Pallava dynasty facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pallava Empire
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| 275 CE–897 CE | |||||||||||||
Pallava territories during Narasimhavarman I c. 645. This includes the Chalukya territories occupied by the Pallavas.
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| Status | Dynasty | ||||||||||||
| Capital | Kanchipuram | ||||||||||||
| Common languages | Prakrit, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu | ||||||||||||
| Religion | Hinduism | ||||||||||||
| Government | Monarchy | ||||||||||||
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• 275–300
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Simhavarman I | ||||||||||||
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• 882–897
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Aparajitavarman | ||||||||||||
| Historical era | Classical India | ||||||||||||
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• Established
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275 CE | ||||||||||||
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• Disestablished
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897 CE | ||||||||||||
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| Today part of | India Sri Lanka |
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The Pallavas were a powerful ancient kingdom, or dynasty, that ruled parts of South India for many centuries. They became very important in the region of Tamil Nadu during the 7th century. Two of their most famous rulers were Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I.
Before the 2nd century, the Pallavas were not a major power. But after another kingdom, the Satavahanas, declined, the Pallavas started to gain control. They took over areas in Andhra and the Tamil country. The Pallava kingdom was strongest during the time of Narasimhavarman I and later Pallavamalla Nandivarman II. They left behind amazing temples and art.
Contents
The Rise of the Pallavas
The Pallava dynasty began to grow in power around the 3rd century CE. They slowly expanded their control over different parts of South India. Their capital city was Kanchipuram, which became a very important center for learning and religion.
For a long time, the Pallavas were known for their strong army. They often fought with other kingdoms, like the Chalukyas, to protect and expand their land. These battles shaped the history of South India for hundreds of years.
Famous Pallava Rulers
Some Pallava kings were especially important for their achievements. They helped the kingdom grow and created lasting legacies.
Mahendravarman I: A King of Arts
Mahendravarman I ruled from around 600 to 630 CE. He was not just a warrior but also a great patron of art and architecture. He loved building temples and encouraged different forms of art.
He introduced a new style of rock-cut architecture. This meant carving temples directly out of large rocks. He also wrote plays and was interested in music. His reign marked a golden age for culture in the Pallava kingdom.
Narasimhavarman I: The Great Warrior and Builder
Narasimhavarman I, also known as Mamalla, ruled after his father Mahendravarman I. His reign was from about 630 to 668 CE. He was one of the most powerful Pallava kings.
Narasimhavarman I was a skilled military leader. He defeated the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II, who had been a strong enemy. He even captured the Chalukya capital city of Vatapi.
He is also famous for building the amazing monuments at Mamallapuram. These include the unique rock-cut temples called Rathas and beautiful sculptures. Many of these structures are carved from a single stone.
Nandivarman II: A Period of Stability
Pallavamalla Nandivarman II ruled much later, from 731 to 796 CE. His reign was a time of peace and stability for the Pallava kingdom. He also continued the tradition of building temples.
Nandivarman II was a devoted follower of the Hindu god Vishnu. He built many temples dedicated to Vishnu. His rule helped the Pallava kingdom remain strong for a longer time.
Pallava Art and Architecture
The Pallavas are most famous for their incredible contributions to art and architecture. They developed a unique style that influenced later kingdoms in South India.
They built many temples, both rock-cut and structural. Rock-cut temples were carved out of huge rocks, while structural temples were built using blocks of stone.
The Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram is a famous example of a structural temple built by the Pallavas. It is known for its beautiful carvings and grand design. The monuments at Mamallapuram are also masterpieces of Pallava art.
Decline of the Pallavas
After centuries of power, the Pallava kingdom slowly began to decline. They faced constant wars with other rising kingdoms, especially the Cholas and the Rashtrakutas.
By the end of the 9th century, the Chola dynasty became very powerful. They eventually defeated the last Pallava king, Aparajitavarman, around 897 CE. This marked the end of the great Pallava rule.
Even though their kingdom ended, the Pallavas left a lasting mark on Indian history. Their art, architecture, and culture continue to inspire people today.
Images for kids
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Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, 685–705
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Coin of the Pallavas of Coromandel, king Narasimhavarman I. (630-668 AD).Obv Lion left Rev Name of Narasimhavarman with solar and lunar symbols around.
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The rock-cut temples at Mamallapuram constructed during the reign of Narasimhavarman I
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Elephant carved out of a single-stone
See also
In Spanish: Dinastía Pallava para niños
