Brief Summary
Alright folks, this session wraps up ancient Indian history with a focus on South India. We're covering the Sangam period, Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakutas, and then diving into the Imperial Cholas. Get ready for a deep dive into Tamil literature, timelines, and key rulers.
- South Indian history can be a bit tough because of unfamiliar terms.
- Sangam literature is super important, so pay attention.
- Pallavas are known for their art and architecture, so that's key.
- Cholas built a massive empire and had a killer local governance system.
Intro
So, today's class is the last one for ancient history. After Holi, on the 6th, we'll kick off medieval Indian history. But before that, we need to cover the history of South India, including the Cheras, Cholas, Pandyas, Pallavas, and Rashtrakutas. We'll wrap it up with the Cholas and Pallavas.
Timeline of South Indian History
The history of South India starts with the Sangam period, featuring the Pandyas, Cheras, and Cholas. The Cholas weren't that powerful back then. Later, around 600 AD, we see the Pallavas and Chalukyas, followed by the Rashtrakutas. The Royal Cholas show up around 900 AD. We'll also touch on smaller states like the Gangas and Travancore, but they aren't as important.
Sangam Period: Introduction
The Sangam period is all about its literature. The Cheras were in the Malabar Coast (Kerala), the Pandyas in the Coromandel Coast (Tamil Nadu), and the Cholas mainly in northern Tamil Nadu. "Sangam" means "confluence" or "meeting," and in Tamil literature, it's called "Muchangam," a council of Tamil poets and scholars. The first person to use the word Sangam was the Saivite saint Appar. Sangam literature is secular, focusing on love and social life, with some mentions of deities.
Sangam Literature and Councils
The Sangam period had three major councils. The first and third were in Madurai, and the second in Kapatapuram. Sage Agastya presided over the first, Tolkappier over the second, and Nakkeerar over the third. Tolkappiyam, a Tamil grammar, was written during this time by Tolkappier. Information about the Sangam period comes from Ashoka's edicts, Megasthenes, and the Hathigumpha inscription. Sangam literature is divided into Puram (war) and Akam (love).
Key Aspects of Sangam Literature
Sangam refers to the council of Tamil poets, protected by the Pandya kings, who created secular literature. Three gatherings were organised: Madurai, Kapatapuram, and Madurai again. The Tamil grammar book is Tolkappiyam, written by Tolkappier. This info is in Ashoka's edicts and the Hathigumpha inscription. Sangam literature is divided into Akam (love) and Puram (war).
Sangam Literature: Five Great Epics
Tamil has five epics: Silapadikaram by Ilango Adigal, telling the story of Kovalan and Madhavi; Mani Maikhale by Sheetale Satnar, about Madhavi's daughter; Jivaka Chintamani by Tiruntaka Devar, a Jain poet; Kundalakeshi by Nag Kutnar, a Buddhist epic; and Valiyapathy. Other important works include Kural by Thiruvallur, Ahaan Noor by Rudra Sharman, and Kamban's Iramat (Tamil Ramayana) by Kamban.
Aryan Influence and Important Facts
Sages Agastya and Kandanya are credited with bringing Aryan civilization to the south. Ovaiyar and Macheliar were famous women poets during the Sangam period. Mamul Nar, a Tamil poet, mentioned the Nandas and Mauryas.
Chera, Chola, and Pandya Dynasties
The Cheras were in modern Kerala, often mentioned in Sangam literature. Their prominent ruler was Udayan Jiral, and Sen Guttuvan was known as Lalcher or Bhalacher. Their capitals were Kuruvar and Tondi. The Cholas were in northern Tamil Nadu, with Uyur and Puhar (Kaveripattinam) as key centers. Their symbol was the tiger, and Karikal Chola was an important ruler. The Pandyas were south of the Kaveri River, famous for pearls, with Madurai as their capital. Nedun Jelian was their main ruler, and their symbol was the fish.
Sangam Administration and Customs
The king was the most important figure, known by names like Vendan, Kon, Mannan, Kotravan, and Eravan. "Vat Kiru rhythm" was a custom where a king would commit suicide if he lost a battle. Mandal was the state, Perunal was the king's birthday, Ama Ichchan was the minister, and Maranam was the king's court. Nadukkal and Veerakkal were statues of martyred soldiers, Nadu was the province, and Ur meant city.
Social Terminology and Structure
There was no caste or slave system. Brahmins were the highest class, followed by the Velar (farming class). Agricultural laborers were called Shiver. Other classes included hunters, merchants (Venegar), washermen (Vanar), and fishermen (Paradawar). Videllier were singers and dancers. Widow remarriage was allowed, and educated women were called Avaiyar. Kalavu was marriage without parental consent, and Karpu was arranged marriage.
