UNIT – V Cultural contributions in Southern Peninsula

10 Hours

 Contribution of Pallavas and Cholas to Art and literature.

Chalukyas of Badami, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Empire – and art and architecture
Pallava art and architecture
 Represents an early stage of Dravidian art and architecture which blossomed to
its fullest extent under the Chola Dynasty.
 The first stone and mortar temples of South India were constructed during
Pallava rule and were based on earlier brick and timber prototypes.
 Starting with rock cut temples, Pallava sculptors later graduated to free-standing
structural shrines which inspired Chola temples of a later age.
 Some of the best examples of Pallava art and architecture are the Kailasanathar
Temple at Kanchipuram, the Shore Temple and the Pancha Rathas of
Mahabalipuram. Akshara was the greatest sculptor of their time.
 History
 Pallava architecture can be sub-divided into two phases - the rock cut phase and the structural phase.
 The rock cut phase lasted from the 610 to 668 AD and consisted of two groups of monuments - the Mahendra
group and the Mamalla group.
 The monuments of this group are invariably pillared halls cut out of mountain faces.
 These pillared halls or mandapas follow the prototype of Jain temples of the period.
 The best examples of Mahendra group of monuments are the cave temples at Mandagapattu, Pallavaram and
Mamandur.

 The second group of rock cut monuments belong to the Mamalla group (630 to 668 AD).
 During this period free-standing monolithic shrines called rathas were constructed alongside pillared halls.
 Some of the best examples of this style are the Pancha Rathas and Arjuna's Penance at Mahabalipuram.
 The second phase of Pallava architecture is the structural phase when free-
standing shrines were constructed with stone and mortar brought in for the
purpose.
 Monuments of this phase are of two groups - the Rajasimha group (690 to 800
AD) and the Nandivarman group (800 to 900 AD).
 The best examples of this period are the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram and
the Kailasanathar Temple at Kanchipuram .
 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.
Contribution of the Pallavas to the cultural
development
 They had also encouraged the growth of Tamil and Sanskrit
literature.
 The Pallavas had earned name and fame through their magnificent
art and architecture.
 Mamallapuram finds a prominent place in the tourist map of the
world.
 Even today, their temples and sculptures stand testimony to the
cultural achievements of the Pallavas.
 Growth of Literature
 The Pallavas had remained great patrons of both Sanskrit and Tamil languages.
 Their capital Kanchi had remained a great centre for Sanskrit learning.
 The Pallava monarch, Mahendravarman I himself wrote the Maththavilasa
Prakasanam and Bagavatha Ajikkiyam in Sanskrit.
 Dhandin was a great Sanskrit scholar who lived during the Pallava rule. He wrote
Kavyadharsha.
 Another Sanskrit scholar Bharavi had visited Kanchipuram during the Pallava
period.
 Tamil literature developed during this period

 The Nayanmars and Alwars had composed their hymns in Tamil.

 Their contribution to the growth of Tamil literature during the Pallava period was significant.
 Their devotional songs constitute important religious literature of the Pallava period.
 Another Tamil scholar, Perundevanar wrote Bharathavenba during this period. Kalladanar had
composed a grammar hook called Kalladam.
 Another work Nandikalambakam describes the rule of Nandivarman III but we do not know its
author.
 Thus, the Pallava rule had witnessed the growth of both Sanskrit and Tamil literature.
 THE PALLAVAS POLITICAL HISTORY

 The period of Pailava rule is an important chapter in the history of Tamil Nadu.

 After defeating the Kalabhras, Pailavas established their rule in the Tamil country. Their rule
had extended from Sixth century A.D. to Ninth century A.D.

 The core of the Pallava kingdom was known as Thondai Mandalam.

 It extended from the river Krishna in the North to the river Palar in the South.
 The Paliava rule was significant in many respects.
 There was religious revival as well as literary growth.
 An excellent administrative structure had existed under the Pallava
rule.
 The Pallavas had also effected important changes in the sphere of
art and architecture.
 Origin of the Pallavas
 There are many theories regarding the origin of the Pallavas. Some scholars consider that
the Pallavas were foreigners.

 According to this theory, the Pallavas were the descendents of the Persians who invaded
North India.
 But many scholars do not accept this theory.
 The theory that the Tamil country had been the original home of the Pallavas is based on
the story of Thondaiman Ilanthiraiyan.

 He was considered to be a descendent of the Chola-Naga tribes. However, the Tamil origin
for the Pallavas has been ruled out on many counts.
 It is generally considered that the Pallavas had migrated to the Tamil country from North
India.
 While in North India, they served under the Mauryas.
 After the decline of the Mauryas, the Pallavas migrated to the Andhra region.
 Before coming to the Tamil Country, they stayed in the Andhra region for some time and
served under the Satavahanas.

