South Indian Kingdoms

Class 6 | Social Science — History | Unit 4

Class 6 Unit 4 History

UNIT 4 South Indian Kingdoms

Learning Objectives

To know the southern Indian states that emerged after the fall of the Mauryan Empire

To acquire information of the ruling dynasties such as Pallavas, Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas and their domains

To understand their contribution to society and culture with reference to literature, art and architecture

To become familiar with the artistic and architectural splendour of Mamallapuram shore temple, Ellora monuments and Elephanta cave temples

South Indian Kingdoms

By the early Seventh century, synchronising with the Harsha's reign in the north, the far south had come under the control of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. Pallava sovereignty included the domains of the Cholas and the Pandyas. The latter were then emerging as ruling dynasties in their respective river valley regions. Much of the central and eastern Deccan was under the Chalukyas of Badami (like as Vatapi), who were then pushed away by the Rashtrakutas. The medieval period in India was marked by the emergence of regional centres of power. There was no single imperial power like Mauryas or Guptas who exercised control over the greater part of India in this period.

The Pallavas

The Pallava kings ruled around the prosperous agrarian settlement and important trade centre of Kanchipuram on the southeast coast of India. Kanchipuram was well known to Chinese and Roman merchants. From the flourishing trade centre of Kanchipuram, the later Pallavas extended their sovereignty over all the Tamil-speaking regions during the Seventh and Eighth centuries. The central part of their kingdom, however, was Thondaimandalam, a large political region comprising northern parts of Tamil Nadu and the adjoining Andhra districts.

Sources

Inscriptions: Mandagapattu Cave, Aihole Inscription of pulakesin 2

Copper plates: Kasakudi Plates

Literature: Mattavilasa Prahasana, Avanthi Sundarakatha, Kalingathu Parani, Periya Puranam, Nandi Kalambagam

Foreign Notice: Accounts of Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang

Pallava Genealogy (Prominent Kings)

There were early Pallava rulers who were feudatories of Satavahanas. Simhavishnu, son of Simhavarman 2 around 550 AD (Common Era), created a strong Pallava kingdom after destroying the Kalabhras. He defeated many kings in the south including the Cholas and the Pandyas. His able son was Mahendravarman 1. He was succeeded by his son Narasimhavarman 1. The other prominent Pallava rulers were Narasimhavarman 2 or Rajasimha and Nandivarman 2. The last Pallava ruler was Aparajita.

Mahendravarman (c. 600 to 630 AD Common Era) contributed to the greatness of the Pallava kingdom. Mahendravarman 1 was a follower of Jainism in the early part of his rule. He embraced Saivism by the Saivite saint Appar (like as Tirunavukkarasar). He was a great patron of art and architecture. He is known for introducing a new style to Dravidian architecture, which is referred to as 'Mahendra style'. Mahendravarman also wrote plays, including (c. 620) MattavilasaPrahasana (the Delight of the Drunkards) in Sanskrit, which denigrates Buddhism.

Mahendravarman's reign involved constant battles with the Western Chalukya kingdom of Badami under Pulakesin 2. Pulakesin seems to have defeated Mahendravarman in one of the battles and taken over a large part of his territory (Vengi in the north). His son Narasimavarman1 (c. 630 to 668) avenged the defeat by capturing Vatapi, the capital of Chalukyas. He set Vatapi on fire, killing Pulakesin in the process.

Do You Know?

Narasimhavarman 1's army general was Paranjothi. Popularly known as Siruthondar (one of the 63 Nayanmars), Paranjothi led the Pallava army during the invasion of Vatapi. After the victory he had a change of heart and devoted himself to Lord Siva – Periya Puranam.

Narasimhavarman 2 (c. 695 to 722), also known as Rajasimha, was a great military strategist. He exchanged ambassadors with China. His reign was comparatively free from any political disturbance. Therefore, he could concentrate on temple-building activities. During his reign, the famous Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram was built.

