Component-I (A) Personal details:

Component-I (B) Description of module:

Subject Name

Indian Culture

Paper Name

Outlines of Indian History

Module Name/Title

Major dynasties of south India (753 1300 ce)

Module Id

I C/ OIH/ 17

Pre requisites

Knowledge in the political history of South India

Objectives

To study the history of major dynasties of South

India and their contribution to Indian Culture

Keywords

Rashtrakutas / Chalukyas of Kalyani / Yadavas/

Kakatiya / Hoysala/ Pandya

E-text (Quadrant-I)
1. Introduction
The Political History of Deccan between 753 1300 CE was marked by the ascendency of
the Rashtrakutas of Manyaketa, emergence of Chola power, the Chalukyas of Kalyani and
their subordinates. One of the kingdoms that rose to power on the ruins of the Chaluykas of
Badami was the Rashtrakutas. Later, the country south of Tungabhadra was united as one
state for nearly two centuries under Cholas of Tanjore and Chalukyas of Kalyani. Towards
the close of the twelfth century, the two major powers-the Cholas and Chalukyas of Kalyani
had became thoroughly exhausted by their conflicts and were on their decline. Their
subordinate powers were started to show their new vigor and were ready to take advantage
of the weakening of their suzerains and proclaimed independence. The Yadavas of Devagiri,
the Kakatiyas of Warangal, the Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra and the Pandyas of Madurai
constitute important political forces during 12th and 13th Centuries.
2. Topic I : Rashtrakutas (753 to 973 CE)
Rashtrakutas were the important dynasty ruling over large parts of the Indian Subcontinent
for 220 years from 753 to 973 CE with their capital from Manyakheta (Malkhed in Gulbarga
district). Rashtrakutas were of Kannada origin and Kannada language was the mother
tongue .Dantidurga was the founder of the Rashtrakuta kingdom. His predecessors,
Abhimanyu, Nannaraja, Karka I and Indra II were the feudatories of the Chalukyas. Indra II
married a Chalukyan princess of Gujarat branch (Lata) and Dantidurga was born to them
,who ruled from 735 to 756 CE. He defeated the Gurjaras and captured Malwa from them.
During 752-753 he defeated the last Chalukyan ruler Kirtivarman II and established the
Rashtrakuta rule. Thus, the Rashtrakutas became a paramount power in Deccan. He had
the titles like Prithvivallabha , Maharajadhiraja , Rajaparameswara etc.
Dantidurga died childless and was succeeded by his uncle, Krishna I (756-774 CE). He
completed the overthrowing of the Chalukya power and expanded his new kingdom in all
directions. He defeated the Gangas and the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi and compelled
them to acknowledge his Suzerainty. The magnificent rock-cut monolithic Kailasanatha
temple at Ellora was built during his reign.
He was succeeded by Govinda II in 774 CE. He was an easy going monarch, his ambitious
brother Dhruva seized the throne for himself in 780 CE.
The next important king of the dynasty was Govinda III (793-814 CE). He achieved victories
over Vengi Chalukyas, Pallavas, North Indian kingdoms Gurjaras and Palas.
Govinda III was succeeded by his young son Amoghavarsha (814 880 CE) also called
Nrupatunga. He was the greatest king among the Rashtrakutas. He had to wage several
wars including the Vengi Chalukyas,Gangas, etc and protected his kingdom without any
2

