The Pallavas of Kanchi (3rd to 9th century CE) left a lasting influence in South Indian art, architecture, and literature. Their sponsorship in numerous sectors shows their contributions:

1. Architecture/Sculpture

The Pallavas pioneered Dravidian architecture. Notable features include:

• The Pallavas introduced rock-cut temples, which subsequent South Indian kingdoms improved. The Mahabalipuram cave temples are notable. Monolithic rock-cut monuments like the Pancha Rathas show the Pallavas’ early temple building.
• South Indian temple architecture evolved from rock-cut to structural stone temples. Narasimhavarman II erected the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram, one of the first stone temples. Later Tamil architecture was influenced by these temples.
• Sculptural innovation: The exquisite carvings on temples, such as Mahabalipuram’s Descent of the Ganges (Arjuna’s Penance), show the temples’ ability to combine mythology, everyday life, and the environment. Pallava sculptures’ vibrancy and dynamic influenced Chola and Pandya sculpture.

2. Learning, Literature

• The Pallavas promoted Sanskrit and Tamil literature and scholarship.
• Pallava kings like Mahendravarman. I was an author and academic. Mahendravarman, one of the oldest South Indian Sanskrit tragedies, Mattavilasa Prahasana, is my sarcastic comedy. Sanskrit poets, academics, and philosophers flourished at the Pallava court, where they dominated courtly literature and religious discourse.
• Tamil literature: The Pallavas promoted Tamil literature and Sanskrit. Famous Tamil works, including Bhakti movement poetry by Alvars and Nayanars, were written during their rule. These devotional movements, which stressed personal devotion to Vishnu and Shiva, shaped Tamil culture and religion.

3. Religion, Philosophy

• As patrons of Shiva and Vishnu temples, the Pallavas promoted Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Many Pallava emperors were Shaivites, and their religious beliefs influenced art and literature.
• The Bhakti movement flourished during their time, and Tamil literature like the Tevaram and Nalayira Divya Prabandham laid the groundwork for South Indian devotional poetry.

4. Language and Inscriptions

• The Pallavas used Prakrit and Sanskrit in their inscriptions and helped establish Tamil. The script evolved towards its contemporary form during their dominion, and its inscriptions have helped explain the region’s political, social, and religious history.
• Pallava inscriptions highlight their military, social, and economic accomplishments and the socio-political climate of their day.

5. Impact Outside India

• Pallava art and architecture had a lasting impact. The Pallavas influenced early Hindu and Buddhist temples in Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Angkor Wat in Cambodia may have been influenced by Pallava architecture.

Conclusion

• Many of South India’s artistic, architectural, and literary accomplishments were shaped by the Pallavas of Kanchi. Their contributions enhanced South Indian heritage and shaped Indian and Southeast Asian culture.