Kalabhra dynasty facts for kids
 Possible extent of Kalabhra rule c. 400 C.E. |
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| Official languages | [Tamil] |
| Capitals | Unknown ?Kaveripoompattinam |
| Government | Monarchy |
| Preceding state | Chola, Pandya, Chera, Satavahana |
| Succeeding states | Pandya, Pallava, Chalukya |
The Kalabhra dynasty was a group of rulers who controlled the entire Tamil country in South India. They ruled for about 300 years, from the 3rd to the 6th century C.E. (which means Common Era, or after the year zero).
These rulers took over from older, well-known dynasties like the Chola, Pandya, and Chera families. Not much is known about where the Kalabhras came from or exactly how they ruled. They didn't build many monuments or leave behind many records. Most of what we know about them comes from writings by followers of Buddhist and Jain religions. Around the 7th century, the Kalabhra rule ended when the Pallava and Pandya powers became strong again.
The Mysterious Kalabhras
Hindu scholars and writers from the 7th and 8th centuries C.E. wrote very little about the Kalabhras. This was after the Pandya and Pallava dynasties had taken back control. Because of this lack of information, the time when the Kalabhras ruled is sometimes called a ‘Dark Age’. This term means a period in history where not much is known, almost like a gap in the records.
Images for kids
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8th Century Velvikudi grant that mentions Kalabhras.
