Why is it in the News?

Recently, archaeologists discovered an eighth-century Kotravai sculpture, an artefact that dates back to the Pallava period, near Ulundurpet, Tamil Nadu.

About the Kotravai Sculpture:

• Kotravai sculpture is made in a slab stone of five-feet height and four-feet width.
• The idol is depicted with eight hands, indicating its origin in the eighth century during the Pallava period.
• The sculpture depicts various elements such as chakkara, sword, bell, and abhaya mudra in the right hands.
• Conch, bow, shield, and Uru Mudhra are shown in the left side hands along with bangles in all hands.
• The presence of trishul (soolam) and lion (simmam) on the right side of head, and blackbuck (kavarimann) on the left side.
• Kotravai is portrayed standing on the head of a buffalo, with two guards on each side.

About the Pallava Dynasty:

• The Pallava Dynasty, a prominent power in South India, thrived from the 3rd to the 9th centuries.
• Their dominion encompassed the northern regions of Tamil Nadu, portions of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, with Kanchipuram serving as their capital.
• The Pallavas were known for their patronage of Buddhism, Jainism, and Brahminical faith, as well as their support for music, painting, and literature.
• Origins: Initially vassals of the Andhra Satavahanas, the Pallavas gained autonomy following the latter's decline in Amaravati.
• Gradually expanding southward, they established their capital in Kanchipuram during the 4th century CE.
• Under the reigns of Mahendravarman I (571 - 630 CE) and Narasimhavarman I (630 - 668 CE), the Pallava realm experienced significant growth in wealth and power.
• According to the accounts of Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang, Bodhidharma, the founder of the Chan (Zen) school of Buddhism in China, was purportedly a prince of the Pallava empire.
  • The Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang visited Kanchipuram, the capital of Pallavas, during the reign of Narasimha Varman I and lauded their benevolent governance.

Architectural Contributions of the Pallavas:

• The Pallava Dynasty is renowned for its patronage of Dravidian architecture, particularly temple construction.
  • They played a pivotal role in the evolution from rock-cut architecture to stone temples.
• Their most celebrated architectural achievements can be found in Mahabalipuram, which flourished as a significant hub of art, architecture, and literature during Pallava rule.
  • Narasimhavarman II commissioned notable structures such as the Kailasanatha Temple in Kanchipuram and the Shore Temple.
• Among these temples, Kailasanatha and Vaikuntaperumal stand out for their architectural excellence.
  • The Vaikuntaperumal shrine, erected in the 8th century AD, is renowned for its intricate sculptures depicting Pallava history.
• Religion: The Pallavas embraced Shaivism, a predominant local religion, thereby aligning themselves with Dravidian cultural traditions.

Military Engagements and Decline of the Pallava Dynasty:

• Throughout their reign, the Pallavas engaged in persistent conflicts with both the Chalukya Dynasty to the north and the Tamil kingdoms of Chola and Pandyas to the south.
• The Pallavas faced ongoing battles with the Chalukyas of Badami and ultimately succumbed to the supremacy of the Chola kings in the 8th century CE.
• The ascent of the Rashtrakutas marked the decline of the Pallava Dynasty.

• In 897 AD, Vijayalaya, the Chola King, decisively defeated Aparajitavarman, the last Pallava King, thereby sealing the fate of the Pallava Dynasty.