Maharashtra Board Class 11 History Chapter 11 Kingdoms in South India PDF Download

Kingdoms In South India

In this lesson we will be introduced to the kingdoms in South India, their administrative system, trade etc.

11.1 Important Kingdoms In South India

Chola, Pandya And Chera Dynasties

Chola, Pandya and Chera were the ancient ruling powers in South India. The kingdoms in South are mentioned in Megasthenes' 'Indica', Panini's grammar and inscriptions of Ashoka. Ancient Tamil literature, known as 'Sangham' literature, is believed to be one of the main sources of history of South Indian rulers.

For Additional Information

South India has a great contribution in the history of India and its culture. Due to the cultural exchange between North India and South India, the Indian culture became diverse and still remained united. The people living in South India spoke Dravidian languages. Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Telugu are the four main languages in the Dravidian group of languages. 'Brauhi' language spoken in Baluchistan is a part of the Dravidian group of languages.

Teacher's Note

South India had three great kingdoms - Chola, Pandya and Chera. Just like three main religions in India, these three kingdoms were equally important in history.

Exam Trick

Remember CPC - Chola, Pandya, Chera. These three kingdoms were always fighting with each other, like three friends competing in school.

Points to Remember

Chola, Pandya and Chera were the three main kingdoms in South India.
Sangham literature tells us about these kingdoms.
These three kingdoms were always in conflict with each other.
They spoke Dravidian languages.
These kingdoms ruled from first century C.E. onwards.

Chola Dynasty

The Chola Kingdom was established in first century C.E. Chola dynasty originated in Thanjavur and Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu). This province was known as 'Cholamandala' (Coromandel is an anglicised form of 'Cholamandala'). To the south of Cholas, the Pandyas had established their rule from Pudukkottai to Kanyakumari. Towards their west, the Cheras had created their kingdom in Kerala. They are mentioned as 'Kedalaputra' (Keralaputra/Sons of Kerala) in contemporary literature. These kingdoms were in constant conflict with each other to establish political supremacy.

In many stories of Sangham literature, we find mention of the first Chola king 'Karikala'. He brought together eleven small kingdoms and built a strong army and by defeating the Chera and Pandya kings, he established the Tamil dominance.

Teacher's Note

The first Chola king Karikala was very powerful. He united many small kingdoms just like India united many small kingdoms after independence.

Exam Trick

Remember: Karikala = strong Chola king. He defeated Chera and Pandya kings and became the most powerful.

Points to Remember

Chola Kingdom started in first century C.E.
Thanjavur and Tiruchirappalli were the main Chola cities.
Karikala was the first important Chola king.
He defeated both Chera and Pandya kings.
Cholamandala was the name of Chola province.

Vakataka Dynasty

Some kingdoms arose to the north of Krishna-Tungabhadra rivers. Among them Satavahanas were most powerful.

The power of Satavahanas started growing weaker from the 3rd century C.E. Vakatakas took advantage of this situation and established independent rule. Vindhyashakti was the founder of Vakataka kingdom. After Vindhyashakti, King Pravarasena I ascended the throne. He expanded the Vakataka Empire to Malwa in the North and from Gujarat to South upto Kolhapur, Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh). Kolhapur was known as 'Kuntala' at that time. Pravarasena I performed four Ashwamedha sacrifices and took up the title 'Samrat'.

After Pravarasena I, the Vakataka kingdom got divided and two main branches were created. Among them, Nandivardhan (Nagardhan-Ramtek, Nagpur district) was the capital of one branch. The capital of the second branch was at Vatsagulm, i.e. modern Washim (Washim district).

Prabhavatigupta, daughter of Gupta emperor Chandragupta II, was married to Vakataka king Rudrasen II. This is already mentioned earlier. Varahadev, minister of Harishena, was a follower of Buddhism. Cave no.16 of Ajanta was excavated at his instance. The excavation of other caves at Ajanta and the murals were done during the reign of Harishena.

Vakataka king Pravarasena II composed 'Setubandha' in Maharashtri Prakrit. Among many of Kalidasa's classical works, 'Meghadoota' deserves special mention. References to historical geography of Vakataka period occurring in this poetic work are important.

Teacher's Note

The Vakataka kingdom was divided into two branches. Like big companies in India that have different branches in different cities, the Vakatakas also divided their kingdom.

Exam Trick

Remember: Pravarasena I = great Vakataka king. He performed Ashwamedha sacrifices and took the title 'Samrat' which means Emperor.

Points to Remember

Vindhyashakti was the founder of Vakataka kingdom.
Pravarasena I was the greatest king and expanded the empire.
The kingdom later divided into two main branches.
Harishena was an important Vakataka king.
Pravarasena II wrote the famous text 'Setubandha'.

Chalukyas

During the rule of Harshavardhan in North India, the Chalukya dynasty ruled in the south for approximately 200 years. Jaising was the founder of this dynasty. In the beginning of 6th century C.E. he established his capital at Vatapi (Badami). His grandson Pulakeshi I was the first important king of the Chalukyas. He built the fort of Badami. He performed the Ashwamedha sacrifice and took up the title of 'Maharaja'. He also took titles like 'Prithvivallabha' and 'Satyashraya'. After Pulakeshi I, his son Kirtivarman I came to power. During his reign, he conquered the Kadambas of Vanvasi (Karwar) and Mauryas of Aparanta (North Konkan) and expanded his rule. Kirtivarman was a patron of art. The beautiful caves at Badami were created by him.

Pulakeshi II was the greatest king of the Chalukyan dynasty. He performed the Digvijaya and strengthened the power of Chalukyas. His achievements are described in the eulogy (prashasti) composed by poet Ravikirti. He defeated the Kadamba kings, Maurya, Nala, Kalchuri, Rashtrakuta, Lat, Malav and Gurjara dynasties and established the Chalukyan rule over Vidarbha and other parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The expedition of Harshavardhan to conquer the southern states was resisted by Pulakeshi II. He defeated Harshavardhan thereby acquiring great fame. After his victory he took up the title 'Parameshwara'. With the conquest in south, his empire extended from Narmada to Kaveri and from east coast to the west coast. His fame had reached beyond India as well. During this period Badshah Khosrow Parvez ruled in Iran. It is said that he had sent his ambassador to the court of Emperor Pulakeshi. The Pallavas of Kanchi defeated Pulakeshi II. Vikramaditya, the son of Pulakeshi II, in turn defeated the Pallavas. The struggle between Chalukyas and Pallavas continued over prolonged period of time. The last king of Chalukyas, Kirtivarman, was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king Dantidurg.

Teacher's Note

The Chalukya king Pulakeshi II was so famous that even the Persian emperor wanted to meet him. This shows how powerful Indian kings were in ancient times.

Exam Trick

Remember: Pulakeshi II = greatest Chalukya king. He defeated Harshavardhan and took the title 'Parameshwara' which means Supreme Lord.

Points to Remember

Jaising was the founder of Chalukya dynasty.
Pulakeshi I built the fort of Badami.
Pulakeshi II was the greatest Chalukya king.
Chalukyas ruled for about 200 years in South India.
They constantly fought with Pallavas for control.

This is a preview of the first 3 pages. To get the complete book, click below.