Pandyas of Uchchangi PDF

Pandyas of Uchchangi
A Concise Account on the

Dynasty
By J M John Marshal
1
Pandyas of Uchchangi
A Concise Account on the Dynasty
By
J. M. John Marshal
Mary’s Memorial Centre for Historical Research
Mail Id: johnbti0901142@gmail.com
First Edition: March 2019
Published: Self-Published
Donation:
Copyright @Author – J.M. John Marshal
All rights are reserved
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted or translated in any

other form or by any means- Photocopying, recording without either prior
permission in writing from the author.
2
Preface
Indeed Pandyas were most mysterious kings to study in the history of mankind.
Where they came from and where they went, certainly a question of research. But
whenever or wherever they lived, they left their impressions for the future
generations to know about them and to appreciate them. It is finally a call to
participate in their life.
One such Pandyas were Uchchangi Pandyas. Apart from them having their title in
common with the Pandyas of Madurai history has not yet proven any relationships
beyond that. However we can hope for the best in the near future.
These Pandyas are a symbol of fidelity. They are the symbols of a balanced
administration. They are the symbols for scholarly pursuits. In the beauty of the
fort of Uchchangidurga these Pandyas wrote a chapter in the history of Karnataka
and it lasts still now.
This book is not intended to bring a detailed study on their history, but it is a short
and concise guide to understand about them in a chronological way and systematic
way, which could be useful for the students and researchers.
Hope you’ll contemplate on the beauty of Uchchangidurga and connect yourselves

to it through the way of this royal race.
Kind Regards
The Author.
3
DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to the preservation of the royal fort of Uchchangi which is
the heritage and symbolic icon of the history and culture of Karnataka.
I also dedicate this book for all the students and researchers who are interested in
the history of Uchchangi Pandyas.
I also dedicate this book to the wellbeing of the descendants of these Pandyas, who
may or may not have the memory about their forefathers.
Finally I dedicate this book to H. Mary, my Mother of Happy memory who gave
impetus for me to know about history.
4
CONTENTS
S.No Content Page.No
1 Introduction 5
2 Uchchangi Pandyas and Pandyas of Madurai
3 Rulers of Uchchangi Pandya dynasty 7
4 Early Rulers
5 Rayapandya (1079- 1129 AD)
6 Virapandya (1142-1162 AD) 9
7 Vijayapandya (1163 AD- 1190 AD)
8 Importance of Education: Model of Uchchangi Pandyas 11
9 Queens of Uchchangi Pandya dynasty
10 Chieftians under Uchchangi Pandyas 13
11 Religious Contributions
12 Conclusion 15
5
Uchchangidurga Fort of Uchchangi Pandyas1
1
Source: https://i2.wp.com/www.karnataka.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/chandragutti-fort-
shimoga.jpg?fit=708%2C472&ssl=1acc: 13/12/17
6
Introduction
The history of Uchchangi Pandyas takes us back to thousand years. During that
time there were two mighty kingdoms that were waging war with each other in the
regions of the modern Bellary- the Western Chalukyas and the Cholas.
During the rule of Western Chalukyas, the area around Bellary was part of
Nolambavadi (referred to as Nolambavadi-32000), which included parts of the
present Shivamogga, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Bellary and Anantapuram
Districts.Further, some inscriptions mention that Nolambavadi-nadu was a part of
the ancient Kuntaladesha.
Between BC 300 to AD 1336, Bellary was ruled in succession by the Mauryas,

