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Sangam Age: Pandyas.

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Sangam Age: The Pandyas

The Pandyas are one of the most illustrious dynasties in the history of South India, known for their significant contributions to culture, economy, and polity. Their rule, which spanned several centuries, left an indelible mark on the region, particularly in the areas of Tamil Nadu and parts of Sri Lanka. From the perspective of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), understanding the Pandyas is crucial for aspirants preparing for the Civil Services Examination, as it forms an integral part of the ancient and medieval history syllabus. This article provides a detailed and well-structured account of the Pandyas, covering their origins, political history, administration, economy, culture, and legacy.

Table of Contents

Origins and Early History

The Pandyas are one of the three ancient Tamil dynasties, alongside the Cholas and the Cheras. The earliest references to the Pandyas can be found in the Sangam literature, which dates back to the period between 300 BCE and 300 CE. The Sangam texts, such as the Akananuru and Purananuru, provide valuable insights into the early Pandya kingdom, its rulers, and its society. The Pandyas are also mentioned in the Ashokan inscriptions (3rd century BCE), where they are referred to as one of the southern kingdoms that maintained diplomatic relations with the Mauryan Empire.

The early Pandya kingdom was centered around the city of Madurai, which served as their capital. The region around Madurai was known for its fertile soil and abundant water resources, making it an agricultural hub. The early Pandyas were primarily involved in agriculture, trade, and maritime activities. They established trade links with the Roman Empire, as evidenced by the discovery of Roman coins and artifacts in various parts of Tamil Nadu.

Political History

The political history of the Pandyas can be divided into two main periods: the Sangam period (3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE) and the medieval period (6th century to 16th century CE). The Sangam period saw the rise of the early Pandya kingdom, which was characterized by a decentralized political structure. The king, known as the Pandyan, ruled with the assistance of a council of ministers and local chieftains. The Sangam literature provides detailed accounts of the Pandyan kings, their military exploits, and their patronage of poets and scholars.

The medieval period witnessed the revival of the Pandya kingdom after a period of decline. The Kalabhra interregnum (3rd to 6th century CE) saw the temporary eclipse of the three major Tamil dynasties, including the Pandyas. However, by the 6th century CE, the Pandyas re-emerged as a powerful kingdom under the leadership of Kadungon, who is credited with overthrowing the Kalabhras and re-establishing Pandya rule.

The medieval Pandyas reached the zenith of their power during the reign of Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan (1251-1268 CE). Sundara Pandyan expanded the kingdom’s territory through a series of military campaigns, defeating the Cholas, Cheras, and even the Hoysalas. His reign marked the beginning of the Second Pandyan Empire, which lasted until the early 14th century. The Pandyas maintained their dominance in South India until the invasion of the Delhi Sultanate under Malik Kafur in 1311 CE, which led to the decline of the Pandya kingdom.

Territorial Extent

The territorial extent of the Pandya kingdom varied significantly over time, reflecting the dynamic nature of their political fortunes. During the Sangam period, the Pandya kingdom was primarily concentrated in the southern part of Tamil Nadu, with Madurai as its capital. The kingdom extended from the Vaigai River in the north to the Tamirabarani River in the south, encompassing the fertile plains of these river valleys.

In the medieval period, the Pandyas expanded their territory significantly, particularly under the reign of Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan. At its peak, the Pandya kingdom included not only the southern part of Tamil Nadu but also parts of northern Sri Lanka, the Kongu region (western Tamil Nadu), and the Chera country (modern-day Kerala). The Pandyas also exerted influence over the Chola country (central Tamil Nadu), particularly after their victory over the Cholas in the 13th century.

The Pandyas’ control over key ports such as Korkai and Kayal facilitated their maritime trade and enabled them to extend their influence over the coastal regions of South India. The kingdom’s strategic location on the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent allowed the Pandyas to dominate the trade routes of the Indian Ocean, connecting South India with Southeast Asia, China, and the Roman Empire.

Major Battles

The Pandyas were involved in several major battles throughout their history, which played a crucial role in shaping their political fortunes. One of the earliest recorded battles involving the Pandyas is the Battle of Talaiyalanganam, which took place during the Sangam period. The battle was fought between the Pandya king Nedunjeliyan I and a coalition of Chola and Chera forces. According to the Sangam poem Purananuru, Nedunjeliyan I emerged victorious, securing his kingdom’s independence and establishing the Pandyas as a major power in South India.

