Chapter 11 Kingdoms in South India
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History of Kingdoms in South India
South India has a rich and diverse historical landscape with
several powerful kingdoms that rose and fell over the centuries. Here are some
of the most significant South Indian kingdoms in history:
1. Cheras
• Timeline:
Approximately 3rd century BCE to 12th century CE.
• Region:
Present-day Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu.
• Notable
Rulers: Senguttuvan, also known as the Red Chera, is one of the most celebrated
rulers.
• Contributions:
They were known for their maritime trade, particularly with the Roman Empire.
The Cheras contributed to the cultural and economic development of the region,
and their ports were significant centers for trade.
2. Cholas
• Timeline:
From around 300 BCE to 1279 CE.
• Region:
Mainly Tamil Nadu, parts of Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Notable
Rulers: Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I.
• Contributions:
The Cholas are renowned for their administrative prowess, military conquests,
and patronage of arts and architecture. The construction of the Brihadeeswarar
Temple in Thanjavur is one of their most famous architectural achievements.
They also established a strong navy and expanded their influence to Southeast
Asia.
3.
Pandyas
• Timeline:
From around the 4th century BCE to the 14th century CE.
• Region:
Mainly Tamil Nadu.
• Notable
Rulers: Maravarman Sundara Pandyan I.
• Contributions:
The Pandyas were known for their involvement in trade, particularly with
Southeast Asia and the Roman Empire. They were patrons of Tamil literature and
played a significant role in the cultural development of the region.
4.
Pallavas
• Timeline:
275 CE to 897 CE.
• Region:
Parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
• Notable
Rulers: Mahendravarman I, Narasimhavarman I.
• Contributions:
The Pallavas are credited with pioneering the Dravidian style of temple
architecture, which includes rock-cut temples and monolithic rathas (chariots).
The city of Kanchipuram flourished under their rule, becoming a major center
for learning and culture.
5.
Kadambas
• Timeline:
345 CE to 540 CE.
• Region:
Karnataka.
• Notable
Rulers: Mayurasharma.
• Contributions:
The Kadambas were among the early rulers to establish a structured
administration and they also contributed to the development of Kannada
literature and script.
6.
Chalukyas
• Timeline:
6th century CE to 12th century CE.
• Region:
Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Notable
Rulers: Pulakeshin II, Vikramaditya VI.
• Contributions:
The Chalukyas were great patrons of art and architecture, known for their cave
temples at Badami and structural temples at Aihole and Pattadakal. Their rule
was marked by prosperity and extensive trade.
7.
Rashtrakutas
• Timeline:
6th century CE to 10th century CE.
• Region:
Deccan, parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
• Notable Rulers:
Amoghavarsha I, Krishna I.
• Contributions:
The Rashtrakutas were known for their patronage of learning and culture,
including the famous rock-cut Kailasanatha temple at Ellora. They also had a
powerful military and were involved in extensive trade.
8.
Vijayanagara Empire
• Timeline:
1336 CE to 1646 CE.
• Region:
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu.
• Notable
Rulers: Krishnadevaraya.
• Contributions:
The Vijayanagara Empire is celebrated for its contributions to art,
architecture, and culture, with the city of Hampi as its capital. They played a
crucial role in resisting the northern invasions and maintained a strong Hindu
cultural presence in South India.
These kingdoms not only shaped the political landscape of South India but also contributed significantly to its cultural, economic, and architectural heritage.