New Epigraphic Discoveries by ASI in Pudukkottai

• Founded by: Vijayalaya
• The reign of the Cholas began in the 9th century when they defeated the Pallavas to come into power.
• This rule stretched over for over five long centuries until the 13th century. This magnificence lasted until the arrival of the Pandyas in the early 13th century.
• Location: Fertile Kaveri River delta (present-day Indian state of Tamil Nadu)
• Reach: The Chola Dynasty, at its height in the eleventh century, ruled much of south India and as far as Sri Lanka and the Maldive Islands. Diplomatic missions reached Burma (Myanmar), Malaysia, and China.

Pandya Dynasty

• The Pandyas were one of the three ancient Tamil kingdoms (with Cholas and Cheras), known collectively as the Muvendar. Their capital was Madurai, and their port Korkai facilitated trade with the Graeco-Roman world.
• Phases of the Pandya Dynasty
  • Early Pandyas (4th century BCE – 3rd century CE)
    • Mentioned in Sangam literature: Purananuru, Akananuru, Mathuraikkanci.
    • Known for maritime trade with the Roman Empire (Pliny, Strabo, Periplus).
    • Promoted Tamil literature, classical music, dance, and Shaivism.
    • Capital: Madurai.
    • Declined due to pressure from Cholas, Cheras, and internal weakness.
• Medieval Pandyas (6th century CE – 14th century CE)

• • Rise marked by revival under Kadungon, who expelled the Kalabhras.
  • Major rulers:
    • • Maravarman Avani Culamani – Patron of Tamil revival.
      • Varagunavarman I – Patron of Sanskrit and Tamil.
    • Conflict and rivalry with Cholas, Cheras, Pallavas.
    • Significant territorial control across Tamil Nadu and parts of Kerala.
    • Strong support for Tamil poetry, architecture, and temple patronage.
• Later Pandyas (14th – 16th century CE)
  • Notable rulers:
    • Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan – Strong resurgence.
    • Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan – Expanded influence.
    • Jatavarman Veerapandiyan – Fought against Alauddin Khilji.
  • Decline began due to Delhi Sultanate invasions and ended with defeat by the Vijayanagara Empire.
• Administration of the Pandyas: It was decentralized; regions ruled by Palaiyakkarar (Poligars). Important officials:
  • Yuvaraja – Heir and administrator.
  • Manradiar – Chief Minister.
  • Amatya – Finance.
  • Duta – Diplomacy.
  • Maha Samanta – Military commander.
  • Velir – Nobility.
• Revenue: Based on land tax and trade levies.
• Justice: Courts were led by Nyayakarars, based on Dharmashastras.
• Architecture and Cultural Contributions: They followed Dravidian architectural style:
  • Gopurams (temple towers), mandapas, and sculpted pillars.
  • Examples: Meenakshi Temple, Kallalagar Temple, Alagar Koyil.
  • They built rock-cut cave temples and temple tanks and encouraged both Shaivism and Vaishnavism.
• Decline of the Pandya Dynasty
  • Internal reasons: Dynastic disputes, weak rulers, factionalism.
  • External pressures: Defeats by Cholas, Hoysalas, Delhi Sultanate. Final blow by Vijayanagara rulers in 16th century.
  • Later periods saw gradual absorption into colonial and regional empires.