damage from the various menaces. He gave his daughters in marriage to the Vengi
Chalukyas, Pallavas, and Gangas .Though he was a great warrior, he loved peace and
avoided wars to the best of his ability .Sulaiman, the Arab traveler, who visited his court in
851 CE, gave very good account of the administration of Amoghavarsha. He had several
titles and several inscriptions also eulogized him.
Amoghavarsha was succeeded by his son Krishna II (880-914 CE) who in turn was
succeeded by Indra III (914-929 CE). He invaded and conquered Kanauj, Paramaras,
Banas, and Gurjara Pratiharas and extended his empire. He was succeeded by
Amoghavarsha II in 929 CE. It appears that he lost his throne by the intrigues of his younger
brother Govinda IV ( 929 - 935 CE).
Krishna III (935-967CE) was the last great ruler and was famous for his expeditions. He
marched against Cholas and defeated them at Takkolam battle. He conquered many
principalities including Gangavadi, Bundelkhand, Cheras, Pandyas, Chedi, Kanchi,
Nolambas, Malwa and erected a victory pillar at Rameswaram. Krishna was a great king
brave and able administrator and held the titles like Prithvivallabha, VallabhaNarendra ,
Aklavarsha etc. He built several temples in conquered territories including the Krishneswara
temple at Rameswaram. After his death, the power of Rashtrakutas declined.
He was succeeded by his brother Khottiga (967- 972 CE). Paramara Sreeyukha lay seize to
Manyakheta and looted the capital. He was succeeded by Karka II during whose time the
Rashtrakuta power further worsened. Tailapa II overthrew Karka and laid the foundation for
the Chalukyas of Kalyana in 973 CE. Thus the vast and mighty Rashtrakuta empire has
eclipsed from the South Indian history.
2.1 Contribution to Indian Culture :
2.1.1 Administration:
The Rashtrakuta empire was the biggest empire in the history of Deccan. It extended from
Malwa in the North to Kaveri valley in the South including large parts of Orissa, Andhra
Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Kerala and entire Karnataka and Maharashtra. They brought political
unification of Deccan.
The administrative system that they evolved was significant for its many features. The vast
kingdom was divided into many divisions like Rashtra, Vishaya, Desa, Bhukti.
Rashtrapathi, Vishayapathi, Bhogapathi or Bhogikas were the chief officers of these
political units. The empire was further divided into Mahamandalas, Mandalas, and Grama
was the last unit. Many inscriptions refer the names of various officers like Yuktas, Ayuktas,
Niyuktas, Upayuktas, Shanbhaga etc. King was the head of the state and kingship was
hereditary. King was assisted and guided by the Council of Ministers. The administration
was based on the principles laid in the Hindu scriptures. The Rashtrakutas had a powerful
army consisting of infantry, cavalry and Elephants.
Land revenue was the main source of income to the royal treasury. There was an active
commerce between the Deccan and Arabs. The Rashtrakuta kings promoted the Arab trade
by maintaining cordial relations with them. Merchants had organized their separate trade
guilds called Srenis. There were community guilds also and these trade guilds developed
foreign trade. Coins made up of gold, silver and copper called as Suvarna, Gadyana,
Darhama, Kalanju Dharana, were in circulation. These coins had impressions of gods and
goddesses on one side and the names of the king on the other side along with the year of
mint.
2.1.2 Religion:
The renaissance of Hinduism, which began during the Gupta era, got a boost during this
period. Saivism and Vaishnavism attained importance. Many Rashtrakuta kings were
devotees of Siva, Vishnu and temples were built in their honour. Jainism was the religion of
royal patronage. Amoghavarsha was a Jain. Buddhism was on decline due to lack of
patronage. Throughout the kingdom people of all faiths received the royal encouragement
without any discrimination. Tolerance was the keynote of the administration. The
Rashtrakutas have permitted the Arabs to build their mosques on the West Coast. The 9th
3

