Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India.

The Pallavas were a prominent power in India for more than four centuries between the 6th and 9th centuries. During this time, art and literature in South India witnessed unprecedented growth.

• Development of Art:

• Therock-cut templesand laterstructural temples laidthe foundation ofDravidian architecture. It is divided into four different stages or styles, viz.Mahendra Style, Mamalla Style, Rajasimha Style, Nandivarman Style.Pancha RathasandShore Temple in Mahabalipuram, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Kailasanathar Temple (Kanchipuram): Built by Narasimhavarman II, this is one of the earliest structural temples in South India.


• Pancha RathasandShore Temple in Mahabalipuram, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.


• Kailasanathar Temple (Kanchipuram): Built by Narasimhavarman II, this is one of the earliest structural temples in South India.

• Sculpture:Shift from basic rock-cut techniques to intricate and refined carvings. Eg- theDescent of the Ganges (Arjuna’s Penance)at Mahabalipuram andcave templesat places likeMahendravadiandMamallapuram.


• Mahendravarman Iwas an exponent of music,as noted by rock inscriptions inKudumiyanmalai.Musical instruments such as theyaazhai,mridangamand murasuwere introduced.


• Painting: Mahendravarman was known as Chittirakkarapuli. Frescoesin the Sittanavasalcaves.


• Contribution to Literature:

• The Pallavas were ardent patrons ofSanskritandTamilliterature. The literature wasprimarily religious.


• Dandin, author of theDashakumaracharita, was associated with the Pallava court.


• Mahendravarman I’s workMattavilasa Prahasanais a satirical play written in Sanskrit.


• The devotional songs of Nayanmars and Alwars–

• Nalariya Divya Prabandham,also known as theDravida Veda or the Fifth Veda,consisted of 4,000 Tamil verses and was written by 12 Alvars.


• Tirumurai, a key Shaivite text, has 12 books. The first seven, calledTevaram, were authored bySundarar,Sambandar, andAppar.

• Kanchipuramwas an importantcenter of Sanskrit learning.Mayur Sarman, the founder of the Kadamba dynasty, studied the Vedas at Kanchipuram.

Other Influence

• Political and Cultural InfluenceinSoutheast Asia, particularly toCambodiaandVietnam. Eg-Angkor Wat


• Religious Tolerance: While the Pallavas were primarilyShaivites,BuddhismandJainismcoexisted under their rule. Eg- Buddhist Caves at Mamandur

Pallavas left a lasting legacy that not only influenced the succeedingCholaandVijayanagaradynasties but also spread their cultural influence toSoutheast Asia, making them a pivotal force in the history of South Indian civilisation.

Post-Gupta Period(600AD-750AD)

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