Satavahanas, the Pallavas, the Kadambas, the Badami Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas,
the Kalyani Chalukyas, the Southern Kalachuryas, the SevunaYadavas, and the
Hoysalas.
The Bellary area was also ruled briefly by the Cholas during the wars between
Kalyani Chalukyas and the Cholas,the region was constantly changing hands under
turmoil.
During this time , when Nolambavadi was under the Western Chalukyas/Kalyani
Chalukya rule there arose the expedition of Cholas during 1068 AD in which they
sacked Kampili.2 In 1076, however, the rival Emperors came to terms. A few years
later, the governorship of Nolambavadi was given to a new line of chiefs, the
“Pandyas of Uchchangi,". Thus there initiated the rule of the noble line of
Uchchangi Pandyas. Before that this noble line might have been a small local
dynasty. But when Nolambavadi was given over to these Kings they guarded their
land as the Apple of their eye till the end of 12th century.
2
https://books.google.co.in/books?id=6EDcBSHGZaIC&pg=PA99&lpg=PA99&dq=nolambavadi+pandyas&source=bl
&ots=4sCgzRJnnN&sig=B3b2bRqdX44zOApdZgP8AzNCMtY&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj59LiXwPrXAhVFqI8KHSHw
DrYQ6AEIQjAE#v=onepage&q=nolambavadi%20pandyas&f=falseacc: 8/12/17
7
Uchchangi Pandyas and Pandyas of Madurai
Uchchangi Pandyas and the Pandyas of Madurai share the title of ‘Pandya’. But
apart from the sharing of titles, is there anything common to the Pandyas of
Madurai and Uchchangi?
Many scholars suggested that it’d be of very valuable research if the link between
the two were established by undisputed documents. 3 However currently we have
only room for speculations regarding them.
One of the titles shared by Uchchangi Pandyas (of Yadava Race) was ‘Lords of
Kanchipura’. 4 Considering the history of these Pandyas it is evident that their rule
didn’t extended beyond Nolambavadi and therefore it is safe to assume that this
title arose because of conquest. However it could shed light on their origins. We
know that the Kadambas were known as “Banavasipuravaradishwara- the great
lords of Banvasi”. The Goan Kadambas, even though they weren’t ruling from the
Banvasi, made use of those titles, which clearly indicates one of their ancestral
titles. If we argue in the same way, we can understand that this title of Uchchangi
Pandyas might refer to their Ancestral place from where they might have ruled
once.
This arouses an interesting question on the connection of Pandyas with

Kanchipuram. Apart from the latter conquests, what was the link between them?
An inscription from AD 550 found from Thiruthuraipoondi-Tanjore district
mentions about a well called “Pandiyan Kayam” near Kanchipuram.5 It is of great
interest since it is one of the earliest inscriptions that mention a connection
between Pandyas and Kanchipuram. This denotes an earlier connection of Pandyas
with Kanchipuram before the Pallavas.
https://books.google.co.in/books?id=p0wSoEIub1YC&pg=PA500&lpg=PA500&dq=Tribhuvana+Malla+Pandya&sour
ce=bl&ots=vf3dACuaG3&sig=16Yt2_cyyA7bP0J5zVBaoyG3ai4&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwib6_yI5_vXAhUIOI8KHb
_wCtAQ6AEIPjAG#v=onepage&q=Tribhuvana%20Malla%20Pandya&f=false
acc:m 9/12/17 Gazetteer of Mysore By B. L. Rice p. 500
4
https://books.google.co.in/books?id=p0wSoEIub1YC&pg=PA500&lpg=PA500&dq=Tribhuvana+Malla+Pandya&sour
ce=bl&ots=vf3dACuaG3&sig=16Yt2_cyyA7bP0J5zVBaoyG3ai4&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwib6_yI5_vXAhUIOI8KHb
_wCtAQ6AEIPjAG#v=onepage&q=Tribhuvana%20Malla%20Pandya&f=false
acc:m 9/12/17 Gazetteer of Mysore By B. L. Rice p. 500
5
http://www.tamilvu.org/tdb/titles_cont/inscription/html/pallanko.htmacc: 9/12/17
8
We can speculate thus the Uchchangi Pandyas might be a branch of an early
Pandya dynasty that ruled the regions around Kanchipuram. But we don’t have any
inscriptional evidence to substantiate this claim.
9
Rulers of Uchchangi Pandya dynasty
Early Rulers
Adityadeva (975-1000 AD)
Adityadeva was the first member of the UcchangiPandya family. He is considered