Name of the King	Titles Adopted
Simhavishnu	Avanisimha
Mahendravarma 1	Sankirnajati, Mattavilasa, Gunabhara, Chitrakarapuli, Vichitra Chitta
Narasimhavarma 1	Mamallan, Vatapi Kondan

Pallava's Contribution to Architecture

The Pallava period is known for its architectural splendour. The Shore Temple and various other temples carved from granite monoliths and the Varaha cave (Seventh Century) at Mamallapuram, are illustrious examples of Pallava architecture. In 1984, Mamallapuram was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Pallava architecture can be classified as:

1. Rock-Cut temples – Mahendravarman style

2. Monolithic Rathas and Sculptural Mandapas – Mamallan style

3. Structural Temples – Rajasimhan style and Nandivarman style

Mahendra Style

The best examples of MahendraVarman style monuments are cave temples at Mandagapattu, Mahendravadi, Mamandur, Dalavanur, Tiruchirapalli, Vallam, Tirukazhukkundram and Siyamangalam.

Mamalla Style

The five rathas (chariots), popularly called Panchapandavar rathas, signify five different styles of temple architecture. Each ratha has been carved out of a single rock. So, they are called monolithic. The popular mandapams (pillared pavilion) they built are Mahishasuramardhini mandapam, Thirumoorthi mandapam and Varaha mandapam.

The most important among the Mamalla style of architecture is the open art gallery. Several miniature sculptures such as the figure of a lice-picking monkey, elephants of huge size and the figure of the ascetic cat have been sculpted beautifully on the wall of a huge rock. The fall of the river Ganga from the head of Lord Siva and Arjuna's penance are notable among them. The Great Penance panel is considered to be the world's largest open-air bas relief.

Rajasimha Style

Narasimhavarma 2, also known as Rajasimha, constructed structural temples using stone blocks. The best example for the structural temple is Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram. This temple was built by using sand stones. Kailasanatha temple is called Rajasimheswaram.

Nandivarma Style

The last stage of the Pallava architecture is also represented by structural temples built by the later Pallavas. The best example is Vaikunda Perumal temple at Kanchipuram.

Society and Culture

The Pallavas supported Jainism, Buddhism and the Vedic faith. They were great patrons of music, painting and literature. Some of the Pallava kings patronised the Alwars and Nayanmars. These exponents of Bhakti Cult preached a new form of Vaishnavism and Saivism. Among the Saivites were Appar and Manikkavasakar. Among the Vaishnavites were Nammazhvar and Andal. The Bhakti movement aimed at preaching a popular faith, in which prayers in Tamil were preferred to those in Sanskrit. Women were encouraged to participate in the religious congregations. The Tamil devotional cult was competitive with Buddhism and Jainism. Therefore, the latter suffered a gradual decline in most parts of Tamil country.

Education and Literature

Gatika (monastery or centre of learning) at Kanchi was popular during the Pallava times and it attracted students from all parts of India and abroad. Vatsyaya who wrote Nyaya Bhashya was a teacher at Kanchi (Gatika otherwise known as educational institution). The treatise on Dakshin Chitram (Paintings of South India) was compiled during the reign of Mahendravarma 1.

The great Sanskrit scholar, Dandin, adorned in the court of Narasimhavarman 1. Dandin composed Dashakumara Charita. Bharavi, the great Sanskrit scholar, lived in the time of Simhavishnu. Bharavi wrote Kiratarjuniya, an epic in verse.

Tamil literature had also flourished during the Pallava rule. Thevaram composed by Nayanmars and Nalayradivyaprabandham composed by Azhwars, which are still chanted by devout people. Perundevanar, who was patronized by Nandivarman 2, translated the Mahabharata into Tamil as Bharathavenba.

Pallava Art

The Pallava kings had also patronised fine arts. The music inscriptions in Kudumiyanmalai and Thirumayam temples show Pallavas' interest in music. The famous musician Rudracharya lived during Mahendravarman 1. The sculptures of this period depict many images in dancing postures.

