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.
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