as the originator of this line of Pandyas. 6 We have no information about him
except his name. The period of his rule is an approximate account. 7
Chediraja (1000- 1025 AD).
Chediraja is the son of Adityadeva. It is said that he got this name because he won
the Chedi rulers, however the historicity of this claim is much doubted. 8 His period
is assigned as 975-1000 AD tentatively.
Palamapandyadeva (1025-1050 AD)
He succeeded Chediraja. He is also known as Palatta and Palantapandya. He is

described as a Hero and fighter. He might have been friendly to both the Cholas
and Chalukyas9, but there is no conclusive evidence for that since the conflicts
between Cholas and Chalukyas continued for a long time and this Pandya king
being the Vassal of Chalukyas how he might have reacted must be a study that
requires further inscriptional evidences.
Irukkavela (1050-1075 AD)
He is the Son and the Successor of Palantapandya. Some authors such as Dinakar
Desai identify him with the next Pandya ruler Tribhuvanamalla Pandya. 10
6
http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/104961/13/13_chapter%209.pdf acc: 9/12/17 p. 206
7
8
9
10
10
Rayapandya (1079- 1129 AD)
Rayapandya is the greatest of the Pandyas of Uchchangi. He succeeded his Father,

Irukuvela. He is also known as tribhuvanamalla Pandya and Tribhuvanamalla
Pandya. 11There is no ground in identifying TribhuvanamallaPandyadeva and
Tribhuvanamalla as two different personalities. He was a chieftain under the
Chalukya king- TribhuvanamallaVikramaditya VI. The title ‘Tribhuvanamalla’
means that he was a ‘wrestler of the three worlds’ as his King is.
Beturwas considered as the capital of TribhuvanaMalla Pandya during medieval

period. The site is believed to be used by the king for keeping his cattle.12
He was a loyal subordinate to the Vikramaditya VI, his chalukyan overlord and
engaged actively in the political affairs and military affairs of his Chief.
Rayapandya played active role in the Conflict of Vikramaditya VI with Cholas

over the Vengi region and the Revolt of Hoysalas.13 When the eastern chalukya
king Rajendra succeeded the throne of Cholas under the name Kulotunga Chola,
the vengi kingdom became a part of the Chola Empire. Now, Vikramaditya IV
took active efforts to oppose it and the active role of Uchchangi Pandyas in
assisiting their overlord earned the title – ‘Rajiga Chola Manobhanga’. 14
The hoysalas under Vishnuvardhana grew in power and they challenged their
overlord Vikramaditya IV. This king sent ParamaraJagadeva, his favourite chief to
fight against them. 15The hoysalas in turn raided the territories of Changalvas and
conquered them. They also raided the Nolambavadi region of the Uchchangi
Pandyas at the battle of Dumme in 1116 AD. 16Though the hand of the hoysalas
seems to have overgrown they were not able to completely control the domains of
Uchchangi pandyas.
During these attacks by the hoysalas there seems to have arose confusion within
the territories of Vikramaditya IV. Some of his feudatories started to behave more
independently and the king not resisting it taught the rebellious chiefs a lesson by
11
12
http://www.dvgocd.com/ acc: 9/12/17
13
14
15
16
11
subduing the Kadambas of Goa by sending his trusted general SindaAchugi.17
After defeating the Kadambas of Goa he raided the Uchchangi Pandya regions.
The Uchchangi Pandya realized the mistake and renewed his loyalty to
Vikramaditya IV.18
This might have caused this Pandya to gain new confidence in the mind of the king
since the Uchangi Pandyas were given the province of Santalige19, masavadi20etc
in addition to the province of Nolambavadi. Even at one stage they were given the
administration of the kadambalinge region. 21 The last known year of his reign was
1129 AD. 22
17
18
19
20
21
22
12
Virapandya (1142-1162 AD)
Virapandya had an elder brother known as Pandithapandya, a great scholar.

