Emergence of New Kingdoms in South India: Later Cholas and Pandyas – Detailed Summary | Samacheer Kalvi 7th Social Science

Emergence of New Kingdoms in South India: Later Cholas and Pandyas – Detailed Summary

Book: Samacheer Kalvi 7th Social Science

Term: Term 1

Subject: History

Unit: Unit 3

Lesson Name: Emergence of New Kingdoms in South India: Later Cholas and Pandyas

About the Lesson

“Emergence of New Kingdoms in South India: Later Cholas and Pandyas” is an important History lesson in the Samacheer Kalvi 7th Social Science book. This lesson explains the rise, achievements, administration, trade, culture, and decline of the Later Cholas and Later Pandyas.

The Cholas and Pandyas were famous Tamil monarchs. The Later Cholas became one of the most powerful dynasties in South India. Later, after the decline of the Cholas, the Later Pandyas emerged as a leading power in Tamil Nadu.

Learning Objectives

To understand the revival of the Chola dynasty by Vijayalaya.
To learn about the achievements of Rajaraja I and Rajendra I.
To know the administrative divisions of the Chola empire.
To understand local self-government during the Chola period.
To learn the importance of Uttiramerur inscriptions.
To understand Chola trade, irrigation, society, education, literature, and architecture.
To know about Kadunkon and the revival of the Pandya kingdom.
To learn about Later Pandya rulers such as Sadaiyavarman Sundarapandyan and Maravarman Kulasekaran.
To understand Pandya trade, Kayal port, Marco Polo’s account, and horse trade.

Detailed Summary of the Lesson

1. Introduction

South India saw the rise of powerful kingdoms during the medieval period. Among them, the Later Cholas and Later Pandyas were very important.

The Cholas created a large empire, developed a strong administration, maintained a powerful navy, encouraged overseas trade, built big temples, and supported literature and learning. The Pandyas later emerged as a strong Tamil dynasty and became famous for trade and temple development.

2. Ancient Chola Kingdom

The ancient Chola kingdom had the fertile Kaveri delta as its core region. Uraiyur, near present-day Tiruchirappalli, was its capital.

The Cholas rose to prominence during the reign of Karikala. Later, the Chola power declined for some time. It was revived in the 9th century by Vijayalaya.

3. Vijayalaya Chola

Vijayalaya revived the Later Chola dynasty in the 9th century. He ruled over a small territory north of the Kaveri.

He conquered Thanjavur and made it his capital. This marked the beginning of the rise of the Later Cholas as a great power in South India.

4. Importance of Thanjavur

Thanjavur became an important capital of the Later Cholas after Vijayalaya captured it.

Later, Thanjavur became famous for the Brihadeshwara Temple built by Rajaraja I. It was an important centre of Chola political and cultural life.

5. Rajaraja I

Rajaraja I was one of the greatest and most powerful rulers of the Chola empire. He ruled from 985 CE to 1016 CE.

He established Chola authority over large parts of South India. He expanded Chola power to the west coast and Sri Lanka through his naval expeditions.

6. Achievements of Rajaraja I

He strengthened the Chola empire.
He expanded Chola rule over South India.
He conducted successful naval expeditions.
He extended Chola influence to the west coast and Sri Lanka.
He built the famous Rajarajeswaram or Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur.
He began matrimonial alliances with the Eastern Chalukyas.

7. Brihadeshwara Temple

The Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur was built by Rajaraja I.

It is one of the finest examples of Chola architecture. It shows the greatness of Chola engineering, sculpture, temple-building skill, and devotion to Saivism.

8. Rajendra I

Rajendra I was the son and successor of Rajaraja I. He ruled from 1016 CE to 1044 CE.

He was also a great ruler and expanded the Chola empire further. His military and naval achievements made the Cholas a powerful empire.

9. Achievements of Rajendra I

He led a successful expedition to North India.
He captured territories in the Gangetic region.
He took the title Gangaikonda Chola.
He built Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
He established a Vedic college at Ennayiram.
His navy helped him conquer Srivijaya in southern Sumatra.

10. Gangaikonda Chola

Rajendra I assumed the title Gangaikonda Chola, which means the conqueror of the Ganga region.