The Chalukyas

The Chalukyas ruled larger parts of west and centre of South India, consisting of Maratha country with Vatapi (called as Badami) as their capital. There were three distinct but closely related and independent Chalukya dynasties. They were:

1. Chalukyas of Badami

2. Chalukyas of Vengi (Eastern Chalukyas)

3. Chalukyas of Kalyani (Western Chalukyas).

These Chalukyas held Harsha in the north, the Pallavas in the south and Kalinga (now a days called as Odisha) in the east.

Sources

Inscription: Badami Cave Inscription of Mangalesha, Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple Inscription, Pattadakal Virupaksha Temple Inscription, Aihole Inscription of Pulakesin 2

Foreign Notice: Accounts of Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang

Do You Know?

Aihole Inscription: It is found at Meguti Temple in Aihole (Bagalkot district, Karnataka). It is written in Sanskrit by Ravikirti, a court poet of Chalukya king Pulakesin 2. It makes a mention of the defeat of Harsha Vardhana by Pulakesin 2.

The Chalukyas of Vatapi

Pulakesin 1, a petty chieftain of Pattadakal in the Bijapur district, took and fortified the hill fort of Vatapi around 543 AD (Common Era). He soon conquered the territory between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers and the Western Ghats. His son Kirtivarman 1 (c. 566 to 597) brought the Konkan coast under Chalukya control. Pulakesin 2 (c. 610 to 642) emerged as the most powerful ruler of the dynasty. The Persian (Its located in Iran) king Khusru 2 sent an embassy to the court of Pulakesin 2.

Pulakesin succeeded in seizing parts of Gujarat and Malwa. He defied the North Indian ruler Harsha and according to an agreed understanding Narmada River was fixed as the boundary between the two. About 624, Pulakesin 2 conquered the kingdom of Vengi and gave it to his brother Vishnuvardhana, the first Eastern Chalukya ruler. During 641 to 647 the Pallavas ravaged the Deccan and captured Vatapi, but the Chalukyas had recaptured it by 655. Vikramaditya 1 (655 to 680) and Vikramaditya II, the successor of Vikramaditya 1 captured Kanchipuram but spared the city. Kirtivarman 2, the successor of Vikramaditya 2 was defeated by Dantidurga, the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.

Western Chalukyas of Kalyani

They were the descendants of Badami Chalukyas ruled from Kalyani (modern day Basavakalyan). In 973, Tailapa 2, a feudatory of the Rashtrakuta ruling from Bijapur region defeated Parmara of Malwa. Tailapa 2 occupied Kalyani and his dynasty quickly grew into an empire under Somesvara 1. Somesvara 1 moved the capital from Manyakheta to Kalyani. For over a century, the two empires of southern India, the Western Chalukyas and the Chola dynasty of Thanjavur, fought many fierce battles to control the fertile region of Vengi. During the rule of Vikramaditya VI in the late Eleventh century, vast areas between the Narmada River in the north and Kaveri River in the south came under Chalukya control.

Contributions to Art and Architecture

As supporters of both Saivism and Vaishnavism, the Chalukyas contributed richly to art and architecture. A new style of architecture known as Vesara was developed. Vesara is a combination of south Indian (Dravida) and north Indian (Nagara) building styles. They perfected the art of stone building without mortar. They used soft sandstones in construction. They built a number of rock-cut cave-temples and structural temples dedicated to Siva, Vishnu and Brahma.

The structural temples of Chalukyas exist at Aihole, Badami and Pattadakal. The important stone temples are the Vishnu temples at Badami and Aihole and the Virupaksha or Siva Temple at Pattadakal in Bijapur district in present-day Karnataka. The Vishnu temple at Badami was built by Mangalesa of the Chalukya Dynasty and contains the Aihole inscription of Vikramaditya 2.

