History Notes Chapter 9 Class 6 Maharashtra Board

Ancient Kingdoms of the South

9.1 The Cher, Pandya, and Chola Dynasties

• These were three important dynasties in South India.
• They existed around the 4th century BCE or even earlier.
• Mentioned in Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Sangham Literature.
• Cher Dynasty: Famous for Muziris port (Kerala) – exported spices, pearls, and precious stones.
• Pandya Dynasty: Located in Tamil Nadu, famous for high-quality pearls. Capital: Madurai.
• Chola Dynasty: Ruled Tiruchirapalli region in Tamil Nadu.

9.2 The Satavahana Dynasty

After the Maurya Empire declined, local kings in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka became independent.
Founder: King Simuk.
Capital: Paithan (Pratishthan) in Maharashtra.
Famous King: Gautamiputra Satakarni.

• Defeated Shaka King Nahpana.
• Title: ‘Tri-samudra-toya-peet-vahana’ (Meaning: His horses drank water from three seas – Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean).

Trade: Exported goods to Rome.
Famous Book: ‘Gatha Saptashati’ by King Hala.
Built Ajanta, Nashik, Karla, Bhaje, and Kanheri caves.

9.3 The Vakataka Dynasty

Came after the decline of the Satavahanas.
Founder: King Vindhyashakti.
Capital cities: Nandivardhan (Nagpur) & Vatsagulm (Washim).
Famous King: Pravarsen I.
Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II married his daughter to Vakataka King Rudrasen II.
Ajanta Caves: Developed under King Harishena.

9.4 The Chalukya Dynasty

A powerful kingdom in Karnataka.
Founder: King Pulakeshi I.
Capital: Badami (Vatapi).
Famous King: Pulakeshi II.

• Defeated Harshavardhana.
• Built temples in Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal.

9.5 The Pallava Dynasty

Capital: Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu).
Famous King: Mahendravarman.

• Expanded the kingdom.
• Was also a playwright.

His son Narasimhavarman defeated Pulakeshi II.
Built the rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram.
Trade: Had a powerful navy, traded with Southeast Asia.
Chinese Traveler Yuan Chwang visited Kanchipuram.

9.6 The Rashtrakuta Dynasty

Capital: Maharashtra.
Founder: King Dantidurg.
Famous King: Krishna Raja I.

• Built the Kailas Temple at Ellora.