of Chalukya victory
• No permanent effect on Pallava kingdom.
• Pallavas recovered soon.
• Narsimhavarman even won Srilanka by his navy.

69. Narsimhavarman I & Srilanka
• Friendly relations with Simhala king Maanvaraman.
• Mahavamsa: Gave refuge to Maanvarman in time of distress in 640 CE.
• Manvarman became favourite of Narsimha by his actions.
• Called his wife from Srilanka to Pallava kingdom & had 2 daughters there.
• Participated in battle against Pulkesin II.
• Narsimha felt happy and obliged: decided to help him in getting throne back.
• Sent Pallava army with Manavarman to Srilanka. Initial success but he had to come back.
• Narsimhavarman himself send off Maravarman from Mahabalipuram port with even
stronger army than before.
• Story of narsimhavarman’s diplomacy.
• Conclusive victory of Maravarmana. Competitor killed.
• Kashaludi inscription: Narsimha compared to Sri Rama who won Lanka.

70. Cultural accomplishments
• Mamalla style of architecture.
• Development of Simha stambha.
• V.Venkaiyya: Port of Mahabalipuram & Sapta
rathas established during Narsimhavarman I’s
reign.
• Xuan Xang: Visited Kanchi & Tondamandalam.
Presence of Theravada Buddhism.
• Xuan Xang: Facmous teacher at Nalanda
university, Dharampala was from Kanchi.

71. Conclusion
• Pallavas: An important chapter in history of south India.
• Ambitious, powerful rulers.
• India’s hold in Srilanka.
• A period of cultural prosperity.
• Established Kanchi as seat of their power.
• Legacy: Development of temple architecture in south India.
• Patronage to language and literature.