In the medieval period, the Pandyas were involved in a series of conflicts with the Cholas and Cheras, as well as with the Hoysalas and the Kakatiyas. One of the most significant battles of this period was the Battle of Sendamangalam, fought between the Pandya king Maravarman Kulasekhara I and the Chola king Kulothunga III in the 12th century. The battle ended in a decisive victory for the Pandyas, marking the beginning of their resurgence as a major power in South India.

Another important battle was the Battle of Koppam, fought between the Pandya king Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan and the Hoysala king Vira Someshwara in the 13th century. The battle resulted in a significant victory for the Pandyas, who were able to extend their influence over the Hoysala territories in the Deccan.

The Pandyas also faced external threats, particularly from the Delhi Sultanate. The invasion of Malik Kafur in 1311 CE marked a turning point in the history of the Pandyas. The sultanate’s forces sacked Madurai, leading to the decline of the Pandya kingdom. Despite their eventual defeat, the Pandyas’ resistance to the Delhi Sultanate is remembered as a significant chapter in the history of South India.

Prominent Rulers

The history of the Pandyas is marked by the reign of several prominent rulers who played a crucial role in shaping the destiny of the kingdom. One of the earliest and most celebrated Pandya kings was Nedunjeliyan I, who ruled during the Sangam period. Known for his military prowess, Nedunjeliyan I is credited with securing the independence of the Pandya kingdom through his victory at the Battle of Talaiyalanganam.

In the medieval period, Kadungon (590-620 CE) is remembered as the king who revived the fortunes of the Pandyas after the Kalabhra interregnum. His successful campaign against the Kalabhras marked the beginning of the Second Pandyan Empire, which would go on to dominate South India for several centuries.

Maravarman Sundara Pandyan I (1216-1238 CE) was another important ruler who laid the foundation for the Pandyas’ resurgence in the 13th century. His military campaigns against the Cholas and the Hoysalas established the Pandyas as a major power in South India.

The most illustrious of the medieval Pandya rulers was Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan (1251-1268 CE), under whose reign the Pandya kingdom reached its zenith. Sundara Pandyan’s military campaigns extended the kingdom’s territory to its greatest extent, and his patronage of art and architecture left a lasting legacy. His reign is often regarded as the golden age of the Pandya dynasty.

Another notable ruler was Maravarman Kulasekhara I (1268-1310 CE), who continued the expansionist policies of his predecessors. However, his reign also saw the beginning of the decline of the Pandya kingdom, culminating in the invasion of Malik Kafur in 1311 CE.

Administration

The administration of the Pandyas was well-organized and efficient, reflecting the sophistication of their political system. The king was the supreme authority, but he ruled with the assistance of a council of ministers known as the Aimperunkulu. The kingdom was divided into several administrative units, each governed by a local chieftain or Nadu. The Nadu was further subdivided into Kurrams and Kottams, which were responsible for local governance and revenue collection.

The Pandyas had a well-developed system of taxation, with land revenue being the primary source of income. The kingdom also derived revenue from trade, both inland and maritime. The Pandyas were known for their efficient management of ports, which facilitated trade with distant regions such as Southeast Asia, China, and the Roman Empire. The port of Korkai was one of the most important centers of trade during the Sangam period.

The Pandyas also had a strong military organization. The army was composed of infantry, cavalry, and elephant corps. The navy played a crucial role in protecting the kingdom’s maritime interests and ensuring the safety of trade routes. The Pandyas were known for their strategic use of naval power, which enabled them to control key ports and maintain their dominance in the region.

Economy

The economy of the Pandya kingdom was primarily agrarian, with rice being the staple crop. The fertile plains of the Vaigai and Tamirabarani rivers supported intensive agriculture, which formed the backbone of the economy. The Pandyas were also involved in the cultivation of cash crops such as cotton, sugarcane, and spices, which were in high demand in both domestic and international markets.

Trade was another important component of the Pandya economy. The kingdom’s strategic location on the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent made it a hub for maritime trade. The Pandyas established trade links with the Roman Empire, as evidenced by the discovery of Roman coins and artifacts in various parts of Tamil Nadu. The port of Korkai was a major center of trade, where goods such as pearls, spices, and textiles were exported to distant regions.