 Subsequently, they established the Pallava kingdom in Thondaimandalam by

overthrowing the Kalabhras.
THE PALLAVA ADMINISTRATION

 A well-organized administration had existed in the Pallava kingdom.

 A lot of information from the literature and inscriptions to know the various aspects of the
Pallava administration.

 The Pallava kings had introduced several administrative institutions in the Tamil country.
 Mostly, they had adopted the Mauryan system of administration and suitably modified it.

 It can be said that generally there was peace and order in the Pallava kingdom due to their
efficient administrative system.
Administrative Divisions
 The Pallavas had a vast empire.
 It had extended up to the Nellore district in the North and up to the river South Pennar in
the South.

 On the west, it had extended up to the Western Ghats and on the east up to the Bay of
Bengal.
 It was very difficult to have administrative control over such a vast empire.
 Therefore, the Pallavas had divided the empire into several administrative units.
 They were called as Mandalam, Kottam, Nadu and Ur. These administrative divisions may
be compared with the modern administrative units, namely province, district, taluk and
village.
Mandalam

 The biggest unit of the Pallava Empire was Mandalam or Rashtra.

 It had remained almost an autonomous unit.

 The Pallava king had appointed a prince or Yuvaraja as the governor of a Mandalam.

 This was done to have direct central control over the provinces.
Kottam

 Each Mandalam was divided into several Kottams or Vishayas.

 The number of Kottams varied according to the size of the Mandalam.

 For example, the Thondai Mandalam was divided into twenty-four Kottams.

 Officials were appointed by the king to administer each Kottam.

 Nadu
 The next administrative unit was called Nadu.

 It was bigger than Oor or Village.

 There were several villages in each Nadu.

 A council called Naattar was in charge of the administration of Nadu.

Oor

The Oor or village was the smallest unit of the Pallava administration.

It was also under the control of the village committees called Sabhas,

The village Sabha remained almost autonomous in looking after the day-to-day administration
of the village.
 SOCIAL CONDITIONS IN PALLAVAS
 The Pallava rule had witnessed a drastic change in the social and economic life of the
people.

 The emergence of the Bakthi Movement had significantly changed their way of life.

 It was further stimulated by the temple-building activity of the Pallava kings.

 There was also a remarkable growth of economy during this period.

 In general, there was a tremendous change in the society and culture during the Pallava rule.
 Social Structure
 The society under the Pailavas was chiefly divided into four, namely, Brahmins, Kshatryas, Vaisyas and
Sudras.

 Besides the four-fold division, there were also other sub castes in the society based on their occupation.

 The Brahmins occupied the first place in the society.

 They were the learned and the most respected in the society. They had lived in a separate place called
Agraharam.
 They had recited Vedas and performed pooja in the temples.
 The Pallava kings had made extensive land grants to them. These land grants were known as Brahmadeyas.
 The Brahmins helped the kings in performing sacrifices. They had also enjoyed higher position in the
government.
 The Kshatryas had remained in the next position in the social hierarchy.

 Generally, they belonged to the ruling class. They had also become warriors. They also gave liberal
donations to the temples and Brahmins.

 Those who indulged in agriculture and trade were called as Vaisyas. They had contributed to the
development of society by establishing Mutts and choultries.
 They also fed the poor and committed to public welfare and social progress.

The Sudras had occupied the last place in the social structure.

 They remained low-grade servants. The literature of the Pallava period refers to them as pulayar and
chandalas. However, a few of them had become religious saints due to their devotion to God.
Status of women

 The women from royal and rich families had enjoyed high status in the society. They were
also given property rights. They remained pious and religious and granted liberal donations
to the temples and Brahmins. Chastity was their noble virtue. However, other women in
the middle and lower strata of the society had to work hard to earn their livelihood. They
indulged in spinning, weaving and other similar works. There were also separate dancing
girls in the society. They were employed in the temples because of their talent in music and
dance.
 Education
 Much importance was given to the Sanskrit education during the Paliava period. The Mutts had remained
as important educational centers. The kings and nobles made land grants to them. The temples had also
functioned as educational centers. The Buddhist Kadigai in Kanchipuram was a famous educational centre.
The Chinese traveler Hiuen-Tsang stayed there and studied. Another Buddhist scholar Dharmapala was
also an alumnus of the Kanchi Kadigai. The Jain pallis had also been functioning in Kanchi. Literature,
Grammar, Astrology, Medicine and Painting were some of the important subjects taught in these
institutions.
Sources for the History of the Pallavas