Their cave temples are found at Ajanta, Ellora and Nasik. The cave temples at Badami contain five sculptures of Vishnu reclining on Sesha Nag; Varaha, the Boar; Narasimha or the lion-faced man; and Vamana, the dwarf.

The Kasi Vishweshwara Temple at Lakkundi, the Mallikarjuna Temple at Kuruvatti, the Kalleshwara Temple at Bagali and the Mahadeva Temple at Itagi represent well known examples of the architecture of Western Chalukyas of Kalyani.

Chalukyas adopted the Vakataka style in paintings. Some of the frescoes of the caves of Ajantha were created during the reign of Chalukyas. The reception given to the Persian embassy by Pulakesin 2 is depicted in a painting at Ajanta.

Do You Know?

Pattadakal (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is a small village in Bagalkot district of Karnataka. It has ten temples. Out of them, four were built in northern style (Nagara), while the rest six are in the southern (Dravida) style. Virupaksha Temple and Sangameshwara Temple are in Dravida Style and Papanatha temple is in Nagara style. The Virupaksha temple is built on the model of Kanchi Kailasanatha temple. Sculptors brought from Kanchi were employed in its construction.

The Rashtrakutas

The Rashtrakutas ruled not only the Deccan but parts of the far south and the Ganges plain as well from Eighth to Tenth century AD (Common Era). They were of Kannada origin and their mother tongue was Kannada. Dantidurga was the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. He was an official of high rank under the Chalukyas of Badami. Krishna 1 succeeded Dantidurga. He consolidated and extended the Rashtrakuta power. He was a great patron of art and architecture. The Kailasanatha temple at Ellora was built by him.

Rashtrakuta Kings

The greatest king of the Rashtrakuta dynasty was Amogavarsha. He built a new capital at Manyakheta (now Malkhed in Karnataka) and Broach became the port. Amoghavarsha (c. 814 to 878) was embraced to Jainism by Jinasena, a Jain monk. Krishna 2, who succeeded his father Amogavarsha, suffered a defeat in the battle of Vallala (modern Thiruvallam, Vellore district) at the hands of Cholas under Parantaka in c. 916.

Krishna 3 (c. 939 to 967) was the last able ruler of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. He defeated the Cholas in the battle of Takkolam (presently in Vellore district) and captured Thanjavur. The Chalukyas under Krishna 3 contested with other ruling dynasties of north India for the control of Kanauj. He built Krishneshwara temple at Rameshwaram. Govinda 3 was the last ruler to hold the empire intact. After his death, the Rashtrakuta power declined.

Contribution of Rashtrakutas to literature, art, and architecture

Literature

Kannada language became more prominent. Kavirajamarga composed by Amogavarsha was the first poetic work in Kannada language. Court poets produced eminent works in Kannada. The three gems of Kannada literature during the period were Pampa, Sri Ponna and Ranna.

Adikavi Pampa was famous for his creative works Adipurana and Vikramarjunavijaya. The life of Rishabadeva, the first Jain Tirthankara is depicted in Adipurana. In Vikramarjunavijaya Pampa's patron, Chalukya Arikesari, is identified with Arjuna, epic hero of Mahabharatha.

Art and architecture

The Rashtrakutas made significant contributions to Indian Art. The art and architecture of the Rashtrakutas can be found at Ellora and Elephanta.

Kailasanatha Temple – Ellora (near Aurangabad, Maharashtra)

Kailasanatha Temple was one of the 30 temples carved out of the hill at Ellora. It was built during the reign of Krishna 1. The temple is known for its architectural grandeur and sculptural splendour. The temple covers an area of over 60,000 square feet and vimanam (like as temple tower) rises to a height of 90 feet. This temple has resemblance to the shore temple at Mamallapuram. The Kailasanatha temple portrays typical Dravidian features.

