The Pandyan Kingdom was one of the three ancient kingdoms in southern India, known for its trade network and pearl fisheries, with its capital initially at Korkai before moving to Madurai. Established in the sixth century by Emperor Ka-Dungon, the kingdom often faced conflicts with the Pallavas and Cholas, leading to periods of exile. Despite a revival in the thirteenth century under Mahavarman Kulasekara, internal strife and external raids ultimately brought an end to Pandyan rule.

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History for kids
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2. One of the three ancients kingdoms in the south of India
was the Pandyan Kingdom who ruled over Tamil Nadu until
the end of the fifteenth century. Korkai, a seaport on the
southernmost tip of India was initially their capital, but then
later the capital was moved to Madurai.
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3. The Pandyan Empire was established by the Emperor Ka-dungon
defeating the clan of Kalabhras.
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in the sixth century. He ascended the throne after
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4. The Pandyas grew in strength and expanded their king-dom.
Tamil Nadu was divided between the Pallavas and the
Pandyas. The river Kaveri acted as a boundary between
the two kingdoms. The Pandyas controlled the districts
which are known as Madurai and Tirunalveli today as well
as parts of Southern Kerala.
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5. A
The Pandyas were best known for their extensive trade
network which spread as far as Rome and Greece. They
excelled in trading though the seas from Dhanushkodi, the
sea shore of Ramanathapuram, and Poompuhar, a city
which was used to trade with China, Malaysia, Maldives and
other. The Pandyas controlled the pearl fisheries along the
South Indian coast between Sri Lanka and India, producing
some of the finest pearls known.
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6. The Pandyan Kingdom was a powerful kingdom, but were
often subdued during clashes with the Pallavas and the
Cholas. This happened because as their kingdom
expanded, their neighbors, feeling threatened by them,
attacked.
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7. The Pandyas were soon overshadowed by the Cholas
during the rule of Parantaka Chola II. His son, Aditya Kari-kala
and his army went to war with Vira Pandya, defeating
him in battle. Sinhalese forces (Sri Lankan) came to the
Pandyas' rescue, but even with their help, were defeated.
The Pandyan Kings were driven out of their strongholds,
and sent to Sri Lanka, where they sought refuge. This was
the beginning of a long period in exile for the Pandyas.
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In the thirteenth century, the Cholas had become very
weak and were fast losing control of their lands. A number
of Pandyan kings helped in the revival of the Pandyas, but
it was Mahavarman Kulasekara who led this revival. But
after his death, his two sons, Sundara Pandya and Vira
Pandya fought against each other for the throne. A gen-eral
of the Delhi Sultanate took advantage of this chaos
and raided the kingdom, which brought an abrupt end to
Pandyan rule.
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