Pallavas
Realm 10: Granite Rathas, Coastal Capitals, and Southern Zenith
WORLD B — MAJOR DYNASTIES, 750–1200
MICRO-REALM 01
Origins & Lineage
- Tondaimandalam core region.
- Mythical Ashwatthama lineage.
- "Pallava" means branch/twig.
- Replaced Ikshvakus/Satavahanas.
MICRO-REALM 02
Mahendravarman I
- Pioneered rock-cut architecture.
- Wrote Mattavilasa Prahasana.
- Converted by saint Appar.
- Titles: Vichitrachitta, Gunabhara.
MICRO-REALM 03
Narasimhavarman I
- Title: Vatapikonda (Conqueror).
- Defeated Pulakeshin II.
- Founded Mamallapuram.
- Sent naval expeditions.
MICRO-REALM 04
Kanchipuram
- Imperial capital city.
- Ghatika (brahminical university).
- City of thousand temples.
- Silk weaving center.
MICRO-REALM 05
Rock-Cut Architecture
- Monolithic Pancha Rathas.
- Mandapas (pillared halls).
- Descent of the Ganges.
- Granite rock mastery.
MICRO-REALM 06
Structural Temples
- Transition from rock-cut.
- Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram.
- Kailasanatha at Kanchipuram.
- Rajasimha style zenith.
MICRO-REALM 07
Pallava-Chalukya Conflict
- Struggle for Krishna-Tungabhadra.
- Centuries of bitter war.
- Sacking of capitals.
- Mutual architectural influence.
MICRO-REALM 08
Maritime Trade
- Flourishing Southeast Asian ties.
- Pallava Grantha script spread.
- Powerful naval fleet.
- Mahabalipuram as major port.
MICRO-REALM 09
The Bhakti Movement
- Patrons of Alvars (Vishnu).
- Patrons of Nayanars (Shiva).
- Tevaram and Divya Prabandham.
- Decline of Jainism/Buddhism.
MICRO-REALM 10
Decline & Fall
- Rise of Rashtrakutas.
- Pandyan southern pressure.
- Aparajita defeated (897 CE).
- Absorbed into Imperial Cholas.