Elephanta Island

Originally known as Sripuri and called Gharapuri by the local people, Elephanta is an island near Mumbai. The Portuguese named it as Elephanta, after seeing the huge image of an elephant. The Trimurthi (three-faced Siva) icon is an illustrative of the sculptural beauty portrayed in the Cave Temple of Elephanta. There are impressive images of dwarapalakas (entrance guards) at the entrance of the Temple.

Pattadakal

Rashtrakutas built temples in the complex of Pattadakal. The Jain Narayana temple and the Kasi Vishwesvara temple were built by Rashtrakutas.

Summary

By the early Seventh century, South India had come under the control of Pallavas of Kanchi and Chalukyas of Badami. Pallava period is known for its architectural splendour. Pallava architecture can be classified as rock-cut temples, structural temples, monolithic rathas and mandapams. The Chalukyas contributed richly to art and architecture. A new style of architecture known as Vesara style developed during their period. The Rashtrakutas also made significant contributions to Indian art. Their art and architecture can be found at Ellora cave and Elephanta island.

Glossary

feudatories being subject to a sovereign சிற்றரசர்கள் ambassador envoy தூதுவர் granite a very hard rock கருங்கல் ravaged severely damaged சூறையாடிய descendants offspring வழித்தோன்றல்கள் reclining leaning back சாய்ந்திருக்கூடிய

Exercise

Exercise 1. Choose the correct answer

1. Who among the following built the Vaikunda Perumal temple?

a) Narasimhavarma 2 b) Nandivarma 2 c) Dantivarman d) Parameshvaravarma

2. Which of the following titles were the titles of Mahendra Varma 1?

a) Mattavilasa b) Vichitra Chitta c) Gunabara d) all the three

3. Which of the following inscriptions describes the victories of Pulakesin 2?

a) Aihole b) Saranath c) Sanchi d) Junagath Exercise 2. Read the statement and tick the appropriate answer

1. Statement 1: Pallava art shows transition from rock-cut monolithic structure to stone built temple.

Statement 2: Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram is an example of Pallava art and architecture.

a) Statement 1 is wrong. b) Statement 2 is wrong. c) Both the statements are correct d) Both the statements are wrong.

2. Consider the following statement(s) about Pallava Kingdom.

Statement 1: Tamil literature flourished under Pallava rule, with the rise in popularity of Thevaram composed by Appar.

Statement 2: Pallava King Mahendravarman was the author of the play Mattavilasa Prahasana.

a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2

3. Consider the following statements about the Rashtrakuta dynasty and find out which of the following statements are correct.

1. It was founded by Dantidurga.

2. Amogavarsha wrote Kavirajmarga.

3. Krishna I built the Kailasanatha temple at Ellora.

a) 1 only b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) all the three

4. Which of the following is not a correct pair?

a) Ellora caves - Rashtrakutas b) Mamallapuram - Narasimhavarma 1 c) Elephanta caves - Ashoka d) Pattadakal - Chalukyas

5. Find out the wrong pair.

a) Dandin - Dasakumara Charitam b) Vatsyaya - Bharathavenba c) Bharavi - Kiratarjuneeyam d) Amogavarsha - Kavirajamarga Exercise 3. Fill in the blanks

1. defeated Harsha Vardhana on the banks of the river Narmada.

2. destroyed Vatapi and assumed the title Vatapi Kondan.

3. was the author of Aihole Inscription.

4. was the army general of Narasimhavarma 1.