The Pandyas also engaged in inland trade, with Madurai serving as a major commercial center. The city was known for its bustling markets, where goods from different parts of the kingdom and beyond were traded. The Pandyas issued their own coins, which were used for both domestic and international trade. The coins were typically made of gold, silver, and copper, and bore inscriptions in the Tamil script.

Culture and Society

The Pandyas made significant contributions to the cultural and intellectual life of South India. They were great patrons of literature, art, and architecture. The Sangam literature, which flourished under their patronage, is one of the most important literary traditions in Tamil history. The Sangam poets, known as Pulavars, composed poems on a wide range of themes, including love, war, and nature. The Tirukkural, a classic Tamil text attributed to the poet Thiruvalluvar, is believed to have been composed during the Sangam period.

The Pandyas were also known for their contributions to temple architecture. The Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai is one of the most famous examples of Pandya architecture. The temple, dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi (a form of Parvati) and her consort Sundareswarar (a form of Shiva), is renowned for its intricate carvings, towering gopurams (gateway towers), and expansive courtyards. The Pandyas also built several other temples, including the Nellaiappar Temple in Tirunelveli and the Kudal Azhagar Temple in Madurai.

The society under the Pandyas was characterized by a high degree of social stratification. The varna system, which divided society into four main groups (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras), was prevalent, but there was also a significant presence of Jainism and Buddhism in the region. The Pandyas were generally tolerant of different religious traditions, and their patronage extended to both Hindu and Jain institutions.

The Pandyas also played a crucial role in the development of the Tamil language. The Tamil Sangam, an assembly of poets and scholars, was established under their patronage. The Sangam served as a platform for the promotion of Tamil literature and the preservation of Tamil culture. The Pandyas were also instrumental in the compilation of the Tirumurai, a collection of devotional hymns composed by the Nayanars (Shaivite saints) and Alvars (Vaishnavite saints).

Religion and Philosophy

The Pandyas were deeply religious and played a significant role in the promotion of Shaivism and Vaishnavism. The Nayanars and Alvars, who were the foremost exponents of these religious traditions, received royal patronage from the Pandyas. The Periya Puranam, a hagiographical account of the Nayanars, was composed during the Pandya period and provides valuable insights into the religious life of the time.

The Pandyas were also known for their support of Jainism and Buddhism. Several Jain and Buddhist monasteries and temples were built under their patronage. The Kalugumalai Jain Temple and the Kazhugumalai Pandya Vihara are notable examples of Pandya-sponsored Jain and Buddhist architecture. The Pandyas’ religious tolerance and patronage of different faiths contributed to the pluralistic nature of South Indian society.

Decline and Legacy

The decline of the Pandya kingdom began in the early 14th century with the invasion of the Delhi Sultanate under Malik Kafur in 1311 CE. The invasion led to the plunder of Madurai and the weakening of Pandya power. The subsequent rise of the Vijayanagara Empire and the Bahmani Sultanate further marginalized the Pandyas, who were eventually reduced to a minor principality.

Despite their decline, the Pandyas left a lasting legacy in South India. Their contributions to literature, art, architecture, and religion continue to be celebrated to this day. The Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai remains one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, attracting millions of devotees every year. The Tamil language and culture, which flourished under Pandya patronage, continue to be a source of pride for the people of Tamil Nadu.

The Pandyas also played a crucial role in the development of maritime trade in the Indian Ocean. Their control over key ports such as Korkai facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between India and the wider world. The Pandya period is often regarded as a golden age in the history of South India, characterized by political stability, economic prosperity, and cultural flourishing.

Conclusion

The Pandyas were one of the most important dynasties in the history of South India, whose contributions to polity, economy, culture, and religion have left an indelible mark on the region. From the perspective of the UPSC, understanding the Pandyas is essential for a comprehensive grasp of ancient and medieval Indian history. Their story is one of resilience, innovation, and cultural achievement, and their legacy continues to inspire and inform the present. Aspirants preparing for the Civil Services Examination would do well to study the Pandyas in depth, as their history offers valuable insights into the complexities and richness of India’s past.

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