century Arab traveler, Sulaiman who had visited the court of Amoghavarsha, appreciated the
generous religious policy and liberal tolerance of other religions by the Rashtrakutas.
2.1.3 Literature:
This era was a period of transition in the development of Kannada and Sanskrit literatures.
Education received greater importance. Salotgi (Indi taluk of Bijapur district) was an
important centre of education during the reign of Krishna III.
The Rashtrakutas widely patronized the Sanskrit literature. The important Sanskrit works of
the period were Trivikramas Nalacharita, Halayudas Kavirahasya, Jinasenas Adipurana,
Mahaviracharyas Ganitasarasangraha, Saktayanas Amoghavriti.
The Kannada literature saw its beginning during the period of Rashtrakutas.
Amoghavarshas Kavirajamarga was the first poetic work in Kannada language.
Amoghavarsha was not merely a patron of literature, but himself was a scholar and his
contribution to literature was immense.
The trinity poets of this era i.e. Pampa, Ranna and Ponna have made inestimable
contribution to Kannada literature. Pampa, was the first Kannada poet who wrote
Vikramarjuna Vijaya (Pampa Bharata) and Adipurana. Ponna, the court poet of Krishna III,
wrote Shanti Purana, was honoured with a title Ubhaya Kavichakravarthi.
One significant factor about the literature of this era is that most of the writers were Jains.
They were great scholars of Sanskrit, Kannada and Prakrit.
2.1.4 Art and Architecture:
Rashtrakuta sculptors and architects have left behind evidence of greatness in their works of
art and have occupied a prime place in ancient India .Their art exhibits the grace ,refinement
and technical skill is of very high order .They were master-builders and have excavated or
constructed the mighty temples. As a result of their liberal patronage, there appeared many
great monuments and pieces of art. The Ellora and Elephanta cave temples of the
Rashtrakutas strike the visitors and are really breathtaking structures for all ages .The
Kailasanatha temple at Ellora was carved out of a monolith ( single rock ), during the period
of Krishna I,is an unique achievement and has no parallel in the history of art. It is an
architectural marvel with its beautiful structures. V. A. Smith ,the famous historian, remarked
that It is one of the wonders of the world a work of which any national might the proud of an
honour to the king under whose patronage it was extended.
The Elephanta caves, near Bombay, also belonged to the same age. The sculptural art of
Rashtrakutas reached its zenith. Trimurti or Mahesh Murthi is the master - piece of these
caves. Besides these two master-pieces, structural temples have also been built at places
like Manyakheta, Pattadakkal, Mahakuta, Aihole, Badami, Belur, Sannathi, Rameswaram
and at several other places in their lengthy empire.
2.2 Summary:
The Rashtrakuta empire was the biggest empire in Deccan and its boundaries were river
Kaveri in the South, Narmada in the North, Bay of Bengal in the East and the Arabian sea in
the West. The mighty empire had different branches like Vemulavada, Bodhan, and Gujarat,
who ruled independently under the suzerainty of the main branch of Rashtrakutas. They
have evolved a sound administrative system which became a significant factor for its many
features and became guide to the later rulers. They have patronised Kannada literature, art
and architecture.
3. Topic II : The Chalukyas of Kalyani (973-1190 CE)
The Chalukya dynasty is an important dynasty which ruled over southern India. There were
two branches of the Chalukyas, the first of them ruled from Badami and the other from
Kalyani. The Chalukyas of Kalyani (later Chalukyas or Western Chalukyas) came to power in
973 CE and continued their rule till 1190 CE.
The new dynasty of Kalyani was founded in 973 CE by Taila or Tailapa-II, (973 997 CE).
The kings of this dynasty were constantly engaged in wars with their neighbours, the
4