This title was connected with his successful military expedition to North India.

11. Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Rajendra I built Gangaikonda Cholapuram to commemorate his victories in North India.

Later, Rajendra I and his successors ruled the Chola empire from Gangaikonda Cholapuram. It became the new capital of the Cholas.

12. Chola Navy

The Cholas maintained a powerful navy. Rajaraja I and Rajendra I used naval strength to expand Chola power.

Rajendra I’s navy enabled him to conquer Srivijaya in southern Sumatra. Chola control over the seas helped overseas trade flourish.

13. Overseas Trade of Cholas

Chola control over the seas supported overseas trade. Maritime trade brought wealth and fame to the Chola empire.

The items exported during the Later Chola period included sandalwood, ebony, condiments, precious gems, pepper, oil, paddy, grains, and salt.

14. Decline of Vijayalaya Line

After Rajendra Chola, his successors were not as strong as him. Veerarajendra’s son Athirajendra was killed in civil unrest.

With the death of Athirajendra, the Vijayalaya line of Chola rule came to an end.

15. Chalukya-Chola Dynasty

Matrimonial alliances between the Cholas and Eastern Chalukyas began during the reign of Rajaraja I.

After the death of Athirajendra, Rajendra Chalukya of the Eastern Chalukya line seized the Chola throne and ruled as Kulothunga I. This began the Chalukya-Chola dynasty.

16. Kulothunga I

Kulothunga I established himself firmly on the Chola throne. He avoided unnecessary wars and earned the goodwill of his subjects.

However, during his period, the Cholas lost territories in Ceylon, and Pandya territory slowly slipped out of Chola control.

17. End of the Chola Dynasty

The year 1279 CE marks the end of the Chola dynasty.

Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I defeated the last Chola king Rajendra Chola III and established Pandya rule in present-day Tamil Nadu.

18. Chola Administration

The Cholas had a well-organised system of administration. The king was the head of the state and had great powers.

The king’s orders were written on palm leaves by officials or inscribed on temple walls. Kingship was hereditary, and the eldest son was usually selected as heir apparent.

19. Yuvaraja

The eldest son of the Chola king was called Yuvaraja.

Yuvarajas were appointed as governors in the provinces to give them training in administration.

20. Administrative Divisions of Chola Empire

The Chola empire was divided into different administrative units for better governance.

Mandalam – Province
Nadu – Sub-division of Mandalam
Kurram – Group of villages
Gramam – Village

21. Local Governance Under Cholas

Local administration was an important feature of Chola rule. It worked through different local bodies such as Urar, Sabhaiyar, Nagarattar, and Nattar.

These bodies took care of local administration, irrigation, roads, temples, gardens, revenue collection, and religious festivals.

22. Ur and Urar

With the expansion of agriculture, many peasant settlements came up in the countryside. These settlements were called Ur.

The landholders who acted as spokesmen in the Ur were called Urar.

23. Sabha and Sabhaiyar

In Brahmin villages, the local assembly was called Sabha.

The members of the Sabha were called Sabhaiyar. They carried out administrative, financial, and judicial functions.

24. Nagaram and Nagarattar

Nagaram was a settlement of traders.

Nagarattar administered the settlement of traders. Skilled artisans such as masons, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, weavers, and potters also lived in Nagaram.

25. Nadu and Nattar

Nadu was an important administrative unit. The assembly of Nadu was called Nattar.

Nattar decided disputes and issues related to the Nadu.

26. Committees in Chola Administration

Assemblies in Ur, Sabha, Nagaram, and Nadu worked through various committees.

These committees looked after irrigation, roads, temples, gardens, collection of revenue, and conduct of religious festivals.

27. Uttiramerur Inscriptions

Uttiramerur is in present-day Kanchipuram district. It was a Brahmadeya village, meaning a village gifted to Brahmins.

The Uttiramerur inscriptions give detailed information about how members were elected to the village Sabha committees during the Chola period.

28. Election Method in Uttiramerur

In Uttiramerur, one member was elected from each ward. There were 30 wards in total.

