Pallavas (6th – 9th Century CE)
The Pallavas (6th–9th century CE) were one of the most influential dynasties of South India, ruling with Kanchipuram as their capital. They played a crucial role in shaping the political, cultural, and architectural history of the region. Known both for their military conquests and patronage of art, literature, and religion, the Pallavas laid the foundation for Dravidian temple architecture, which continues to flourish in South India to this day. Their legacy is not only preserved in inscriptions and texts but also immortalized in the monumental temples of Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram, many of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Simhavishnu
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Founder of the dynasty.
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Assumed the title Avanisimha.
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He was a Vaishnavite.
Mahendravarman I
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Under the influence of Saint Thirunavukkarasar (Appar), he abandoned Jainism and embraced Shaivism.
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Authored a Sanskrit farce called Mattavilasa Prahasana.
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Took several titles: Gunabhadra, Mattavilasa, Vichitrachitra, Chittakarapuli, Shatrumalla.
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Died in 630 CE in the Battle of Pullalur, fighting against Pulakeshin II of Badami Chalukyas.
Narasimhavarman I
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During his reign, the Chinese traveler Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) visited Kanchipuram.
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Assumed the titles Vatapikonda (Conqueror of Vatapi) and Mahamalla / Mahabali.
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Founded the new city of Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram).
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In 642 CE, he defeated and killed Pulakeshin II in the Battle of Manimangala.
Mahendravarman II
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Ruled only for two years.
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Killed by Vikramaditya I of the Badami Chalukyas.
Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha)
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Known by titles Rajasimha and Agamapriya.
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Sent an embassy to China to promote bilateral trade.
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The Dravidian style of temple architecture began during his reign.
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Built several Ghatikas (educational institutions attached to Hindu temples where Vedic studies were taught).
Nandivarman II
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A Vaishnavite (only Simhavishnu and Nandivarman II were Vaishnavites among the Pallavas; others were Shaivites).
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Performed the Ashvamedha sacrifice.
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Defeated the Ganga king Sripurusha and seized a diamond called Ugrodaya.
Aparajitavarman
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The last ruler of the Pallava dynasty.
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Defeated and killed by Aditya I Chola, who established the Chola Empire.
Literature during the Pallava Period
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The Pallavas patronized Sanskrit literature, and Sanskrit was their court language. Two notable poets of this period were:
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Dandin – Believed to have been in the court of Narasimhavarman II. He authored Dashakumaracharita and Avantisundarikatha.
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Bharavi – Associated with the court of Nandivarman II. He wrote the epic Kiratarjuniya.
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Tamil literature also flourished:
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Poet Perundevanar composed the Mahabharata in Tamil.
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The 63 Nayanars (Shaiva saints) composed the Tevaram or Tirumurai, known as the Dravida Veda, which remains sacred for Tamil Shaivites.
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The 12 Alvars (Vaishnava saints) composed the Prabandham, a sacred text for Tamil Vaishnavites.
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Architecture during the Pallava Period
In the history of Indian temple architecture, the Pallavas created a new chapter. They pioneered the Dravidian style of temple architecture, which continues in South India to this day. The early Pallava rulers built only rock-cut cave temples, while the later rulers constructed structural temples in the Dravidian style.
Temples built by Mahendravarman I
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Constructed two Shaiva cave temples:
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One at Bhairavakonda
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Another at Sittanavasal, famous for its mural paintings.
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Some historians believe he also built the Anantashayana Swami Cave Temple at Undavalli (Andhra Pradesh), a four-storied rock-cut Vaishnava temple.
Temples built by Narasimhavarman I (Mahamalla)
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At Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram):
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Adivaraha Cave Temple
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Panchapandava Cave Temple
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Durga Cave Temple
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Also constructed the Five Monolithic Rathas (chariots), popularly called the Pandava Rathas.
Temples built by Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha)
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During his reign, the Dravidian architectural style began. His major temples are:
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Shore Temple (Mahabalipuram) – Built on the seashore, considered the earliest structural temple in the Dravidian style. For this reason, historians regard Mahabalipuram as the birthplace of Dravidian architecture. It has shrines dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. UNESCO has declared Mahabalipuram a World Heritage Site.
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Kailasanatha Temple (Kanchipuram) – Also known as Rajasimheswara Temple, it is considered one of the greatest temples of ancient India.
Temples built by Nandivarman II
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In Kanchipuram:
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Mukteshwara Temple
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Matangeshwara Temple
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Vaikuntha Perumal Temple
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In Chittoor district (Andhra Pradesh):
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Parashurameshwara Temple (Gudimallam)
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Famous Sculpture of the Pallava Period
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The most celebrated work is the Descent of the Ganga / Arjuna’s Penance relief sculpture at Mahabalipuram, acclaimed as one of the greatest sculptures in India.
The Pallavas occupy a unique place in Indian history as pioneers of Dravidian architecture and as patrons of Sanskrit and Tamil literature. From Mahendravarman’s cave temples to Narasimhavarman’s Mahabalipuram monuments and Rajasimha’s Kailasanatha Temple, their architectural innovations set new standards for temple building. Their courts nurtured poets like Dandin and Bharavi, while the Nayanars and Alvars enriched Tamil devotional literature. Though their power eventually declined with the rise of the Cholas, the Pallavas left behind a cultural and spiritual legacy that continues to inspire admiration. They were not just rulers, but builders, visionaries, and cultural torchbearers of South India.