Paramaras of Malwa on the north and the Cholas on the South. In all his wars Taila was
assisted by his elder son Satyasraya who became the king after his death.
Satyasraya (997-1008 CE) continued the aggressive policy of his father, his chief enemy
being the rising Chola power under Rajaraja. At the beginning of the 11th century, the
Chalukya country suffered much from the invasion of Rajaraja Chola. After overthrowing of
the Rashtrakuta, he spent several years consolidating his sway in the western Deccan over
the area between Narmada and Tungabhadra.
Satyasraya was succeeded in 1008 CE by nephew Vikramadiya V who after a short and
uneventful reign was followed by his brother Jayasimha II in 1015 CE. Jayasimha had to
fight many fonts including invasions of Paramara Bhoja and Chola Rajendra.
Jayasimha was succeeded by his son, Someswara I (1042 CE), he founded Kalyani and
shifted his capital from Manyakheta to Kalyani. He continued the war began his father
against the Bhoja of Malwa and received his submission after a raid on his capital Dhara. He
extended his empire across Vidarbha, Kosala and Kalinga. The Kakatiya chieftains assisted
Someswara in his wars and received from him as fief the Anumakonda vishaya.
In spite of many reverses he maintained the struggle with the Cholas with undiminished vigor
till the end of his life. He was a great diplomat than a warrior. He had great faith in himself
and succeeded in handing over it to his many able generals including his famous son
Vikramaditya VI.
The most famous king of this dynasty was Vikramaditya VI (1076 1126 CE). He defeated
the Hoysala king of Mysore and Rajendra Chola II. He is also believed to have started a new
era known as the Chalukyan Vikrama era. Vikramadityas reign, in general was peaceful and
his court was adorned by learned poets. The famous poet Bilhana, the author of
Vikramankadevacharita and Vijgneswara, the author of the well known work Mitakshara
flourished during his reign.
Someswara III (1126 1138 CE) was also a peaceful monarch and in his reign the Hoysala
Vishnuvardhana, threw of his allegiance to the Chalukyan power by establishing Hoysala
dynasty. Vishnuvardhana continued his aggression in the reigns of his two sons Someswara
III, Jagadekamalla II (1138 1155 CE) and his younger brother Taila III (1150 1163 CE).
During this period the Deccan was divided into smaller kingdoms of similar status, with some
of which the Cholas were occasionally at war.
Later Chalukyan empire began to decline. By 1157 CE the Kalachuri Bijjala assumed
imperial title and a new era may be said to have started. Kalachuri revolution now ran its
course and Bijjala set up rule in the Chalukyan capital. Three of his sons ruled in quick
successions upto 1183 CE, but none of them had the ability of Bijjalas usurpation to good
account.
In 1183 CE Someswara IV, the son the Taila III, became the ruler after sweeping away the
last remnants of the Kalachuri power and thus putting an end to the confusion they had
caused. However, the Yadava feudatory of Someswara IV, Bhillama was the first to realize
the weakness of kings position and took advantage of it. The dynasty came to an end in
1190 CE, when its last ruler Someswara IV was overthrown by the Yadavas of Devagiri.
4. Topic III : The Yadavas of Devagiri (1190- 1307 CE)
After 1190 CE the empire of Kalyani split into three parts, namely the kingdom of Devagiri
founded by the Yadavas, the kingdom of Warangal governed by the Kakatiyas and the
kingdom of Dwarasumudra ruled by the Hoysalas.
The independent Yadava kingdom of Devagiri was founded by Bhillama (1185-1193 CE).
He defeated both the Kalachuri and Western Chalukyas and made himself master of the
greater part of the Chalukya empire in Deccan. He established his capital at Devagiri
(modern Daulatabad) and henceforth the family was known as the Yadavas of Devagiri.
Bhillama was at first more successful and over ran the dominions of Hoysala. Later Ballala II
defeated Bhillama and forced him to leave the Hoysalas country.
Bhillamas son Jaitrapala or Jaitugi defeated the Hoysalas, wrested back the territories
acquired by them from his grandfather and established the undisputed supremacy of
5