Virapandya was much like his father and he had the title of Thiribhuvanamalla. It
is difficult to interpret the gap of 15 years between the last known year of his
Father (i.e. 1129) and the year in which Virapandya ascended the throne. Scholars
were of opinion that his brother Pandithapandya might have had concentrated only
on the scholarly works and there is a little probability for his rule. But we can also
accept that there is always a chance that he might have had ruled in those years.
An inscription of 1148 AD describes him ruling the regions of Nolambavadi as

Kumara Vritti.23 The actual meaning of the term ‘Kumara vritti’ is disputable, with
scholars interpreting that he was young or a usurper of the throne of Tailapa, the
minor son of Rayapandya.24 But further research can only shed light in this subject.
During the time of this king,Vikramaditya IV died and the Hoysalas started their
attacks again. They waged wars against Kadambas of Hanagal and Pandyas of
Uchchangi. However there are no indications to show that the Hoysalas were
completely successful in this effort. The Pandyas fought against them and kept
their independent status.Virapandya even won the Male region to Jagadekamalla II
the chalukya king who succeeded Vikramaditya IV. Virapandya was awarded the
title – Jagadekamalla25 , the title of the very king itself of his contribution. But
there are also evidences that show that the Nolambavadi region was also under the
rule of the Hoysalas under sometime.
But the Chalukyas had to face the rise of Kalachuris too. Kalachuri Bijjala rose
against the Chalukya Taila III and occupied the throne of Chalukyas in 1156 AD.
Veerapandyamight not have been able to fight against the rise of this powerful
chief and he accepted the overlordship of this new kalachuri Bijjala.26Veerapandya
was even deprived of some of his territories, since many inscriptions describe him
23
24
25
26
13
as ruling a portion of Nolambavadi known as Kogeli-500.27 But he was allowed to
rule the Kadambalinge-1000 and Puligere-300. 28
The last known year about Vira Pandya is 1162 AD. 29
27
28
29
14
Vijayapandya (1163 AD- 1190 AD)
Vijayapandya, the successor of Virapandya was a vassal to the Kalachuri king. In

the genealogy of the Uchchangi Pandyas we could also find mention about the
Palamanda pandya II after Virapandya, but he didn’t ascend the throne having met
with a premature death. 30
During the time of Vijayapandya the Kalachuri Bijjala died and there arose
confusion regarding the succession and there was great chaos. Taking advantage of
this condition, Ballala II-the Hoysala King (the grandson of Vishnuvardhana, the
Hoysala king who raided Uchchangidurga) came with a great force, attacked the
Uchchangi fort and captured it in the year 1177 AD.31 Due to the lack of a strong
central authority in the seat of Chalukyas, the Pandyas of Uchchangi weren’t able
to receive any help from their side and it made the Hoysalas to easily capture the
fort of Pandyas.
But we must know that the Hoysalas didn’t extinguish the Pandyas completely.
They might have returned the territories after the Pandyas accepted the Sovereignty
of Hoysalas as evidenced by an inscription of 1200 AD.32 They might have
continued to be vassals to the Kalachuris again, once when the things in the
kalachuri territories have turned normal and when the Chalukyas restored their
power, the Pandyas have submitted themselves to the king of Chalukyas-
Someshvara IV. 33
The case with Sree Someshvara IV is quite interesting for the title “Lion to the
Elephant Pandya” which implies that the Pandya could have proclaimed
independence and once Sree Someshvara IV restored his fortunes, he conquered
them and made them to accept his suzerainty.34
After Someshvara IV was defeated by the Hoysala Ballala in 1190, he

