Pallavas
Pallavas
Controversy about Origin
Parthian Connection- According to one school, they were a branch of Parthians. But there is no evidence for the migration of the Parthians into the south.
Vakataka Connection- Another school opines that the Pallavas were a branch of the Brahmin royal dynasty of the Vakatakas at the Deccan. But here again, there is no direct evidence of any connection between the Vakatakas and the Pallavas.
Indigenous Origin- The third school maintains that it was an indigenous dynasty and rose to power after the dismemberment of the Ikshvaku kingdom. In other words, they were the indigenous Nagas.
So, the Pallavas were possibly a local tribe who established their authority in the Tondainadu or the land of creepers.
Political History
Simhavishnu (560-590 A.D.)- He is considered the first important Pallava ruler, through Pallava existed even during the time of Samudra Gupta's invasion of south India. He is credited with capturing the territory of the Cholas and humiliating his other southern neighbor including Ceylon. He followed Vaishnavism, as is evident from archaeological evidence.
Mahendravarman-I (590-630 A.D.)- During his reign began the long-drawn-out struggle between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas. He was defeated by Pulkesin-II and a part of his kingdom was occupied.
Narasimhavarman-I (630-668 A.D.)- He is considered the greatest of the Pallavas rulers. He is credited with repelling the second invasion of Pulakesin-II, killing him, and capturing the Chalukyan capital, Badami. Hence, he assumed the title of 'Vatapikonda'. He is also said to have defeated the Cholas, the Cheras, and the Pandyas, thus becoming supreme in south India.
Mahendravarman-II (668-670 A.D.)- He ruled for a very short period since he was killed by Chalukya king, Vikramaditya-I (Son of Pulakesin -II).
Parmesvaravarman-II (670-700 A.D.)- He also had to face the invading forces of Vikramaditya-I, but finally succeeded in defeating and driving them back after repeated efforts.
Narasimhavarman-II (700-728 A.D.)- His rule, however, is marked by peace and prosperity, literary activity, and the construction of large and beautiful temples like the Shore temple at Mamallapuram and the Kailasanath temple at Kanchi. He is also said to have sent embassies to China, and maritime trade flourished during his reign.
Parameswaran-II (728-731 A.D.)- The Pallavas kingdom again had to face defeat and humiliation during his reign. The Chalukya, Vikramaditya-II attacked the Pallava capital. Parmesvaravarman had to conclude a humiliating treaty with him. When the Pallava ruler tried to retaliate, he was killed by the Ganga ally of the Chalukyas.
Nandivarman-II (731-796 A.D.)- The Chalukya, Vikramaditya-II again invaded and captured the Pallava capital during his reign. But Vikramaditya, this time, showed consideration and restraint in treating the vanquished, the only instance of restraint in the whole of the suicidal, Chalukya Pallava conflict, and withdrew from Kanchi without destroying it. However, Nandi soon strengthened himself and defeated the Chalukya ally, the Gangas.
Successors- Successors to Nandivarman-II were Dantivarman (796-847 A.D.), Nandivarman-III (847-869 A.D.), Naripatunga (869-99 A.D.) and Aparajita (899-903 A.D.). The last nail in the coffin was driven by Aditya Chola by defeating Aparajita; Pallavas towards the end of the ninth century A.D. However, the Pallavas chiefs continued to exist till the end of the 13th century A.D. as feudatories.
See also...
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