the family in Deccan. He made extensive conquests in the North, conquered Lata. He also
defeated king of Malwa, a Muhammadan ruler of the North, the Kalachuris, and Chedis of
Chattisgarh & Jabbalpur. He also declared war against Kakatiya Rudradeva, killed him and
took his nephew Ganapatideva as captive (1196 CE).
Jaitugi was succeeded by his son Singhana (1200 - 1247 CE) under whom the Yadava
empire attained its greatest extent. He invaded Gujarat twice in 1231and 1237 CE while in
the South he waged a war against Hoysala Ballala II. He continued the pressure against the
Hoyasals in the reign of Narasimha II.
The Yadava throne was descended to Singhanas grandson Krishna I (1247 1260 CE).
His reign was also remarkable for its literary activity. He was a great patron of religion and
performed many sacrifices.
Krishna I was succeeded by his brother Mahadeva (1260-1271 CE). He fought a successful
war against Kakatiya Rudrama, capturing her elephants, some of her insignia but spared her
life as she was a woman. Hostilities against the Hoysalas continued into the reign of Ballala.
Ramachandra (1271 1307CE), the last ruler of this dynasty, was suddenly attacked by
Alla-ud-Din Khilji, the then governor of Kara. Ramachandra was defeated but pardoned.
However, the rulers of Devagiri, proved unequal to the task of defending the Deccan, against
the northern invaders. His territory was again attacked by Malik-Kafur, a lieutenant of Allaud-Din and he was taken as prisoner in 1306 1307 CE . Then the Deccan became part of
the Khilji empire.
Contribution to Culture
The rulers of Devagiri encouraged art and letters. Literacy was also encouraged. Singhanas
chief astronomer was Changadeva, the grandson of famous astronomer Bhaskaracharya.
He founded a college of astronomy for the study of works of Bhaskaracharya. The age of the
later Yadavas saw the composition of famous works of Hemadri, Bopadeva and
Jnaneswara. The great Maratha saint Jnaneswara flourished during the reign of
Ramachandra and completed his great Marathi exposition of Bhagavadgita on the banks of
the river Narmada in 1290 CE.
5. Topic IV : The Kakatiyas (1000 - 1323 CE)
5.1 Early Rulers
Kakatiyas are one of the major dynasties that ruled over the present Telangana and Andhra
regions, parts of Karnataka, Orissa and Tamilnadu from 1000 to 1323 CE with their capital at
Orugallu (Warangal). The early members of this dynasty were in the service of Rasthrakutas
and acted as generals. Later they shifted allegiance to the Chalukyas of Kalyani. Taking
advantage of the disturbed political condition of the Deccan in the 11th century CE, the
Kakatiyas established their power.
The 323 years rule of the Kakatiyas can be divided into two periods. The first period
extended from 1000 to 1157 CE. During this period by their steadfast loyalty to Kalyani
Chalukyas, they strengthened the position of the dynasty and laid foundation for its
subsequent greatness. The early Kakatiya chiefs like Beta I, Prola I, Beta II and Prola II
became the loyal subordinates of the Kalyani Chalukyas upto Jagadekamalla II. The
disintegration of the western Chalukyan empire during the reign of Taila III and the rise of the
Kalachuri Bijjala gave a fertile opportunity for the Kakatiya to assert independence.
5.2 Independent Rulers
The second period from 1158 to 1323 CE saw their rise and downfall. The outstanding rulers
of this dynasty were Rudradeva (1158 1195 CE), Ganapatideva (1198 1262 CE),
Rudramadevi (1262 1289 CE), and Prataparudra (1289 1323 CE). For nearly three
centuries they shaped the Telugu history and civilization and fostered the Telugu language
and literature.
Rudradeva (1158 1195 CE) was the first king of the dynasty to over throw the subordinate
position of the Kakatiyas as the feudatories of the Chalukyas of Kalyani and asserted
6

independence. The Anumakonda inscription of 1162 CE, a lengthy document of historical