reestablished his authority over the Pandyas of Uchchangi. But there might have
arisen a political confusion in the country.
30
31
32
33
34
https://www.karnataka.gov.in/Gazetteer/Publications/District%20Gazetteers/Chitradurga%20District/Chitradurga
_1967_Chapter2.pdf p. 41
15
Vijayapandya II (1190 AD-beginnings of 13th century?)
Virapandya had three sons- Odeya, Panditapandya II and Vijayapandya II.35 The
last ascend the throne. He was served by some chiefs, which indicates that he
might have enjoyed some independency taking advantage of the political turmoil in
the country.36 During his time the Hoysalas established themselves firmly in the
conquered region and the incense of Pandyas of Uchchangi completely faded into
the air of History.
35
36
16
Importance of Education: Model of Uchchangi Pandyas
Uchchangi Pandyas were not just efficient administrators, but they gave great
importance to learning which we should imitate.
Panditapandiya is described as a great scholar king like Sri Harsha, Utpala Bhoja,
Vatsa and Vikramaditya. 37His teacher was the great Madhusudanadeva, who acted
as the preceptor for Virapandya, the brother of Panditapandya.38 Education should
bring the nurturing of Character. He understood his great capacity of Scholarly
interests and gave way for the Coronation of his brother Virapandya. Thus we
could see the humility and the greatness of this Panditapandya, an ornament of the
Yadu Kula of the Uchchangi Pandyas.
The brother of Panditapandya, King Virapandya is again a great one to imitate. He

was equally great in the art of administration as well as education. He is compared
to the great King scholars such as Sri Harsha, Akshapada, Kapila and Lord
Buddha. 39He was also a master in Nyaya Vaseshika, Sankhya and other schools of
Philosophy. 40
Thus the Pandyas of Uchchangi, though a small dynasty, gave importance to

Education as evidenced by being the fact that they were King- Scholars.
37
38
39
40
17
Queens of Uchchangi Pandya dynasty
Sovaladevi, Consort of Rayapandya
Queen Sovaladevi was the sister of a chief called Vikramaditya, whose father was
called Bhillavaraya. 41The identity of this Vikramaditya is difficult to trace, since
there were so many chiefs who were sub-ordinate to the Pandyas of Uchchangi.
One suggestion is that he might be a chief from a family in the Bellary district. 42
Consorts of Virapandya
Virapandya had two wives namely:-
a). Gangadevi, daughter of Adityadeva , who was a high officer under the king
Jadadegamalla II.43 She was also known as Mahadevi.44
b). Vijayadevi, sister of Vikramaditya.45 But whether this Vikramaditya is identical

with Vikramaditya , son of Bhillavaraya or his family is unknown.
Bachaladevi
She is the wife of Tailappa II, a Hangal Kadamba chief. She along with her spouse
made grants as indicated by an inscription of AD 1109.46 Some suggest that she
was the sister of Tribhuvanamalla Pandya.47 She was also known as Pandya
Mahadevi.48
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
18
Chieftians under Uchchangi Pandyas
1. Chieftains under Rayapandya:-
a). Rana Murrkha Kula
An officer named Udayaditya of Rana Murrkha kula is described as a Chieftain

under Rayapandya acoording to an inscription of 1126 AD. 49The meaning of his
Kula name is yet to be deciphered. This chief was ruling Arahata – 12, Jagalavur-
70 and Haduvagere- 500. 50
b). Adiyammarasa
He is described as a trusted subordinate of Rayapandya according to an 1124 AD

inscription. 51 He is described as the upholder of the kingdom of Rayapandya.52
c). Dakarasa
According to an inscription of 1106 AD, he is described as a subordinate of

Rayapandya. He seems to have made grants to the temple of Allaleshvara at
Agraharabada53 to which the Rayapandya himself made grants after some years.54
d). Mahasamanta Mallarasa
Asagodu inscriptions (AD 1111, from Jagalur Taluk) speaks about

MahasamantaMallarasa being the subordinate of Rayapandya . 55 He was given
incharge of Perjjunke of Nolambavadi- 3200.56 An officer of Mallarasa named
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
19
PerggadeKommasotti was administrating the Perjjunka taluks of Kadambalige-
1000. 57
e). Gangarasa
Gangarasa, a chief of the family of Gangas was subordinate of the great