5. The music inscriptions in and show Pallavas' interest in music.

Exercise 4. Match the following

1. Pallavas
2. Eastern Chalukyas
3. Western Chalukyas
4. Rashtrakutas

Options: Kalyani, Manyakheta, Kanchi, Vengi

Exercise 5. State True or False 1. The famous musician Rudracharya lived during Mahendravarma 1. 2. The greatest king of the Rashtrakuta dynasty was Pulakesin 2. 3. Mamallapuram is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 4. Thevaram was composed by Alwars. 5. The Virupaksha temple was built on the model of Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple. Exercise 6. Answer in one or two sentences

1. Name the three gems of Kannada literature.

2. How can we classify the Pallava architecture?

3. What do you know of Gatika?

4. Panchapandavar rathas are monolithic rathas. Explain.

5. Make a note on the Battle of Takkolam.

Exercise 7. Answer the following

1. Examine Pallavas' contributions to architecture.

2. Write a note on Elephanta island and Kailasanatha temple at Ellora.

Exercise 8. Higher Order Thinking

1. Give an account on Western Chalukyas of Kalyani.

Exercise 9. Life Skills

1. Collect temple architecture pictures of Pallavas, Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas and identify the distinguishing features of each period.

2. Field Trip: Plan a trip to any place of historical importance.

Exercise 10. Activities

1. Sketch the biography of Mahendravarma 1 and Pulakesin 2.

2. See the picture and write a few sentences on it.

Exercise 11. Answer Grid

Give examples for the structural temples of Pallava Period.

Name the new style of architecture developed during the Chalukya period.

What does Aihole inscription mention?

Who built the Kailasanatha temple at Ellora?

Name the sculptural mandapas of Mamallan style of architecture.

Where do structural temples of Chalukya exist?

Name two Saivite saints and Vaishnavite saints who practised bhakti cult during Pallava period?

Who was the founder of Rashtrakuta dynasty?

What were the titles adopted by Narasimha Varma 1?

ICT CORNER

South Indian Kingdoms

This activity for Interactivity Map is a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. World Heritage Sites helps to know learn about ancient Heritage Sites

Steps:

Step 1: Open the Browser and type the URL given below (or Scan the QR Code).

Step 2: World Heritage Centre page will appear on the screen.

Step 3: Double click or Zoom any tagged sites or places. (example: Mamallapuram)

Step 4: You can see collective pictures, videos and more details.

Browse in the link Web: http://www.elections.in/ (or scan the QR Code)

Book-back Exercises — Questions & Answers

Answers generated strictly from the Samacheer Kalvi textbook content. Attempt each question first, then click "Show Answer" to check.

1. Choose the correct answer

1. Who among the following built the Vaikunda Perumal temple?

a) Narasimhavarma 2 b) Nandivarma 2 c) Dantivarman d) Parameshvaravarma

Answer: b) Nandivarma 2

Explanation: The chapter states that the best example of Nandivarma style is Vaikunda Perumal temple at Kanchipuram, indicating it was built by Nandivarma 2.

2. Which of the following titles were the titles of Mahendra Varma 1?

a) Mattavilasa b) Vichitra Chitta c) Gunabara d) all the three

Answer: d) all the three

Explanation: The chapter mentions that Mahendravarma 1 adopted the titles Sankirnajati, Mattavilasa, Gunabhara, Chitrakarapuli, and Vichitra Chitta.

3. Which of the following inscriptions describes the victories of Pulakesin 2?

a) Aihole b) Saranath c) Sanchi d) Junagath

Answer: a) Aihole

Explanation: The chapter states that the Aihole Inscription was written by Ravikirti, a court poet of Chalukya king Pulakesin 2, and makes mention of the defeat of Harsha Vardhana by Pulakesin 2.

2. Read the statement and tick the appropriate answer

1. Statement 1: Pallava art shows transition from rock-cut monolithic structure to stone built temple. Statement 2: Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram is an example of Pallava art and architecture.

a) Statement 1 is wrong. b) Statement 2 is wrong. c) Both the statements are correct d) Both the statements are wrong.

Answer: c) Both the statements are correct

Explanation: The chapter shows Pallava architecture evolved from rock-cut temples to structural temples, and mentions that the Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram was built during Narasimhavarma 2's reign.