value, gives graphic description of his military exploits. He established his sway over the
coastal Andhra by defeating the Velanadu Cholas, the subordinates of the ChalukyasCholas. Rudradeva in order to meet the increasing needs of the administration of the
independent kingdom laid foundation for a new fort at Warangal. This later on became the
capital of the Kakatiya kingdom.
Rudradeva was a great patron of art and literature. He constructed the majestic Rudreswara
Temple (1000 pillared temple) at Anumakonda. He was the author of the Sanskrit work
Nitisara and patronized the Saivite scholars like Palkurti Somanatha. Rudradeva died in the
battle with Jaitugi, the Yadava king in 1195 CE and was succeeded by his younger brother
Mahadeva (1195 1198 CE). He ruled only a few years and lost his life in the battle with
Yadavas.
Ganapatideva (1199-1262 CE) was the greatest of the Kakatiya rulers. The death of
Mahadeva in Yadava invasion and captive of Ganapatideva at Devagiri led to the outbreak
of disorder in the kingdom. Ganapatidevas prison did not hold long; he was set free and
sent back to the kingdom. The reign of Ganapatideva, though began under unfavorable
circumstances was destined to become one of the most brilliant epochs in the history of
Andhra country.
In the course of long reign extending over sixty years, Ganapatideva brought a great part of
contemporary Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions under his control. Being an energetic
monarch, he understood the need of unifying the entire Andhradesa from protecting against
the aggressions of Pandyas, the Hoysalas and the Yadavas. He took advantage of
dismemberment of the western Chalukyas and Chalukya-Cholas and brought the entire
Telugu speaking area under his sway either by war or by diplomacy.
He was a great general who lost only one war and that too towards the end of his career with
Jatavarma Sundara Pandya at Muthukur, near Nellore. This defeat of Ganapatideva
considered with his final retirement from politics and relinquished power in favour of his
eldest daughter Rudramadevi.
Ganapatideva was considered to be the greatest king, warrior and multifaceted personality.
The praise worthy aspect of his administration was the attention bestowed on the
development of irrigation and Agrarian economy. Ganapatideva also paid great attention in
reviving the sea-born trade of the Andhra country. The sea-born trade received setback
during the proceeding regime owing to the indifferent attitude of the Chalukya Chola kings
towards foreign traders. It was revived by Gangaptideva as indicated by the Motupalli
inscription (Abhaya sasana) of 1245 CE. He gave required protection and the desired safety
to the traders, both native and foreign.
Rudramadevi (1262-1289 CE) ascended the Kakatiya throne in 1262 CE and ruled 27
years. The accession of Rudramadevi to the Kakatiya throne was a memorable event in the
annals of South India, for she was the only woman who ruled over the Telugu speaking area
under mans name. Soon after her accession the Yadava king Mahadeva invaded and
besieged Warangal. Rudrama was a woman of fearless courage; she fought 15 days and
defeated the Yadava forces and even chased upto the walls of Devagiri. To commemorate
the victory she took the title Rajagajakesari a title which was held earlier by her father
Ganapatideva. Rudramadevi in another expedition proceeded to south to suppress the
revolt of a chieftain Ambadeva supported by Pandyas and Yadavas. It is known from the
Chandupatla inscription that the combined forces scored a victory, Rudrama and her general
Mallikarjuna lost their lives in the battle field.
Rudramadevi, though a woman, was undoubtedly one of the greatest rulers of Andhra. She
was the valiant and courageous fighter with great abilities of a general to lead her men in
war. She took active part in the administration of kingdom. In her long rule she introduced
several innovations in the provincial administration. Marco polo, the Venetian traveler, who
paid visit to kingdom, speaks highly of her administrative qualities benign rule and greatness.