Rayapandya (according to an inscription of 1126 AD58). He acted as the governor
of Kukkavadi- 300. 59
f). Pallavaraya
According to inscriptions of 1124 and 1125 AD , a Pallavaraya, chief of Belichi-70

and Dumme-12 acted as the subordinate of the great Rayapandya.60
g). Kadambas of Bellary
A small kadamba family from Bellary was also a subordinate to Rayapandya, the
Great. It is indirectly evidenced that Kogali-500 which is the domain of the
Kadambas of Bellary was also included in the Nolambavadi province ruled by the
Pandyas of Uchchangi. 61
2). Chieftains under Virapandya.
a). Anukapallavaraya
This chief made a grant to god Gavaresvara of Holal, Hadagalli taluk of Bellary
district. 62
b). Family from Bellary
Three brothers named Aditya, Pallavagavunda and Bammagavunda helped

Virapandya to the extent that the Pallavagavunda is described as Pandyarajabhudya
(one who was responsible for the prosperity of the Pandya Kindom). 63
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
20
c). Kadambas of Bellary
The kadambas of Bellary extended their subordination to Pandyas of Uchchangi

even during the time of Virapandya. One of them was known as
Mahamandalesvara Nachidovarasa. 64
d). Kallimayya Dandanayakan
According to an inscription of 1162 AD65, this subordinate of Uchchangi Pandyas

was the high officer of taxes of Nolambavadi region.
e). Sovideva
An inscription of 1143 states the superiority of Virapandya over Mahasamata

Soma or Sovideva, whose son was Edavarideva. 66
3). Feudatories of Vijayapandya
a). Sindas of Belgutti
Isvaradeva II of Hallavura was the contemporary of Vijayapandya. They were

described as the associates or the followers of the Pandya king.67
b). Vijaya Permmadidandanatha
This feudatory is described as the right hand of the king and he is said to have
conquered many kingdoms for Vijayadeva. 68
c). Kadambas
Some chiefs belonging to the Kadamba family of Mayurasarma such as

Nagatiyarasa, his brother Harihararasa, Kumaraketarasa and Macharasa acted as
the trusted servants of the Pandyas. 69
64
65
66
67
68
69
21
d). MahasamantaKamayyaNayaka
According to an inscription of 1187 AD he acted as a subordinate of the king and

he is described as Pandyarajyabharana- the ornament of the Pandya kingdom. 70
e). MahamandaleshvaramanneyeVikramadityarasa
According to an inscription of 1183 AD this chief is described as a great hero and

it is mentioned that Sovaladevi, the mother of Vijayapandya was a sister of this
Vikramadityarasa. 71
70
71
22
Religious Contributions
1. Jainism
Jainism was famous throughout the Chalukya Empire, but it wasn’t much in
Nolambavadi. Bagali in the Iirapanahalli taluk of Bellary district was an important
Jain centre. During the reign of Uchchangi Pandyas a grant was made to the temple
according to an inscription of 1115 AD. 72
2. Shaivism
Kalamukha branch of Shaivism was popular in the Nolambavadi region.
a) During the times of Uchchangi Pandyas a Shiva temple was built at Ammele at
Kiidligi taluk.73
b) Pandya officer Reganna built the temple of Ramesvara at Ravaghatta in 1122

AD. 74
c) Aiytisvara temple was built during this time.75
d) Vikramaditya the maternal uncle of Virapandya was a stauchshaivite and a grant

was made by him to the temple of svayambhukalideva at the
agraharaHuvinaHadagalli in 1169 AD.76
e) A temple of Basavesvara was built by an officer Saudhare-basayya during the

reign of Uchchangi Pandyas. 77
f). During the reign of these Pandyas even the people from far distant places like
Gujrat visited and contributed to the temples. For example a devotee called
Santikabbe was offering many gifts for the temple of Kalideva at Bagali in a
regular basis. 78
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
23
Conclusion
As we read the history of Uchchangi Pandyas we can appreciate their importance