 The sources for the history of the Pallavas may be classified as native and foreign sources.
The native sources may further be classified as literary and archaeological sources.
 The literary sources for the study of Pallavas include both Tamil and Sanskrit literature.
They provide a lot of information about the Pallavas.
 Archaeological Sources
 Copper plates, inscriptions, monuments and coins remain the important archaeological sources: for the study
of the Pallavas. The Allahabad Pillar Inscription of Samudra Gupta mentions about the Pallava king Vishnu
Gopa. The Aihole Inscription of the Chalukyan king, Pulakesin II gives details about the Pallava Chalukya
conflict. The Kenthoor Stone Carving of Keethivarman also belonged to the Pallava period Apart from these
popular inscriptions, there exist hundreds of Pallava inscriptions throughout South India. They depict the
military achievements of the Pallava kings. These inscriptions also explain the social and economic
conditions of the Pallava period.
 The copper plates of the Pallava period remain useful historical sources. The Kuram Copper Plates issued by
Parameshwaravarman and the Velurpalayam copper plates of Nandivarman III record their military
achievements. The temples, sculptures and other monuments of the Pallava period also provide valuable
historical information. The coins of the Pallava period remain important sources to study the economic
conditions of this period.
Foreign Sources

 The foreign sources for the Pallava period include the Sri Lankan books, namely,
Deepavamsa and Mahavamsa. These books are written in Pali language. They describe
about the relationship between the Pallava kings Narasimhavarman I and the Sri Lankan
king Manavarman. The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang had visited the Pallava kingdom and
his travel accounts are known as Siyuki. He had given a detailed account of the capital city
of the Pallavas, Kanchipuram. He also mentioned about the Buddhist Viharas in Kanchi
and described the social and economic conditions of the Pallava kingdom.
 The Chola History
 The Cholas and their contributions find significant place in the history of South India.
 The early Cholas ruled during the Sangam period, Karikala was the greatest king among the early Chola
kings.
 After a long period, when the Pallava dynasty declined, the Chola kingdom began to shine once again.
 The greatness of the later Chola rule was revived by the Chola king Vijayalaya. The later Chola kings ruled
from 850 A.D to 1279 A.D for nearly 430 years.
 Later Chola Dynasty
 King Vijayalaya was the founder of the later Chola dynasty.
 He captured Tanjore from the Muttaraiyas and made it his capital in 850
A.D.
 He defeated the Pallava King Aparajitha and conquered his Kingdom. He
also annexed the Kongu country.
 He was a worshipper of Siva. He built Siva temples in many places.
 ART AND ARCHITECTURE UNDER THE
CHOLAS
 The Chola kings built many temples throughout their kingdoms.
 The temples of early Cholas are found in large number in the former Pudukottai region.
 These Chola temples reveal the gradual evolution of the Chola art and architecture.
 The Chola kings earlier built brick temples.
 Later they built stone temples.
 The first Chola ruler Vijayalaya Chola built temple at Narthamalai.
 This is a stone temple. It is one of the finest examples of the early Chola temple architecture.
 King Parantaka I built Koranganatha temple at Srinivasanallur (Trichy District).
Muvarkoil of Kodumbalur.
 They are good examples of the later Chola architecture and sculpture.

 Besides all these temples of the Chola period, the greatest landmark in the
history of south Indian architecture is Brhadeeswarar temple at Tanjore.
 This is also called as big temple.
 It has many architectural significance.
 It was built by Rajaraja I. This is the largest and tallest temple in Tamil nadu.
 Sculpture
 Stone and metal sculptures are found in plenty in Chola temples.

 They depict the socio religious ideas of the Chola period

 The Nataraja sculpture is world famous not only for its beauty but also
for its spiritual meaning
 The Cholas made use of sculptures to decorate the walls, pillars and
roofs.
 Portraits
 The Cholas excelled the Pallavas in the art of portrait making.

 The best specimens of portraits are found on the walls of Koranganatha temple and Nageswarasamy temple.
 Paintings
 The art of paintings flourished, Figures were painted with realism.

 The proficiency of’ the Chola painters are seen on their paintings.

 Paintings in Big temple are good examples.

 Scenes of Periyapuranam are beautifully depicted Kailasanathar temple at

Kanchipuram, Vishnu temple at Malaiyadipatti contain fine specimen of the Chola
paintings.
 Music
 During the Chola period the art of music was developed.

 Twenty three pans were used in music.

 The seven music alphabets sa. ri, ga, ma, pa, da, ni were used.

 The hymns of Alwars and Nayanars were sung in every temple

 Several musicians were appointed in Brahadeeswarar temple.