Prataparudra (1289-1323 CE), ascended the throne after the death of his grandmother
Rudramadevi. He had to fight battles throughout his reign against either internal rebels or the
external forces. He suppressed the revolt of Ambadeva and re-established the Kakatiya
dynasty in south and south west Andhra. The Kakatiya kingdom reached its watermark
during this period and the southern frontier even touched upto Kanchi. Thus Prataparudra
chastised Ambadeva, curbed the Yadavas and crumbled the power of Pandyas.
5.3 Muslim invasions and Decline
During the reign of Prataparudra, the Delhi Sultanates began to knock at his gates and he
was compelled to spend the rest of his reign for the protection of his kingdom. Allauddin
Khilji was the first Sultan of Delhi, who crossed the Vindhyas and invaded the South Indian
kingdoms. The earliest expedition of Allauddin Khilji against the Kakatiya kingdom took place
in 1303 CE and the second in 1307 CE third in 1318. The death of Alluddin Khilji and weak
successors brought change in the Delhi Sultanate and as a result the throne of Delhi was
captured by Tughlaqs. During the reign of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq two invasions were sent
against Kakatiyas under the leadership of his son Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq in 1321 and 1323
CE.
The Kakatiyan forces faced the attack skillfully but the kakatiyas were ultimately beaten.
Prataparudra and his family were taken as prisoners under the command of Khusrukhan. On
the way to Delhi, Prataparudra committed suicide on the banks of the river Narmada. Thus
ended the glory of Kakatiyas and Andhra became a part and parcel of the Tughlaq empire in
1323 CE.
6. Topic V : The Pandyas of Madurai
The Pandyas of Madurai were one of the ancient ruling dynasties of South India. The
kingdom of the Pandyas is mentioned in Ashoks edicts and in Megasthanes account of
India. During the Sangam Age, they played an important role in the political as well as
Cultural History. Hiuen Tsang, the celebrated Chinese pilgrim, who visited Kanchi towards
the middle of the seventh century CE, tells us that the Pandyan princes were feudatories of
the Pallavas.
Rajasimha I and Varguna were the important Pandya rulers of 8th Century. Varguna who
ruled from 765 815 CE was described as the greatest imperialist of his dynasty. During his
reign, the conflict between Pandyas and Pallavas started. Varguna defeated the Pallava king
and subdued the local chiefs. It is not possible to write a connected and early history of the
Pandyan kingdom upto 9th Century.
The Pandyas came into political limelight in the 9th century CE, when they joined hands with
the Cholas and defeated the Pallavas. Vargunas son Srimar Srivallabha who ruled from 815
to 862 CE continued the aggressive policy, invaded Ceylon, defeated the confederacy
consisting of the Gangas, Cholas, Pallavas, Kalingas and Magadhas, who formed under the
leadership of Pallava ruler. Vargunavarman II (862 880 CE), Parantaka Viranarayana (880
- 900 CE), Maravarman II (900 920 CE) were the rulers of 10th century CE. They suffered
many reverses due to the rise of Cholas. This put an end to the independence of the
Pandyas.
In the last quarter of 10th century and at beginning of the 11th century, another attempt was
made by the Pandyas to revive their past glory but they failed on account of opposition from
the Chalukya-Chola king Kulottunga I.
During the 12th century, the Pandyas continued to grow in strength. They carried on their
struggle with rulers of Ceylon and Cholas. Kulottunga III, attacked once against the Pandyan
territory and overpowered Jatavarman Kulasekhara (1190 - 1226 CE).
Sundara Pandya another important king ruled from 1226 1238 CE. He defeated the Chola
king Kulottunga III. This victory ushered into existence the glorious period of Pandyan
imperialism which remained intact throughout the 13th century CE. The Pandyas had
suppressed the Cholas, the dominate power in the Tamil country and have maintained this
position in the subsequent century.
8