in the maintenance of the sovereignty of the Chalukya Empire. Though many
chieftains revolted against their over lords or dealt with their overlords in a
treacherous way to usurp the throne, Uchchangi Pandyas remained in the role of
being vassals of the King. They didn’t intend to make a kingdom for themselves.
That is the reason why the king placed them in the border regions of Nolambavadi
to act as buffer to counteract the attack from other invading kingdoms such as
Cholas. Furthermore the privileged position experienced by these Pandyas is an
evidence for the fidelity they showed to their overlords. That might be the reason
why when the Hoysalas finally invaded them, they first attacked the region of
Nolambavadi Pandyas and captured them.
But these Uchchangi Pandyas are the symbols of realistic fidelity, not a plastic
fidelity. They had swerved away from their loyalty once as we see after the first
attack of Hoysalas, but they retained back soon and renewed their fidelity to their
overlords.
In the short period of their reign these Pandyas played a vital role in maintaining
the integrity of the kingdom. Moreover their Scholarly pursuits and religious
charities are a best example for their legacy.
In short words the Pandyas of Uchchangi could be the best models of maintaining
a healthy fidelity in ruling.
24
25

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Pandyas of Uchchangi

A Concise Account on the

A Concise Account on the Dynasty

Mary’s Memorial Centre for Historical Research

Mail Id: johnbti0901142@gmail.com

First Edition: March 2019

Copyright @Author – J.M. John Marshal

All rights are reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted or translated in any

Hope you’ll contemplate on the beauty of Uchchangidurga and connect yourselves

S.No Content Page.No

2 Uchchangi Pandyas and Pandyas of Madurai

3 Rulers of Uchchangi Pandya dynasty 7

5 Rayapandya (1079- 1129 AD)

6 Virapandya (1142-1162 AD) 9

7 Vijayapandya (1163 AD- 1190 AD)

8 Importance of Education: Model of Uchchangi Pandyas 11

9 Queens of Uchchangi Pandya dynasty

10 Chieftians under Uchchangi Pandyas 13

Between BC 300 to AD 1336, Bellary was ruled in succession by the Mauryas,

This arouses an interesting question on the connection of Pandyas with

Adityadeva (975-1000 AD)

Adityadeva was the first member of the UcchangiPandya family. He is considered

Chediraja (1000- 1025 AD).

Palamapandyadeva (1025-1050 AD)

He succeeded Chediraja. He is also known as Palatta and Palantapandya. He is

Irukkavela (1050-1075 AD)

Rayapandya is the greatest of the Pandyas of Uchchangi. He succeeded his Father,

Beturwas considered as the capital of TribhuvanaMalla Pandya during medieval

Rayapandya played active role in the Conflict of Vikramaditya VI with Cholas

Virapandya had an elder brother known as Pandithapandya, a great scholar.

An inscription of 1148 AD describes him ruling the regions of Nolambavadi as

The last known year about Vira Pandya is 1162 AD. 29

Vijayapandya, the successor of Virapandya was a vassal to the Kalachuri king. In

After Someshvara IV was defeated by the Hoysala Ballala in 1190, he

The brother of Panditapandya, King Virapandya is again a great one to imitate. He

Thus the Pandyas of Uchchangi, though a small dynasty, gave importance to

Sovaladevi, Consort of Rayapandya

Virapandya had two wives namely:-

b). Vijayadevi, sister of Vikramaditya.45 But whether this Vikramaditya is identical

1. Chieftains under Rayapandya:-

a). Rana Murrkha Kula

An officer named Udayaditya of Rana Murrkha kula is described as a Chieftain

He is described as a trusted subordinate of Rayapandya according to an 1124 AD

According to an inscription of 1106 AD, he is described as a subordinate of

d). Mahasamanta Mallarasa

Asagodu inscriptions (AD 1111, from Jagalur Taluk) speaks about

Gangarasa, a chief of the family of Gangas was subordinate of the great

According to inscriptions of 1124 and 1125 AD , a Pallavaraya, chief of Belichi-70

g). Kadambas of Bellary

2). Chieftains under Virapandya.

b). Family from Bellary

Three brothers named Aditya, Pallavagavunda and Bammagavunda helped

The kadambas of Bellary extended their subordination to Pandyas of Uchchangi

d). Kallimayya Dandanayakan

According to an inscription of 1162 AD65, this subordinate of Uchchangi Pandyas

An inscription of 1143 states the superiority of Virapandya over Mahasamata

3). Feudatories of Vijayapandya