 Drums, udukkai, veena, flute were famous music instruments Sagadakkottigal formed a
group of musicians.

 Musicians were honored by the kings.

 Temples and mutts imparted training in vocal and instrumental music.

 Dance
 The Chola kings patronized the art of dance.

 Bharatha natyam and kathakali were two types of dances performed during the Chola period.
 Lord Siva was represented as the exponent of Karana dance.

 Dance dramas were also performed on stages at festival times.

 Chola kings made endowments to promote the art of dancing.
 Drama
 The Cholas promoted the art of drama.

 Music and dance were affiliated to drama.

 Many types of theatres and stages were there to perform dramas.

 Drama actors received honors from the Chola kings.

 Chola literature speaks about the cultural glory of the Cholas.
 Hundreds of temples built by the Chola kings.
 Particularly Brahadeeswarar (Big temple) temple at Tanjore and temple at
Gangaikonda Cholapuram are cultural monuments of the Cholas.

 The glorious Chola culture created very big impact on Tamil society and
imbibed lot of cultural values like bakthi upon the Tamil society.
Raja Raja Chola the Great 985 AD to 1014 AD

 Rajaraja I was son of Parantaka II and Vanavan Mahadevi. Thiruvalangadu plates speak
about Rajaraja I. He was the most powerful king of the Chola dynasty. The greatness of
Rajaraja brought glory not only to the Chola kingdom, but also to the Tamil country. He
issued several inscriptions. Rajaraja had a strong army. He defeated the Chera army at
Thiruvanathapuram. He also defeated Baskara Ravi the Raja of Kollam. He assumed a title
Kandalur salai Kalamarutharuliya”. He defeated the Pandya king Amarabhujangan.
 Rajaraja defeated Mahinda V the king of Ceylon and occupied Anuradhapuram and the
northern part of Ceylon. He made Polonnaruva city a new capital. Rajaraja got the title
“Mummudi Cholan” after the conquest of three southern kingdoms of Cheras, Pandyas and
Ceylon. He captured Gangapadi. Tadigaipadi and Nolambapadi in the Mysore region. He
successfully completed digvijayam with the conquest of vilignam. He conquered Kalinga
and Maldives Island. He also had titles ‘Arunmozhi’, ‘Rajakesari’. Rajaraja was ably
assisted by his efficient son Rajendra.
 Rajaraja was an able administrator. He introduced land survey system. He encouraged
local self government through out his empire. He built the big temple namely
Brahadeeswarar temple in Tanjore and Siva temple in Quilon and Polonnaruva.. He was a
devotee of Lord Siva. He encouraged Buddhism and supported Saivism. lie gave
permission for the construction of Buddha Shrine at Nagapattinam and donated
Anairnangalam village to the Buddhist monastery.
SOCIAL LIFE OF PEOPLE UNDER THE CHOLAS

 Chola kings were saivites. They worshiped Lord Siva. They built many Siva temples.
Parantaka I, Rajaraja I, Rajendra King Gandraditya and his queen Sembiyan madevi
contributed more for the development of Saivism and Bakthi literature. Parantaka I
covered the Siva temple with gold at Chidambaram. King Rajaraja I Built Brahadeeswarar
temple (big temple) at Tanjore. Rajendra-I Constructed Siva temple at Polonaaruva in
Ceylon and Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Lands, Jewels and vessels were donated to these
temples.
 Chola Kings were tolerant towards other religions. Vishnu worship was also there. Chola
rulers supported the spread of Vaishnavisim Saint Ramanujar was the contemporary of
Chola Kings. Thiruvalangadu copper plates. Karanthai plates and Anbil plates talk about
the religious conditions of the Chola period. Masimaham Mahamaham, Karthigai,
Thaipusam Sivarathri, Chithiraivizha, Aipasivizha were important festivals celebrated
during the Chola period. Tanjore, Kumbakonam, Avudaiyarkoil, Kalahasti Tirukadaiyur
and Kanchipuram were important temple cities. Bakthi songs were sung in all temples.
Some people followed Buddhism and Jainism.
 Temples acted as centers of learning also. Temples helped the development of painting
dance and music. Nambi Andar Nambi compiled the hymns of Saiva saints Nathamunigal
compiled the hymns of Vaishnava saints. Scenes of Periyapuranam portraits of Lord Siva
were themes of the paintings on the walls of temples. Bharatha natyam and Kathakali
dances were performed in temples at the time of festival times.
 The economic prosperity and religious contributions increased the standard of life and
aloes of the Chola society. By building many temples and mutts, the Chola kings
contributed for the development of culture, art and architecture. The royal patronage
increased the influence of Hinduism more. The temples and festivals of the Chola period
will ever speak about the glory of the Cholas.
VIJAYA NAGAR EMPIRE

