3rd century AD: The Chera, Chola, and Pandya
The Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties were three of the most powerful kingdoms in southern India during the Sangam Age (3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE). The Cheras ruled the central and southern parts of the peninsula, the Cholas ruled the northern and eastern parts, and the Pandyas ruled the southwestern parts.
The Cheras were known for their maritime trade and their control of the Malabar Coast. They were also patrons of the arts and literature, and their court was a center of learning. The Cholas were known for their military prowess and their expansionist policies. They conquered much of the Deccan Plateau and parts of Sri Lanka. The Pandyas were known for their religious and cultural achievements. They were patrons of Hinduism and Buddhism, and their temples and monasteries were some of the most beautiful in India.
The three dynasties were constantly at war with each other, but they also cooperated on occasion. For example, they joined forces to repel the invasion of the Kalabhras in the 3rd century CE.
The Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties were major powers in southern India for centuries. They left a lasting legacy in the form of their art, literature, architecture, and culture.
Here is a more detailed history of each dynasty:
Chera dynasty
The Chera dynasty was one of the oldest and most powerful dynasties in southern India. They ruled for over a thousand years, from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. The Cheras were originally centered in the central and southern parts of the peninsula, but their territory expanded over time to include parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
The Cheras were known for their maritime trade. They controlled the Malabar Coast, which was a major trade route between India and the Middle East. The Cheras also traded with Southeast Asia and China.
The Cheras were also patrons of the arts and literature. Their court was a center of learning, and they supported poets, musicians, and sculptors. The Cheras also built many temples and monasteries.
The Chera dynasty declined in the 13th century CE. They were weakened by internal conflict and by attacks from the Cholas and Pandyas. The Chera dynasty finally came to an end in the 14th century CE.
Chola dynasty
The Chola dynasty was another powerful dynasty in southern India. They ruled for over six hundred years, from the 9th century CE to the 13th century CE. The Cholas were originally centered in the northern and eastern parts of the peninsula, but their territory expanded over time to include most of southern India.
The Cholas were known for their military prowess. They conquered much of the Deccan Plateau and parts of Sri Lanka. The Cholas also had a powerful navy, which they used to control trade routes in the Indian Ocean.
The Cholas were also patrons of the arts and architecture. They built many temples and palaces, which are some of the most beautiful in India. The Cholas also supported poets, musicians, and sculptors.
The Chola dynasty reached its peak in the 11th and 12th centuries CE. During this time, the Cholas were one of the most powerful empires in the world. They had a large and well-trained army, a powerful navy, and a strong economy. The Cholas also made significant contributions to art, architecture, and literature.
The Chola dynasty declined in the 13th century CE. They were weakened by internal conflict and by attacks from the Pandyas and the Delhi Sultanate. The Chola dynasty finally came to an end in the 13th century CE.
Pandya dynasty
The Pandya dynasty was the third major dynasty in southern India. They ruled for over a thousand years, from the 6th century BCE to the 16th century CE. The Pandyas were originally centered in the southwestern parts of the peninsula, but their territory expanded over time to include most of southern India.
The Pandyas were known for their religious and cultural achievements. They were patrons of Hinduism and Buddhism, and their temples and monasteries were some of the most beautiful in India. The Pandyas also supported poets, musicians, and sculptors.
The Pandya dynasty reached its peak in the 13th century CE. During this time, the Pandyas were one of the most powerful empires in southern India. They had a large and well-trained army, a strong economy, and a rich culture. The Pandyas also made significant contributions to art, architecture, and literature.
The Pandya dynasty declined in the 16th century CE. They were weakened by internal conflict and by attacks from the Vijayanagara Empire and the Portuguese. The Pandya dynasty finally came to an end in the 16th century CE
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