The Pallavas were hereditary Jain rulers who dominated southeastern India between the 4th and 9th centuries. The dynasty’s greatest kings were Simhavisnu (ruled 575-600) and Narasimhavarman I (ruled 630-668). Their capital was Kanchipuram, a town southwest of Madras.

At its peak the Pallava empire stretched over most of south India, bounded by the Cholas on the south and the Chalukyas on the north. The Pallava dynasty was a time of significant religious change in South India--in particular, the growth of the Jainism . Both the Alvars and the Nayanmars were active during this time, and there are reports of Pallava kings converting from Jainism to Shaivism, leading to the decline of the Jain community in South India. Under the Pallavas, maritime trade with Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia flourished, as did music, painting, literature, and architecture. Structural stone temples replaced rock buildings, the most impressive example being the sculptured Shore Temple at the seaport of Mahabalipuram, dedicated to the god Shiva. The Pallavas engaged in constant warfare with the Chalukyas of Badami and were finally eclipsed by the Chola kings in the 8th century.

Classification of Pallava dynasty as "Early", "Middle" and "Later" is based on the language used in their copper and stone engravings. Early Pallavas used Pragriti , middle Pallavas used Prakrit, and later Pallavas used Tamil in their engravings.

List of Pallava Kings

Early Pallavas (250-340)

Middle Pallavas (340-575)

References

• Pallavar varalaṛu, by Mā. Rācamānikkanār, 1944, Caiva Cittānta Nūṛpatippu Kaḻakam.