 The Vijaya Nagar Empire was one of the famous empires in India.
 Two brothers namely Harihara and Bukka established Vijaya Nagar Empire on the
Southern banks of the river Tungabadhra in 1336.
 Vijaya Nagar was the capital of this empire.
Historical Sources

 Literary, architectural, numismatic and epigraphic sources are available for the study of
Vijaya Nagar Empire.
 Bagapalli copper plates, Ramanuja inscription, Srirangam plates Srisailam plates give
details about the geneology, political and socio, economic conditions of Vijaya Nagar
Empire.
 Foreign writers like Ibin Batuta, Abdul Razak, Nikitin, and Ferno Nuniz give useful
information’s about the Vijaya Nagar kingdom.
 Establishment of Vijaya Nagar rule in Tamilnadu: Bukka I was the first Vijaya
Nagar ruler to invade Tamilnadu.
 Then Vijaya Nagar ruler Kumarakampana captured Thondaimandalam, Trichy,
Madurai, Kongudesam, Rameswaram and established Vijaya Nagar Government
in Tamilnadu.
 Kumarakampana’ s rule may be regarded as the brightest chapter in the history of
Vijaya Nagar rule in Tamil country After Kumarakampana, Tarnilnadu was ruled
by some Vijaya Nagar kings namely Virupanna, Harihara II Devaraya Saluva
Narasimha and some others.
 Krishna Devaraya 1509AD To 1529AD
 Krishna Devaraya was of medium height and had fair complexion rather fat than
thin.
 He had signs of small pox on his face. He was physically so strong.
 He was a brave warrior and a statesman.
 He was gentle and generous in character.
 Among the Vijaya Nagar rulers Krishna Devaraya was the greatest administrator.
 He had extended the boundaries of Vijaya Nagar empire in Tamilnadu by
capturing, many new areas.
 His success over Udayagiri, Kondapalli were significant.
 His expedition against Kalinga and battle of Raichur are important.
 Administration of the Vijaya Nagar Empire
 Vijaya Nagar empire was ruled by the emperors belonging to four dynasties namely Sangama, Saluva
 Thuluva and Araveedu dynasties. King was the supreme authority in civil, military and judicial
matters.
 There was an imperial council of ministers to advice the king on important matters.
 In Continuation of Vijaya Nagar rule in the Tamil country. Krishna Devaraya created Nayakship in
Madurai and Tanjore.
 A feudal type of Nayankara administrative system was introduced to replace local self Government
institutions in Tamilnadu.
 They appointed nayaks in their provinces in Tamil country.
 The administrative reforms of Vijaya Nagar rulers continued till they were defeated by the sultans in
the battle of Tali Kotta in 1565.
 Social Condition

 The economy of the Tamil society under Vijaya Nagar rule was prosperous.
 The flourishment of inland and foreign trade had good impact in the Tamil society and economy.
 People with various cultures and languages lived together happily.
 Caste system was there.
 Royal family members and nobles led a luxurious life.
 Common people led poor life.
 Women were respected more.
 Some women participated in Public life.
 Some of them were appointed in both civil and military departments.
 Some women were talented in music, dance and poetry writing. Marriages had sacred and
social importance.
 Dowry system was there. Horse riding, hunting, chess, boating, kolattam, kummy were the
favorite games in the society.
 Krishna devaraya’s daughter was a very good chess player.
 The Telugu, Kannada speaking people migrated in to Tamilnadu. Sourashtras of Gujarat who
came and settled in Tamilnadu had supplied clothes to the royal house and nobles.

The Reddies and other agriculturists migrated to Tamilnadu during the Vijaya Nagar rule.
Music and dance were encouraged.
Social Divisions

 Vijaya Nagar society was divided into many divisions. Brahmins and Vellalas were
dominant groups, The Portuguese, the French, the Dutch, the English and the Arab
Muslims settled here.
 These foreigners had their own churches and mosques. They had mixed response from the
native population. Indian Muslims, Christians formed another section, Goldsmiths,
blacksmiths, carpenters, and weavers formed sizable group in the society.
 Fishermen who lived in the east coast were converted into Christianity.
 Valangai and Idangai groups had frequent conflicts among themselves. Some times they
joined together on certain issues.
Education

 During the Vijaya Nagar rule education was confined only to certain sections of the
Society. Gurukula education was there. Classes were conducted both in teacher’s houses
and temple premises. These educational institutions had royal support. Vedas, astrology,
subjects like medicine were taught.
Food and Dress

