[Ancient History - One Liner]*Chapter 14. The Pallavas Dynasty

[Ancient History - One Liner]*Chapter 14. The Pallavas Dynasty 

One Liner of Ancient History - The Pallavas Dynasty 

Origins and Background

Que. What is the period of the Pallava Dynasty?

Ans. The Pallava Dynasty ruled from the 3rd to the 9th centuries CE.

Que. Who was the founder of the Pallava Dynasty?

Ans. Simha Vishnu is considered the founder, though earlier rulers existed.

Que. What was the capital of the Pallavas?

Ans. Kanchipuram was the capital of the Pallava Dynasty.

Que. From which region did the Pallavas originate?

Ans. The Pallavas likely originated from the Tondaimandalam region.

Que. With which dynasty were the early Pallavas associated?

Ans. The early Pallavas were associated with the Satavahanas.

Que. What are the theories about the origin of the Pallavas?

Ans. Theories include Parthian origin, Vakataka connection, and Chola-Naga lineage, but none are definitively proven.

Que. What language was used in the early Pallava charters?

Ans. Prakrit was used in the early Pallava charters.

Que. What marked the end of Pallava rule?

Ans. The Cholas conquered the Pallavas' heartland, marking the end of their rule.

Que. What was the Kalabhra Interregnum?

Ans. A period between the Sangam Age and the rise of the Pallavas.

Que. What is the significance of the name Mamalla?

Ans. It means "great wrestler" and was a title of Narasimhavarman I.

Rulers and Political History

Que. Who was Sivaskandavarman?

Ans. An early Pallava ruler.

Que. Who defeated Vishnugopa?

Ans. Samudragupta defeated Vishnugopa during his southern campaign.

Que. Who founded the third line of Pallavas?

Ans. Simhavishnu founded the third line of Pallavas.

Que. Who was Mahendravarman I?

Ans. A Pallava ruler known for his art and religious contributions.

Que. What conflict did Mahendravarman I face?

Ans. He faced a long-drawn conflict with the Chalukya dynasty.

Que. Who was Pulakesin II?

Ans. The Chalukya ruler who captured northern Pallava territories.

Que. Who succeeded Mahendravarman I?

Ans. Narasimhavarman I succeeded Mahendravarman I.

Que. What was the Battle of Manimangalam?

Ans. A battle where Narasimhavarman I defeated Pulakesin II.

Que. What title did Narasimhavarman I earn?

Ans. "Vatapikonda," meaning "Conqueror of Vatapi."

Que. Who was Narasimhavarman II?

Ans. Also known as Rajasimha, a Pallava ruler known for his peaceful reign and architectural contributions.

Art and Architecture

Que. What architectural style did the Pallavas introduce?

Ans. The Dravidian style of temple architecture.

Que. What are the rock-cut temples?

Ans. Temples excavated from rock, an innovative technique introduced by the Pallavas.

Que. Where are the monolithic rathas located?

Ans. Mamallapuram.

Que. What are the Pancha Rathas?

Ans. Rock-cut temples at Mamallapuram representing different architectural styles.

Que. What is the Shore Temple?

Ans. A renowned architectural masterpiece at Mamallapuram.

Que. Where is the Kailasanatha Temple located?

Ans. Kanchipuram.

Que. What is the Open Art Gallery at Mamallapuram?

Ans. A collection of sculptures, including the Descent of the Ganges.

Que. What is the Mamandur inscription?

Ans. It provides insights into the notation of vocal music.

Que. What is the Kudumianmalai inscription?

Ans. It references musical notes and instruments.

Que. Who is known as "Chittirakkarapuli"?

Ans. Mahendravarman I.

Society, Religion, and Culture

Que. What was the social structure like under the Pallavas?

Ans. The caste system became more rigid.

Que. Which religions were prominent during the Pallava period?

Ans. Saivism and Vaishnavism.

Que. What was the Bhakti movement?

Ans. A movement emphasizing devotion, which gained momentum during the Pallava period.

Que. Who were the Saiva Nayanmars and Vaishnava Alvars?

Ans. Renowned poets and saints who promoted Saivism and Vaishnavism.

Que. What was the Ghatika?

Ans. A prestigious educational institution in Kanchi.

Que. Who was Bharavi?

Ans. A celebrated Sanskrit scholar.

Que. Who was Dandin?

Ans. A prominent Sanskrit writer associated with Narasimhavarman II's court.

Que. What is Mattavilasaprahasanam?

Ans. A Sanskrit play authored by Mahendravarman I.

Que. What is Devaram and Nalayiradivyaprabandam?

Ans. Masterpieces of Tamil religious literature.

Que. Who was Perundevanar?

Ans. He translated the Mahabharata into Tamil as Bharathavenba.

Administration and Economy

Que. What were Kottams?

Ans. Smaller administrative units in the Pallava state.

Que. What was the primary source of government revenue?

Ans. Land tax.

Que. Which lands were exempt from land tax?

Ans. Brahmadeya and Devadhana lands.

Que. What role did village assemblies play?

Ans. They played a crucial role in local governance.

Que. What was the state of maritime trade?

Ans. It was fostered during the Pallava period.

Legacy

Que. What is the significance of Kanchipuram?

Ans. It was a major center of learning and culture.

Que. What architectural style did the Pallavas pioneer?

Ans. The Dravidian style of temple architecture.

Que. What role did the Pallavas play in South Indian history?

Ans. They played a pivotal role in shaping the region's cultural and political landscape.

Que. What are some examples of Pallava architecture?

Ans. The Shore Temple and Kailasanatha Temple.

Que. What impact did the Pallava dynasty have on later South Indian dynasties?

Ans. They influenced the art, architecture, and culture of subsequent dynasties.