2. Consider the following statement(s) about Pallava Kingdom. Statement 1: Tamil literature flourished under Pallava rule, with the rise in popularity of Thevaram composed by Appar. Statement 2: Pallava King Mahendravarman was the author of the play Mattavilasa Prahasana.

a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation: The chapter states that Thevaram was composed by Nayanmars including Appar, and that Mahendravarman also wrote plays, including Mattavilasa Prahasana.

3. Consider the following statements about the Rashtrakuta dynasty and find out which of the following statements are correct. 1. It was founded by Dantidurga. 2. Amogavarsha wrote Kavirajmarga. 3. Krishna I built the Kailasanatha temple at Ellora.

a) 1 only b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) all the three

Answer: d) all the three

Explanation: The chapter confirms that Dantidurga founded the Rashtrakuta dynasty, Kavirajamarga was composed by Amogavarsha, and Krishna 1 built the Kailasanatha temple at Ellora.

4. Which of the following is not a correct pair?

a) Ellora caves - Rashtrakutas b) Mamallapuram - Narasimhavarma 1 c) Elephanta caves - Ashoka d) Pattadakal - Chalukyas

Answer: c) Elephanta caves - Ashoka

Explanation: The chapter associates Elephanta caves with the Rashtrakutas, not Ashoka. The other pairs are correctly mentioned in the chapter.

5. Find out the wrong pair.

a) Dandin - Dasakumara Charitam b) Vatsyaya - Bharathavenba c) Bharavi - Kiratarjuneeyam d) Amogavarsha - Kavirajamarga

Answer: b) Vatsyaya - Bharathavenba

Explanation: The chapter states that Perundevanar translated the Mahabharata into Tamil as Bharathavenba, not Vatsyaya. Vatsyaya wrote Nyaya Bhashya.

3. Fill in the blanks

1. _______ defeated Harsha Vardhana on the banks of the river Narmada.

Answer: Pulakesin 2

2. _______ destroyed Vatapi and assumed the title Vatapi Kondan.

Answer: Narasimhavarma 1

3. _______ was the author of Aihole Inscription.

Answer: Ravikirti

4. _______ was the army general of Narasimhavarma 1.

Answer: Paranjothi

5. The music inscriptions in _______ and _______ show Pallavas' interest in music.

Answer: Kudumiyanmalai, Thirumayam

4. Match the following

4. Match the following

1. Pallavas	a) Kalyani
2. Eastern Chalukyas	b) Manyakheta
3. Western Chalukyas	c) Kanchi
4. Rashtrakutas	d) Vengi

Answers: 1-c, 2-d, 3-a, 4-b

5. State True or False

1. The famous musician Rudracharya lived during Mahendravarma 1.

Answer: True

2. The greatest king of the Rashtrakuta dynasty was Pulakesin 2.

Answer: False

3. Mamallapuram is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Answer: True

4. Thevaram was composed by Alwars.

Answer: False

5. The Virupaksha temple was built on the model of Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple.

Answer: True

6. Answer in one or two sentences

1. Name the three gems of Kannada literature.

Answer: The three gems of Kannada literature during the Rashtrakuta period were Pampa, Sri Ponna and Ranna.

2. How can we classify the Pallava architecture?

Answer: Pallava architecture can be classified as 1. Rock-Cut temples – Mahendravarman style 2. Monolithic Rathas and Sculptural Mandapas – Mamallan style 3. Structural Temples – Rajasimhan style and Nandivarman style.

3. What do you know of Gatika?

Answer: Gatika at Kanchi was a monastery or centre of learning that was popular during the Pallava times and attracted students from all parts of India and abroad.

4. Panchapandavar rathas are monolithic rathas. Explain.

Answer: The five rathas, popularly called Panchapandavar rathas, signify five different styles of temple architecture. Each ratha has been carved out of a single rock, so they are called monolithic.

5. Make a note on the Battle of Takkolam.

Answer: Krishna 3 defeated the Cholas in the battle of Takkolam (presently in Vellore district) and captured Thanjavur during his reign from 939 to 967.