 Rice and millet were their main food. The habit of chewing the betel leaf was also there.
Free meals were provided in the choultries. Generally people wore cotton wool and line
dresses. The nobles wore embroider dresses with golden threads, Rich people wore shoes
and poor people remained bare footed. Women had the practice of wearing costly gold
ornaments with precious stones and pearls.
Literature Art and Architecture Under Vijaya Nagar Empire

 Vijaya Nagar kings patronized Tamil, Telugu and Sanskrit scholars, poets and
philosophers. Krishna Devaraya composed Amuktamalayada. Which is considered as one
of the five Telugu kaviyas. There were eight scholars in the court of Krishnadevarya. They
were known as Ashtadiggajas. Krishnadevaraya stopped the practice of translating from
Sanskrit to other languages.
 He encouraged original thinking and writing in the field of literature. Krishna Devaraya
marked a new beginning in the literary history of South India. The influence of
Vaishnavism was found in the Telugu and Tamil literature, Gangadevi wrote
Maduravijayam which is an important literary evidence about her husband
Kumarakampana’ s conquest of Tamil country. Allasanipeddanna, Nanditimmanna
Tenaliramakrishna were leading Telugu scholars. Telugu literature flourished well.
Tamil Literature

 Vijaya Nagar period marked good development in Tamil literature. Tamil Scholars of
Saivism, Vaishnavism and Jainism were encouraged. Meykandar wrote Sivagnana
Bodham. Velliyambala Tambiran wrote Gnanapuranavilakkam, Alagiyadesikar’s
Sethupuranam, Kachiappassivachariar’ s Kandapuranam were important Tamil literary
works. Villiputhurar translated Viyasar’s Bharatam in Tamil. Chidambarapuranam and
Chokkanatharula were written by Thirumalainathar.
 Haridasars wrote lrusamaya vilakkam. Nalavenba, is famous Tamil work of that period.
Commentaries were written on Tholkappiayam and Silappathiharam and also on many
vaishnavite religious texts. Nallurveerakavirayar’s Harichandrapuranam and saint
Pavanandhi’s Nanool were important works written during Vijaya Nagar period.
Art and Architecture

 During the period of Vijyanagar rulers the Tamil country faced an introduction of new style
in the field of art and architecture. Two different styles of architecture namely the
Dravidian and Indo-Saracenic architecture were famous during this period.
 The two gopuras of Rameswaram temple and Seshagiri mandapam at Srirangam are the
best examples ‘Vijaya Nagar art. Vijaya Nagar king built a famous temple inside the
Vellore fort.
 Special feature of the Vellore temple is the Kalyana mandapam attached to that temple.
This is one of the best examples of the Dravidian architecture style of Vijaya Nagar kings.
The palace of Madurai built during this period is a good example of Indo Saracenic
architecture style. Krishna Devaraya built a good part of a northern tower of
Chidambaram. He also constructed the south side of Ekambaranatha shrine at
Kanchipuram. He built pudumandapam and many temple towers at Madurai and
Thiurvannamalai.
 New temples were built in Vellore, Kumbakonam, Srirangam and Kanchipuram. Gopurams
towers, forts and palaces constructed during this period are famous even today. The last
stage of the Vijaya Nagar architecture was known as Madura style. The art of casting
bronzes was famous. Some of the Vijaya Nagar paintings of God, Goddesses, purana story
pictures and images of kings are familiar even today.
 Revival of Hinduism, and some of the new social and cultural patterns introduced and
emerged in Tamil. Country during Vijaya Nagar period had established a very big impact
in the social and cultural life of Tamil country.
Religious Condition Under Vijayanagar Empire

 The Vijaya Nagar rulers encouraged all religious faiths. Their most favorable religion was
Hinduism. Many areas of Tamilnadu were relieved from Muslim sultan’s rule and were
placed under the Vijaya nagar Hindu rulers.
Temples of Madurai, Srirangam. Thiruvarur, Rameswaram, Chidambaram, Tirunelveil.
Thiruvannamali. and Sirvilliputhur were repaired and rebuilt. Some of them were enlarged
with an additional gopurams, praharas, entrance towers, corridors and mandapas. New
temples were built in Kanchipuram, Kumbakonam and Vellore. Sculptures were carved on
pillars. Maharasankaranihi, Mahanavami, Ugadi, Deepavali, karthigai and holi were
celebrated. Coins issued by Vijaya Nagar kings proclaim their conviction towards
Vaishnavism.
 King Achyutaraya made liberal grants to the Varadaraja and Ekmahareswarar temple at
Kanchi. He built the image of Lord Thillai Govindaraja at Chidambaram, Jain temples
were built. Muslim dargas were respected. Christian missionaries were functioning in
Tuticorin, Vellore and other areas. The early Vijaya Nagar kings were saivites and the later
kings were vaishnavites. So both saivism and vaishnavism flourished during this period.
This reflected in Tamil country also. Vadaglai and Thengalai: Vadagalai and thengalai
groups were there among the vaishnavites. The Vadagali group was led by vedhanta
Desikar. They followed Sanskrit vedas. Thengalai group was led by Manavala Mahamuni.
The Thengalai group followed Tamil Prabandhams. Vadagalai people believed in caste
system but Thengalai people did not believe in caste system.
Chalukyas of Badami

