Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India.

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Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

The Pallavas of Kanchi laid the foundations of Dravida architecture, moving from Mahendravarman I's rock-cut caves to Rajasimha's structural Shore Temple and Kailasanatha, and patronised Sanskrit and Tamil letters. Mahabalipuram's monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, are their signature legacy.

**Introduction**

The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, is the Pallavas' signature in stone. Ruling from Kanchi between the 6th and 9th centuries CE, they laid the foundations of Dravida architecture and of South Indian letters.

**Pallava Art: From Rock to Structure**

SKETCH: flow | Pallava Temple Evolution
- Mahendravarman I: rock-cut caves
- Narasimhavarman I: monolithic rathas
- Rajasimha: structural temples
- Chola Dravida climax

1. **Rock-cut beginnings**: Mahendravarman I's Mandagapattu inscription boasts of a shrine made without brick, timber, metal or mortar, the first rock-cut temples of the Tamil country.
2. **Mamalla style**: Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) carved the Pancha Rathas, miniature models of the vimana, and the open-air relief of Arjuna's Penance.
3. **Structural temples**: Rajasimha raised the Shore Temple and the Kailasanatha at Kanchi, which inspired the Chalukyan Virupaksha temple at Pattadakal.

**Pallava Patronage of Literature and Learning**

1. **Sanskrit classics**: Tradition links Bharavi (Kiratarjuniya) and Dandin (Kavyadarsha) with the Pallavas, and Mahendravarman I wrote the satirical play Mattavilasa Prahasana.
2. **Tamil devotion**: Nayanars and Alvars flourished, Appar is said to have converted Mahendravarman I to Shaivism, and Nandivarman III's reign produced the Nandikkalambakam.
3. **Learning and script**: The Kanchi ghatika drew scholars like Mayurasharman, and the Pallava Grantha script shaped Southeast Asian scripts such as Khmer.
4. **Limits**: Patronage favoured Sanskrit learning, much Tamil devotion came from the saints, and Pallava temples were modest beside the Cholas'.

**Conclusion**

The Pallava contribution was foundational: they moved South Indian architecture from rock to structure and nurtured both Sanskrit and Tamil letters, giving the Cholas a template to perfect.

Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India.

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