The names of qualified candidates were written on palm-leaf slips and placed in a pot. A boy was asked to pick a slip, and the name on it was declared. This method was used to select committee members.

29. Eligibility for Sabha Membership

According to the Uttiramerur inscriptions, candidates had to satisfy certain qualifications.

They should be between 35 and 70 years of age.
They should be well-versed in Vedic texts and scriptures.
They should own land and house.
They should have good conduct.

30. Chola Revenue System

Land revenue was an important source of income for the Chola state.

The land tax in Chola country was called Kanikadan. One-third of the produce was collected as land tax in kind.

31. Irrigation Under Cholas

The Cholas gave great importance to irrigation because agriculture was the backbone of the economy.

Vati-vaykkal, ur-vaykkal, and nadu-vaykkal helped in the proper distribution of water. The turn system was followed in distributing water.

32. Chola Society

Chola society had different social groups. Vellalars were important landholders.

The sub-section of Vellalars was called Ulu-kudi. Adimai and Panicey-makkal were considered the lowest rung of society.

33. Chola Religion

Chola rulers were followers of Saivism. They built temples and supported temple activities.

At the same time, temples became centres of religion, education, economy, art, and social activities.

34. Chola Literature and Learning

Chola kings were great patrons of learning. Rajendra I established a Vedic college at Ennayiram, where Vedas, grammar, and Upanishads were taught.

Great literary works such as Periyapuranam and Kamba Ramayanam belong to the Chola period.

35. Nambiyandar Nambi

Nambiyandar Nambi codified the Thirumurai.

This is an important point connected with Saivite devotional literature during the Chola period.

36. Chola Architecture

The Cholas were great temple builders. Their architecture is famous for massive temples, tall vimanas, beautiful sculptures, and stone construction.

The Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur and the temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram are important examples of Chola architecture.

37. The Pandyas

The Pandyas were one of the ancient Tamil dynasties. Their early capital was Korkai, and later Madurai became their important capital.

The Pandyas were famous for pearl fishery, trade, temples, and cultural activities.

38. Kadunkon

Kadunkon recovered the Pandya territory from the Kalabhras towards the close of the 6th century.

He revived Pandya power and laid the foundation for the rise of the Pandyas after the Kalabhra period.

39. Arikesari Maravarman

Arikesari Maravarman was the first strong Pandya ruler. He came to the throne in 642 CE.

He was a contemporary of Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I. He was also known as Kun Pandian.

40. Arikesari and Saivism

Arikesari Maravarman was converted from Jainism to Saivism by the Saivite saint Thirugnanasambandar.

This shows the religious changes and the growth of Saivism in the Pandya country.

41. Jatila Parantaka Nedunjadayan

Jatila Parantaka Nedunjadayan, also called Varaguna I, was one of the greatest Pandya rulers.

He was the donor of the Velvikkudi copper plates. He expanded Pandya territory to include Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Salem, and Coimbatore districts.

42. Decline of Early Pandya Revival

After the strong rulers, the Pandyas faced defeats from the Pallavas and later from the rising Cholas.

Parantaka I defeated the Pandya king Rajasimha II in 920 CE. This marked the decline of the Pandya rule revived by Kadunkon.

43. Rise of Later Pandyas

After the death of Adhirajendra, Chola control became weak in the Pandya country.

Eventually, the Pandya kingdom emerged as the leading Tamil dynasty in the 13th century. Madurai continued to be their capital.

44. Kayal Port

Kayal became a great port during the Later Pandya period. It was a busy port town with ships from Arabia and China.

Marco Polo, the famous traveller from Venice, visited Kayal twice in 1288 and 1293.

45. Marco Polo’s Account

Marco Polo praised the Pandya kingdom as one of the richest and most splendid provinces in the world.

He also wrote about pearls, gems, trade, sati, and polygamy practised by the kings.

46. Sadaiyavarman Sundarapandyan

Sadaiyavarman, also known as Jatavarman Sundarapandyan, ruled from 1251 CE to 1268 CE.

He was the most illustrious ruler of the second Pandya kingdom. He brought the whole of Tamil Nadu under his rule, and his power extended up to Nellore in Andhra.