 The rise of the Chalukyas marks an important milestone in the history of South India and a
golden age in the history of Karnataka. The political atmosphere in South India shifted
from smaller kingdoms to large empires with the rise of Badami Chalukyas. For the first
time in history, a South Indian kingdom took control and consolidated the entire region
between the Kaveri and the Narmada rivers. The rise of that empire also saw the birth of
efficient administration, rise in overseas trade and commerce and the development of new
style of architecture called Vesara. Around the ninth century, it also saw the growth of
Kannada as a language of literature in the Jaina Puranas, Veerashaiva Vachanas and
Brahminical traditions. The eleventh century saw the birth of Telugu literature under the
patronage of the Eastern Chalukyas.
 Chalukyas of Badami
 In the sixth century, with the decline of the Gupta dynasty and their immediate successors in
northern India, major changes began to happen in the area south of the Vindyas— the
Deccan and Tamilaham. The age of small kingdoms had given way to large empires in that
region.[42] Pulakesi I established the Chalukya dynasty in 550.[43][44] Pulakesi I took
Vatapi (Badami in Bagalkot district, Karnataka) under his control and made it his capital.
Historians refer to Pulakesi I and his descendants as Chalukyas of Badami. They ruled over
an empire that comprised the entire state of Karnataka and most of Andhra Pradesh in the
Deccan. Pulakesi II (precoronation name "Ereya") had been perhaps the greatest emperor of
the Badami Chalukyas.[45] Also known as Immadi Pulakesi, scholars consider him one of
the great kings in Indian history.[46][47][48] His queen, Kadamba Devi, had been a princess
from the dynasty of Alupas. They maintained close family and marital relationship with the
Alupas of South Canara and the Gangas of Talakad. Pulakesi II extended the Chalukya
Empire up to the northern extents of the Pallava kingdom and halted the southward march of
Harsha by defeating him on the banks of the river Narmada. He then defeated the
Vishnukundins in the southeastern Deccan. Pallava Narasimhavarman reversed that victory
by attacking and occupying the Chalukya capital Vatapi (Badami) temporarily.
 The Badami Chalukya dynasty went into a brief decline following the death of Pulakesi II
due to internal feuds. It recovered during the reign of Vikramaditya I, who succeeded in
pushing the Pallavas out of Badami and restoring order to the empire. The empire reached
a peak during the rule of the illustrious Vikramaditya II who defeated the Pallava
Nandivarman II and captured Kanchipuram. The Rashtrakuta Dantidurga overthrew the
last Badami Chalukya king Kirtivarman I in 753. At their peak they ruled a vast empire
stretching
CONTENTS

 Introduction
 Origin of the word “HOYSALAS”
 Notable rulers of HOYSALAS empire
 Administration
 Education
 Literature
 Art and Architecture
 Decline of the HOYSALAS empire
INTRODUCTION

 After the fall of the GANGAS, in 1104 A.D

the empire of KALYANA split up into three
parts, namely, the kingdom of DEVAGIRI,
the kingdom of WARANGAL and the
kingdom of DWARASAMUDRA ruled by
the HOYSALAS.
 The HOYSALAS accepted the over lordship
of the CHALUKYAS of KALYANA.
ORIGIN OF THE
WO RD HOYSALAS.

 The inscription says that the founder of dynasty was SALA.

 SALA is from SOSEVUR from MUDUGERE TALUK.
 When his JAINA master asked SALA to kill a tiger ,he called him out “HOY SALA”.
 Thus the dynasty’s name originated.
NOTABLE RULERS
OF HOYSALA EMPIRE.
 NRIPA KAMA: The first notable ruler of the dynasty was NRIPA KAMA. He conquered
the regions around MUDIGERE. After defeating many rulers of the MALENADU region.
 The next ruler was VINAYADITYA, NRIPA KAMA’S son.
NOTABLE RULERS OF
HOYSALA EMPIRE.
 VISHNUVARDHANA(1107-1141): The HOYSALAS of DWARASAMUDRA attained
great power under his rule.
 He conquered GANGAVADI from CHOLAS and captured their provincial capital
TALAKADU.
 He assumed the title “TALAKADUGONDA”.

