Origins of the Pandyas
The Pandyas hold a significant position in ancient Indian history. As mentioned in the Sangam literature and the popular epic, Silappadikaram, they were the rulers of the city of Madurai. Their rule was established by Neduncheliyan II around 210 CE. After a period of decline, the Pandyas surged back to prominence under Kadungon, who defeated the Kalabhras. Despite numerous rulers and battles, their dynasty persisted until Maravarman Rajasimha III, who ruled between 900-920 CE and was ultimately defeated by the Chola King.
The Kings of the Pandya Dynasty
From their origins to their fall, the Pandya Dynasty was governed by a series of remarkable kings.
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Nedunjeliyan I (180 CE): He was a prominent king mentioned in the ancient Tamil epic Silappadikaram, which provides valuable insights into Tamil culture during his reign. As a contemporary of Chera king Senguttuvan, he’s believed to have led a prosperous and peaceful reign.
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Nedunjeliyan II (210 CE): Nedunjeliyan II rose to fame for defeating a confederacy of the Chola and Chera kingdoms near Tiruvarur. This major victory led to the Pandya kingdom’s expansion, establishing their control over most of the Tamil region. Nedunjeliyan II’s reign is known as a period of military success and territorial expansion.
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Kadungon (590-620 CE): Known as ‘Pandyadhiraja,’ Kadungon brought an end to the rule of the Kalabhras, who were considered to be disruptors of the Tamil country’s socio-political order. His victory over the Kalabhras ushered in a new era of prosperity and growth for the Tamil-speaking region.
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Maravarman Avani Culamani (620-640 CE): His reign was marked by immense prosperity, to the point where he was hailed as the sole owner of the earth and compared to the goddess of prosperity. He was known for his extensive conquests, wealth, and benevolence towards his subjects.
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Jayantavarman (640-670 CE): Also known as Seliyan Sendan, Jayantavarman’s reign is characterized by expansion and consolidation of the Pandya territory. However, specific achievements and events during his reign are not clearly recorded in the historical texts.
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Arikesari Maravarman (670-710 CE): Known for performing the Hiranyagarbha and Tulabhara rites, he played a significant role in promoting Vedic rituals and Brahminical culture in his kingdom. His reign was marked by religious tolerance and patronage of the arts.
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Kochadaiyan Ranadhiran (710-735 CE): His reign was notable for its militaristic expansion, primarily asserting the Pandya’s superiority over the Cheras and Cholas. His success in warfare helped to solidify the Pandya kingdom’s status as a formidable power in South India.
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Maravarman Rajasimha I (735-765 CE): The son and heir of Kochadaiyan Ranadhiran, Rajasimha I’s reign was characterized by political stability and prosperity. His rule also saw a resurgence of art, architecture, and literature.
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Srimara Srivallabha (815-862 CE): Known for his administrative efficiency and infrastructure development, Srivallabha constructed several tanks, canals, and reservoirs during his reign, improving agriculture and supporting economic growth in the Pandya kingdom.
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Varagunavarman II (862-880 CE): A contemporary of the renowned Saivite saint Manickavasagar, his reign was marked by religious tolerance and cultural growth. He was also known for his diplomacy and alliances with neighboring kingdoms.
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Maravarman Rajasimha III (900-920 CE): The last Pandya emperor, his reign was marked by battles against the Chola king and the Chera capital. Despite his efforts, the Pandya kingdom was ultimately subjugated by the Cholas, marking the end of this significant South Indian dynasty.
Pandya vs. Chola: The Epic Saga
The Pandyas and Cholas experienced a tumultuous relationship. Around the year 1000 AD, Rajaraja Chola-I exerted his dominance over the Pandya Empire, making it a subordinate kingdom for about a century.
This arrangement was challenged in the early 13th century by Jatavarman Kulasekaran I, a vassal of the Chola Empire, who rebelled and claimed the throne of Madurai. His rebellion was met with a violent response from the Cholas who invaded and plundered Madurai. Sadly, this conflict led to the loss of many historical records from the Pandya era.
Sundara Pandya’s Revenge
After these unfortunate events, Maravarman Sundara Pandyan, the younger brother of Kulasekaran, ascended to the throne in 1216 AD. Seeking to avenge the Chola’s assault, Sundara Pandyan invaded their kingdom, successfully capturing several cities and forcing the Chola kings into exile. His victory was marked by conducting a Thulabaram at the Chidambaram temple. However, the interference of Hoyasala king Veera Ballala III led to the revival of the second Pandya Empire.
Later Conflicts
The conflict between the Pandyas and Cholas continued, with each side finding victories in different battles. Eventually, peace was brokered thanks to the Hoysala King. In 1310, a succession war between Sundara Pandya and Vira Pandya broke out, inviting invasions from the Hoysalas, Vijaynagar, Nayakas, and Sultanates, forcing the Pandyas to shift their capital to Tenkasi.
Administration under the Pandyas
The Pandyas’ territory, known as Pandymandalam, Thenmandalam, or Pandianadu, was characterized by rocky, hilly regions and mountain ranges, interspersed with areas irrigated by rivers such as Tamiraparani and Vaigai. The administration of the kingdom was efficiently divided into several valanadus, nadus, and kurrams. These settlements were given names associated with royalty and deities, highlighting the kings’ authority.
The Pandyan Economy
Trade was a significant aspect of the Pandyan economy. Traders from Rome and Greece regularly visited the region to establish trade relations with the maritime Tamil states. The Pandyas were also renowned for their pearl fisheries.
Architecture of the Pandyas
Pandyan architecture is characterized by rock-cut and structural temples. With time, intricate idols, temple portals, and gopurams on vimanas emerged. Notable temples from this period include the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai and Nellaiappar Temple in Tirunelveli.
Literature in the Pandya Era
The Sangam literature, written under the patronage of Pandya kings, exemplifies the rich cultural and literary legacy of the Pandyas. Thiruvalluvar, who composed Thirukkural, is one of the most famous literary figures from this era. With their contribution to politics, economics, architecture, and literature, the Pandya dynasty has etched a significant place in Indian history.