Key Terms and Social Structure
Ur means city, Nadu means province, and Maranam means the king's court. Velar refers to the farming community, and Kadesier refers to agricultural laborers. Widow remarriage was practiced, and educated women were called Avyar. Videllier were singers and dancers. Pulian refers to mats, and vinegar refers to businessmen or traders.
Important Locations and Facts
Urayur was famous for cotton textiles. Arikamedu, near Puducherry, had evidence of a Roman settlement. Kaveripattinam (Pohar) was an important port town. Other key locations include Madurai and Muziras. Land tax was 1/6th of the produce, known as Karai. The main deity was Murugan (Subramaniam), and his symbol was the rooster.
Pallavas: Introduction
The Pallavas were founded by Shah Vishnu, with Kanchipuram as their capital. Important rulers include Mahendra Varman I, Narasimha Varman I, and Nandi Varman II. The Pallavas are known for their art and culture, especially their temples.
Pallava Territory and Key Rulers
The Pallavas ruled the Coromandel region, with Kanchipuram as their capital. Saha Vishnu was the founder, and Mahabalipuram (Mamalyapuram) was a major port city. The Adivaraha Temple is located here. The great poet Bharavi wrote Kirat Arjuniyam.
Ancient Indian Ports
Key ports include Tamralipti and Chandraketugarh in Bengal, Pallur in Orissa, Ghantasala in Andhra Pradesh, Arikamedu in Puducherry, Kaveripattinam in Tamil Nadu, Muziris in Kerala, Bhaduch in Gujarat, and Sopara and Chola in Maharashtra. Tamralipti and Chandraketugarh were used for eastern trade, while Bharuch and Lothal were used for western trade.
Major Rulers and Their Contributions
Mahendra Varman I wrote Mat Vilas Prahasan, a satirical play. Narasimha Varman I, known as Vatapi Kund, defeated Pulikeshan II and built monolithic chariot temples at Mahabalipuram in the Mamalya style. Narasimha Varman II built the Kailashnath Temple in Kanchi and the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram. Dandan wrote Dashak Kumar Charitra. Nandi Varman II was elected by the public.
Chalukyas: Introduction
There were three Chalukya dynasties: the Chalukyas of Badami, the Chalukyas of Vengi, and the Chalukyas of Kalyani. The Chalukyas of Badami ruled between 550 and 750 AD, with Vatapi as their capital. Pulikeshan I is considered the real founder.
Pulikeshan II and Aihole Inscription
Pulikeshan II was the most powerful ruler, and we get information about him from the Aihole inscription written by Ravi Kirti in Sanskrit. He defeated Harshvardhan on the banks of the Narmada River.
Later Chalukya Rulers and Rashtrakuta Dynasty
Vikramaditya I defeated Narasimha Varman I and took control of Vatapi. Vikramaditya II defeated Nandivarman and took the title of Kanchikonda. Kirtivarman II was defeated by Danti Durg, who established the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
Rashtrakutas: Introduction
The Rashtrakuta dynasty was founded by Danti Durg, with Manyakheta as its capital. Key rulers include Krishna I, Dhruva, Govind III, and Amog Varsha.
Danti Durg and Krishna I
Danti Durg defeated the Chalukya king Kirtivarman and established the Rashtrakuta dynasty. He performed the Hiranyagarbha Yagya. Krishna I built the Kailash Temple at Ellora.
Later Rashtrakuta Rulers and Other Dynasties
Govind III defeated the Gurjara Pratihara ruler Nagabhatta II. Amog Varsha wrote Kaviraj Marg in Kannada. Tailab II defeated Karka and took control of the Rashtrakuta kingdom. Other dynasties include the Yadav dynasty, the Hoysalas, the Kadamba dynasty, and the Kakatiya dynasty.
Imperial Cholas: Introduction
The Imperial Cholas, also known as Uttama Cholas or Royal Cholas, built one of India's greatest empires. They expanded into the sea and had a powerful navy. Their founder was Vijayalaya.
Chola Expansion and Administration
The Cholas expanded their influence across South India and Sri Lanka. Their administration is known for its local governance.
Chola Rulers and Local Governance
Vijayalaya was the founder, and Aditya I took the title of Kodaram. Their capital was Thanjavur, and they followed Shaivism. Key rulers include Parantak I, Rajaraja I, and Rajendra I. Parantak I defeated the Pandya king and Sri Lanka. Rajaraja I built the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur. Rajendra I defeated Mahipala, the Pala ruler of Bengal, and took the title Gangai Kanchol.
Chola Administration and Society
The Chola administration included general administration, revenue administration, military administration, and local administration. Local administration was the most important feature, with three types of assemblies: Ur (village council), Sabha (assembly of senior citizens), and Nagaram (administrative assembly of trading communities). Committees were called Variyams.
South Indian Dynasties: MCQs
The session concludes with a series of MCQs covering various aspects of South Indian dynasties, including art, administration, and key rulers.