NOTABLE RULERS OF
HOYSALA EMPIRE
 VIRA BALLALA 2nd (1173 – 1220):He was the creator of the HOYSALA empire.
 He defeated the YADAVA ruler of DEVAGIRI,BHILLAMA at SORATUR in 1190.
 He assumed the title “DAKSHINA CHAKRAVARTI”.
 He honored JANNA by giving title “KAVI CHAKRAVARTI” .
NOTABLE RULERS OF
HOYSALA EMPIRE
 VIRA BALLALA 3rd (1292 – 1342): He was the last notable ruler
of the house.
 He defeated many rulers like NOLAMBAS of NOLAMBAVADI
and the SUENS of DEVAGIRI.
 In the succession war of the PANDYAS of MADURAI , he took
sides of SUNDARA PANDYA and went to TAMIL NADU to help
him.
 MALIK KAFUR , the commander of DEHLI SULTAN , ALLA-
UD – DIN – KHILJI , laid a SEIGE to DWARASAMUDRA.
 On 18th NOVEMBER , 1310, a large army under command of
MALIK NAIB from DEHLI.
ADMINISTRATION

 The provincial administration of the HOYSALAS included the

main features of the administration of GANGAS and
CHALUKYAS.
 The provinces were divided into NADUS looked after by the
officers.
 The villages had a headman SENABOVA and TALARA.
 A central revenue register, KADITA was maintained.
 To support agriculture, irrigation, literature, they created
hundreds of tanks like SHANTISAGARA.
 The HOYSALAS had a special bodyguard corps called
‘GARUDAS’, who lived and also died with the king.
RELIGIONS

 The SHAIVA, VAISHNAVA and JAINA religions were popular in those days.
 VISHNUVARDHANA who was a JAINA, accepted SRIVAISHNAVA religion.
 VISHNUVARDHANA’S queen SHANTHALA was a JAINA and also a scholar and
accomplished dancer.
EDUCATION

 The AGRAHARAS, MATHAS and TEMPLES were the centers of learning.

 MELKOTE, SALGAME, ARASIKERE, MORINGERE etc; were noted centers of
learning.
 The VEDAS, MEDICINE, KANNADA, SANSKRIT were taught at these centers.
LITERATURE

 KANNADA LITERATURE:- It developed well during this period.

RUDRABHATTA composed ‘JAGANNATHA VIJAYA’ in KANNADA.
KAVI CHAKRAVARTHI JANNA`S ‘YASHODHARA CHARITHA’ was a
great work of that time. HARIHARA wrote ‘GIRIJAKALYANA’ a CHAMPU
work in KANNADA. RAGHAVANKA`S ‘HARISHCHANDRA KAVYA’ is
also the creation of the age. KESHIRAJA`S ‘SHABDAMANI DARPANA’ is
a work on KANNADA GRAMMAR.
 SANSKRIT LITERATURE:- It flourished during this period. ACHARYA
RAMANUJA and ACHARYA MADHWA wrote many SANSKRIT works
during this period.
ART AND ARCHITECTURE

In the 12th and 13th centuries A.D.

evolved a new style of architecture. They
perhaps inherited the art-tradition of their
predecessors-THE GANGAS and THE
CHALUKYAS OF KALYANA style. The
temples built by them are not square but
polygonal or star shaped. The SIKARA is
pyramidal but low, and may be regarded as
a modified type of the DRAVIDIAN.
 VISHNUVARDHANA had built the
KIRTI NARAYANA temple at
TALAKADU and the
VIJAYANARAYANA temple at BELUR.
HOYSALESHWARA temple:- The best
know example of the HOYSALA style is
the HOYSALESHWARA temple at
HALEBID.
 Similar elaboration of decoration is found in
the HOYSALESHWARA temple. As it has
aptly remarked, “ONE OF THE MOST
MARVELLOUS EXHIBITIONS OF HUMAN
LABOUR TO BE FOUND EVEN IN THE
PATIENT-EAST”.
The SOMANATHAPUR temple is a triple
shrine (TRIKUTA), raised by
SOMADANDANAYAKA in 1258 with three
beautiful SHIKARAS.
DECLINE OF THE EMPIRE

After the death of BALLALA III, there was no other powerful ruler like him. The last
ruler, VIRUPAKSHA BALLALA (1343-1346) could not live long. By then the
VIJAYANAGARA kingdom had already appeared.
Hence, in this way the HOYSALA EMPIRE declined.