Jatavarman Sundarapandya (1251-1268 CE) was one of the most famous warriors and
conquerors of South India under whom the Pandyan power attained its greatest splendor.
He fought many wars and rapidly extended his sway to Nellore in East-Coast by defeating
the Kakatiya forces, and to Ceylon, confining the Hoysalas to the Mysore. Kanchipuram
became a second capital, while Ceylon and Kerala were firmly held administered for some
time. In his wars Sundara commended the active cooperation of other princes of the royal
family Jatavarman Virapandya (1253 CE) being most prominent among them.
Sundarapandya who died in 1268 CE was succeeded by Maravarman Kulasekhara I, also a
great ruler. During this period the rule of Pandya kingdom was shared among several
princes of the royal family, one among them enjoying primary over the rest.
Marcopolo claimed to have visited the Pandyan kingdom in 1288 and 1293 CE and has left a
vivid description of the richness of the land, the prosperity of its trade.
The Pandyan kingdom was however short lived and their capital Madurai was plundered by
Delhi Sultanates in the beginnings of 14th Century. Thus, Madurai and Pandya territory
came under the control of Delhi Sultanate. Petty Pandya chiefs continued to rule over
Madurai as vassals, first of the Muslims and then of Vijayanagara. The Pandya Kingdom
finally merged into the Vijayanagara empire.
7. Topic VI : The Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra
During the 12th and 13th centuries, chiefs belonging to family named Hoysala attained
considerable power in the Mysore country. The Hoysalas claimed descent from the line of
Yadhu. They were the descendants of a general of the Chalukyan king, Vikramaditya.
Vishnuvardhana (1110 1152 CE) was the first who established a kingdom for the Hoysala
family by conquering the land at one time held by the Gangas. He made Dwarasamudra,
near Mysore as his capital. He was a vigorous ruler and extended his empire by carrying on
successful wars against the southern powers, namely the Cholas and the Pandyas. He
finally drove out the Cholas from Mysore. Thus, Vishnuvardhana established his authority
over an extensive territory which included nearly the whole of Mysore and adjacent lands. In
his beliefs, he appears to have been originally a jain but was converted to Vaishanvism by
Ramajuna, a great reformer. He signalized his change of faith by the erection of many
temples of unsurpassed magnificence. He was a great patron of architecture and
sculpture.Vishnuvardhana was succeeded by his son Narasimha I (1152 1173 CE).
Vira Ballala II was one of the greatest kings of the Hoysala Empire. He ruled between 1173
- 1220 CE. During his rule, Hoysala kingdom became an independent empire. He himself
styled as Maharajadhiraja. He signalized his reign by defeating Brahma, the general of
Someswara IV, Chalukya and also the forces of Bhillama V of Yadava at the battle of
Lakkundi (Dharwad District) and started a new era beginning in 1191 CE. He was a great
patron of Kannada literature. Janna, one of most influential Kannada poets of the 13th
century, graced his court and was honored with the title Kavichakravarthi ("Emperor among
poets")
Narasimha II (1220 1238 CE) seems to have lost some of the territory of his father but he
claims victories over Pandyas and Kadambas. He was succeeded by Someswara and
Narasimha III.
The last ruler of the dynasty was Vira Ballala III whose inscription is dated from 1292 to 1343
CE. The Yadavas and Hoysalas were to last until the 14th century, when new arrivals
entered politics of North India, the Turkish and Afghan Sultans of Delhi who intervened in the
affairs of Deccan. About 1310 CE, his kingdom was ravaged by the Muslim hosts under
Malik Kafur who sacked the Hoysala capital, Dwarasamudra.
Vira Ballala was detained in Delhi for 3 years and then released. On his return he set about
organizing the defenses of his country against further Muslim attacks, later the Hoysala
dynasty absorbed in the raising of the new state of Vijayanagar.
7.1 The Hoysala Art and Architecture
The Hoysala rulers were great builders and under them architecture and sculpture received
great encouragement. They developed a new style of architecture. The temples built by
9

them are not square but star shaped having richly cared plinths. The best known example of
the Hoysala style is the famous Hoyasaleswara Temple at Halebid or Dwarasamudra in
Hassan District. It is known for its sculptural perfection. It is star shaped made of grayish
soap stone and consists of two similar shrines. Each shrine contains a sanctuary, a hall with
pillars, and two compartments. The entire temple is covered with sculptures of very high
workmanship.
The Hoysalas also built marvelous temples at Somanathpur and Belur. The Kesava temple
at Somanathapur and Chennakesava temple at Belur are typical specimens of the Hoysala
architecture. The Hoysala temples are generally ornamented with an enormous mass of
sculptures and statues of very good quality.
8. Summary :
The political history of Deccan and the South from the middle of 8th century was dominated
by the Rashtrakutas, Cholas, Chalukyas of Kalyani, Yadavas,Kakatiyas Pandyas, Hoysalas
etc., Apart from the main dynasties, there were lesser rulers of smaller areas in Deccan and
some of them claimed descent from the lineages of the main dynasties. South India has a
character of its own administration and its history generally independent from that of the rest
of India.

10