The Pallavas were a prominent power in India for more than four centuries between the 6th and 9th centuries. During this time, art and literature in South India witnessed unprecedented growth.
- Development of Art:
- The rock-cut temples and later structural temples laid the foundation of Dravidian architecture. It is divided into four different stages or styles, viz. Mahendra Style, Mamalla Style, Rajasimha Style, Nandivarman Style.
- Pancha Rathas and Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Kailasanathar Temple (Kanchipuram): Built by Narasimhavarman II, this is one of the earliest structural temples in South India.
- Sculpture: Shift from basic rock-cut techniques to intricate and refined carvings. Eg- the Descent of the Ganges (Arjuna’s Penance) at Mahabalipuram and cave temples at places like Mahendravadi and Mamallapuram.
- Mahendravarman I was an exponent of music, as noted by rock inscriptions in Kudumiyanmalai. Musical instruments such as the yaazhai, mridangam and murasu were introduced.
- Painting: Mahendravarman was known as Chittirakkarapuli. Frescoes in the Sittanavasal caves.
- Contribution to Literature:
- The Pallavas were ardent patrons of Sanskrit and Tamil literature. The literature was primarily religious.
- Dandin, author of the Dashakumaracharita, was associated with the Pallava court.
- Mahendravarman I’s work Mattavilasa Prahasana is a satirical play written in Sanskrit.
- The devotional songs of Nayanmars and Alwars –
- Nalariya Divya Prabandham, also known as the Dravida Veda or the Fifth Veda, consisted of 4,000 Tamil verses and was written by 12 Alvars.
- Tirumurai, a key Shaivite text, has 12 books. The first seven, called Tevaram, were authored by Sundarar, Sambandar, and Appar.
- Kanchipuram was an important center of Sanskrit learning. Mayur Sarman, the founder of the Kadamba dynasty, studied the Vedas at Kanchipuram.
Other Influence
- Political and Cultural Influence in Southeast Asia, particularly to Cambodia and Vietnam. Eg- Angkor Wat
- Religious Tolerance: While the Pallavas were primarily Shaivites, Buddhism and Jainism coexisted under their rule. Eg- Buddhist Caves at Mamandur
Pallavas left a lasting legacy that not only influenced the succeeding Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties but also spread their cultural influence to Southeast Asia, making them a pivotal force in the history of South Indian civilisation.
