NCERT notes on important topics for the UPSC civil services exam. These notes will also be useful for other competitive exams like banking PO, SSC, state civil services exams and so on. This article talks about the Pallavas – Society and Architecture.
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Pallava Dynasty
The rule of the Pallavas witnessed a lot of cultural achievements in southern India. The Pallava kings were great patrons of art and architecture.
Pallava Dynasty (UPSC Notes):-Download PDF Here
Pallava Society and Culture
Society & Culture
- Brahmins were greatly patronised by the kings, and they received land and villages. This was called Brahmadeya. The Brahmin status greatly enhanced during this reign. The caste system became rigid.
- The Pallava kings were orthodox Hindus and worshipped Shiva and Vishnu. They were tolerant of Buddhism and Jainism too although both these faiths lost their relevance and popularity.
- Kanchipuram was a great centre of learning.
- Vatsyayana who wrote Nyaya Bhashya was a teacher at Kanchi University (Ghatika).
- Bharavi and Dandin lived in Pallava courts. Bharavi wrote Kiratarjuneeyam. Dandin composed Dashakumaracharita. Both were masterpieces.
- The Vaishnava and Saiva literature flourished during this period.
- Sanskrit was the chief language among the royals and the scholars.
- Some of the inscriptions are in a mix of Tamil and Sanskrit.
- Vedic traditions were superimposed on the local ones.
- Many Tamil saints belonging to either Saivite (Nayannars) or the Vaishnavaite (Alwars) sects lived during the 6th and 7th centuries.
Saivite saints: Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar and Manikkawasagar.
Vaishnava saint: Andal (the only female Alwar saint).These saints composed hymns in Tamil.
- Dancers were being maintained by all big temples.
- There were three types of places during this time:
1. Ur: where the peasants lived and were headed by a headman who collected and paid the taxes.
2. Sabha: land granted to Brahmins and was also called Agrahara villages. These were tax-free.
3. Nagaram: were merchants and traders resided.
- During the Pallava period, Hindu culture spread to many places in Southeast Asia as well. Pallava influence is evident from the ancient architecture seen in Cambodia and Java.
(In the image: Example of Pallava Architecture)
Pallava Architecture
Architecture
- The beautiful and grand Pallava style of architecture can be divided into four phases or styles:
- 1. Mahendra style (600-625 AD)
2. Mammala style (625-674 AD)
3. Rajasimha and Nadivarman style (674-800 AD)
4. Aparajita style (early 9th century) - The Pallava era witnesses a transition from rock-cut to free-standing temples.
- Mahendravarman was a pioneer in rock-cut architecture. Mandagapattu rock-cut temple was the first rock-cut temple built by him.
- Narasimhaverman II also known as Rajasimha built the Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple during the late 7th century AD.
- The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram was also built by Narasimhaverman II. It is the oldest structural temple in South India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. It is also called the Seven Pagodas.
- The best example of the Nandivarman group of monuments is the Vaikunta Perumal Temple at Kanchipuram.
- During this period, Pallava architecture attained full maturity and provided the models upon which the massive Brihadeeswarar Temple of the Cholas at Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram and various other architectural works of note were constructed.
- The Dravidian style of architecture begins with the Pallava reign.
Pallava Dynasty (UPSC Notes):-Download PDF Here
Also Read:
| NCERT Notes: Pallavas – Origins and Rulers |
| Chalukya Dynasty |
| Pala Empire |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pallava Architecture
Which structure is an example of Pallava architecture?
Some of the best examples of Pallava art and architecture are the Kailasanathar Temple at Kanchipuram, the Shore Temple and the Pancha Rathasof Mahabalipuram. Akshara was the greatest sculptor of their time. Pallava architecture can be sub-divided into two phases – the rock cut phase and the structural phase.
What innovation did the Pallavas bring in temple architecture?
The Pallavas patronized learning art and temple building both cave temples and structural temples including monolithic rathas and stone carvings of mythological scenes in Mahabalipuram. The Pallavas who laid the foundation of this style were responsible for two of its forms, the rock – cut and the structural.
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