7. Answer the following

1. Examine Pallavas' contributions to architecture.

Answer: The Pallava period is known for its architectural splendour. The Shore Temple and various other temples carved from granite monoliths and the Varaha cave at Mamallapuram are illustrious examples. Pallava architecture evolved from rock-cut temples (Mahendra style) to monolithic rathas and sculptural mandapas (Mamallan style) to structural temples (Rajasimha and Nandivarman styles). The Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram and Vaikunda Perumal temple represent their structural temple achievements. In 1984, Mamallapuram was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

2. Write a note on Elephanta island and Kailasanatha temple at Ellora.

Answer: Elephanta Island, originally known as Sripuri and called Gharapuri by locals, is near Mumbai. The Portuguese named it Elephanta after seeing a huge elephant image. The Trimurthi (three-faced Siva icon) illustrates the sculptural beauty of the Cave Temple. The Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora was one of 30 temples carved from the hill during Krishna 1's reign. It covers over 60,000 square feet with a vimanam rising to 90 feet height, showing typical Dravidian features and resembling the shore temple at Mamallapuram.

8. Higher Order Thinking

1. Give an account on Western Chalukyas of Kalyani.

Answer: The Western Chalukyas of Kalyani were descendants of Badami Chalukyas who ruled from Kalyani (modern Basavakalyan). In 973, Tailapa 2, a feudatory of the Rashtrakuta, defeated Parmara of Malwa and occupied Kalyani. The dynasty grew into an empire under Somesvara 1, who moved the capital from Manyakheta to Kalyani. For over a century, they fought the Chola dynasty for control of Vengi. During Vikramaditya VI's rule in the late 11th century, vast areas between the Narmada and Kaveri rivers came under their control. Their architectural achievements include the Kasi Vishweshwara Temple at Lakkundi and the Mahadeva Temple at Itagi.

11. Answer Grid

Give examples for the structural temples of Pallava Period.

Answer: Kailasanatha Temple, Vaikunda Perumal Temple

Name the new style of architecture developed during the Chalukya period.

Answer: Vesara

What does Aihole inscription mention?

Answer: Defeat of Harsha Vardhana by Pulakesin 2

Who built the Kailasanatha temple at Ellora?

Answer: Krishna 1

Name the sculptural mandapas of Mamallan style of architecture.

Answer: Mahishasuramardhini mandapam, Thirumoorthi mandapam, Varaha mandapam

Where do structural temples of Chalukya exist?

Answer: Aihole, Badami, Pattadakal

Name two Saivite saints and Vaishnavite saints who practised bhakti cult during Pallava period?

Answer: Saivite saints: Appar, Manikkavasakar; Vaishnavite saints: Nammazhvar, Andal

Who was the founder of Rashtrakuta dynasty?

Answer: Dantidurga

What were the titles adopted by Narasimha Varma 1?

Answer: Mamallan, Vatapi Kondan

📝 Summary

1. By the early Seventh century, the far south came under the control of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram, with their sovereignty including the domains of the Cholas and the Pandyas, while much of the central and eastern Deccan was under the Chalukyas of Badami.
2. The Pallava kings ruled around Kanchipuram, a prosperous agrarian settlement and important trade centre known to Chinese and Roman merchants, and extended their sovereignty over all Tamil-speaking regions during the Seventh and Eighth centuries.
3. Mahendravarman I (c. 600-630 CE) was a great patron of art and architecture who introduced a new style to Dravidian architecture called 'Mahendra style', and wrote plays including Mattavilasa Prahasana in Sanskrit.
4. Narasimhavarman I (c. 630-668 CE) avenged his father's defeat by capturing Vatapi, the capital of Chalukyas, setting it on fire and killing Pulakesin in the process.
5. The medieval period in India was marked by the emergence of regional centres of power with no single imperial power like Mauryas or Guptas exercising control over the greater part of India.