Pandyan Dynasty, Administration and Social and Political Aspects

Context: An 800-year-old Shiva temple of the later Pandya period has been unearthed at the Madurai district, Tamil Nadu.

Latest Findings of the Pandyan Period

• An old stone inscription from the year 1217–1218 CE was found on a Shiva temple water channel (culvert).
• It dates back to the rule of Maravarman Sundara Pandya, a Pandya king.
• The temple was called Thennavanisvaram, and it was located in a village named Attur, which is now known as Udampatti.
  • The word “Thennavan” was actually a title used by Pandya kings.
• The inscription shows that the temple managed its own money and gives useful information about how people lived and worked during that time.

Pandyan Dynasty

Early Pandyan Dynasty

• The Pandyas rose to power in southern Tamil Nadu around the end of the 6th century CE, following the decline of the Kalabhras.
• Their early decline began when Chola king Parantaka I defeated Pandya ruler Rajasimha II.

Later Pandyan Dynasty

After the fall of the Cholas, the Pandyas re-emerged as the dominant Tamil power in the 13th century CE.

• Sadaiyavarman Sundarapandyan (1251–1268 CE) was a notable ruler who extended his empire across Tamil Nadu and up to Nellore in Andhra.
• He was succeeded by Maravarman Kulasekharan, who reigned for 40 years, ushering in peace and prosperity.
• The dynasty ultimately declined following the invasion by Malik Kafur, leading to internal divisions.

Administration of Pandyan Dynasty

• The Pandya territory was called Pandymandalam, Thenmandalam, or Pandynadu.
• The region was mostly rocky and hilly, except for fertile river valleys like Vaigai and Tamiraparni.
• Madurai was the preferred capital of the Pandya kings.
• The administrative divisions were: Pandymandalam → Valanadus → Nadus → Kurrams (group of villages).
• Brahmin settlements, known as Mangalam or Chaturvedimangalam, were created with irrigation facilities and given royal or divine names.
• Key administrative titles:
  • Prime Minister: Uttaramantri
  • Royal Secretariat: Eluttu Mandapam
  • Military commanders: Palli Velan, Parantakan Pallivelan, Maran Adittan, Tennavan Tamizhavel
• The main port town under Pandya control was Kayalpattinam (in present-day Thoothukudi district).

Pandyan Dynasty: Social and Political Aspects

• Royal palaces were known as Tirumaligai or Manaparanan Tirumaligai.
• Royal couches were often named after local chiefs, reflecting recognised overlordship.
• Land classification based on occupation:
  • For Brahmins: Salabogam
  • For Ironsmiths: Tattarkani
  • For Carpenters: Taccu-maniyam
  • For Brahmin teachers: Bhattavriutti

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