47. Achievements of Sadaiyavarman Sundarapandyan

He brought Tamil Nadu under Pandya rule.
His authority extended up to Nellore.
He checked the power of the Hoysalas.
He defeated Vira Someswara at Kannanur.
He established control over Cuddalore, Kanchipuram, Arcot, and Salem.

48. Maravarman Kulasekaran

After Sadaiyavarman Sundarapandyan, Maravarman Kulasekaran ruled successfully for about 40 years.

His rule gave peace and prosperity to the Pandya country. But conflict between his sons later caused civil war.

49. Civil War in Pandya Kingdom

Maravarman Kulasekaran had two sons, Vira Pandyan and Sundara Pandyan.

The king appointed Vira Pandyan as co-regent. This angered Sundara Pandyan, who killed his father. A civil war followed, and Vira Pandyan finally won.

50. Malik Kafur’s Invasion

Sundara Pandyan sought help from Ala-ud-din Khalji. Later, Malik Kafur invaded Madurai.

After these events, a Muslim state subordinate to the Delhi Sultan was established in Madurai.

51. Pandya Administration

Pandya administration had royal officials such as Maran-eyinan, Sattan-ganapathy, Enathi-sattan, Tira-tiran, Murthi-eyinan, and others.

The royal secretariat of the Pandya kingdom was known as Eluttu-Mandapam.

52. Pandya Architecture

Medieval and Later Pandyas did not build many new temples, but they maintained and expanded existing temples.

They added gopuras and mandapas to temples. Monolithic large ornamented pillars were a unique feature of medieval Pandya style.

53. Meenakshi Temple

The Pandyas specially patronised the historic Meenakshi Temple at Madurai.

They expanded the temple by adding gopuras and mandapas. This temple remains one of the greatest symbols of Pandya cultural contribution.

54. Pandya Trade

The Pandya kingdom was famous for maritime trade. Arab settlements on the west coast helped expand trade connections to the east coast.

Pandya rulers followed a liberal policy towards overseas traders. Their charters exempted traders from various port dues and tolls.

55. Horse Trade

Horse trade became very important during the 13th and 14th centuries. Horses were needed for ceremonial purposes and for wars.

Traders involved in horse trade were called Kudirai Chetties. They were also active in maritime trade.

56. Kayal Pattinam

Kayal Pattinam, now in Thoothukudi district, was the busiest port town under the Pandyas.

It was famous for ships, business activities, horse trade, gold coins, and overseas trade with Arabia and China.

57. Gold Coins

Gold coins were used in Pandya trade. Trade was carried through the medium of gold.

Gold coins were known by different names such as kasu, kalanchu, and pon.

58. Importance of Cholas and Pandyas

The Cholas and Pandyas were important Tamil monarchs who shaped the history of South India.

The Cholas are remembered for administration, navy, overseas trade, temples, irrigation, and local self-government. The Pandyas are remembered for Madurai, Kayal port, pearl fishery, horse trade, temple expansion, and maritime commerce.

Central Idea of the Lesson

The central idea of the lesson is that the Later Cholas and Later Pandyas were powerful South Indian kingdoms. The Cholas built a strong empire with efficient administration, powerful navy, overseas trade, local self-government, irrigation, education, literature, and temple architecture. After the decline of the Cholas, the Later Pandyas rose to power and became famous for trade, ports, temple expansion, and cultural achievements.

Important Rulers and Their Achievements

Ruler	Dynasty	Achievement
Vijayalaya	Chola	Revived the Later Chola dynasty and conquered Thanjavur.
Rajaraja I	Chola	Expanded Chola power and built Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur.
Rajendra I	Chola	Assumed the title Gangaikonda Chola and conquered Srivijaya.
Kulothunga I	Chalukya-Chola	Established the Chalukya-Chola dynasty.
Kadunkon	Pandya	Recovered Pandya territory from the Kalabhras.
Arikesari Maravarman	Pandya	First strong Pandya ruler; also known as Kun Pandian.
Jatila Parantaka Nedunjadayan	Pandya	Donor of Velvikkudi plates.
Sadaiyavarman Sundarapandyan	Later Pandya	Brought Tamil Nadu under his rule and extended power up to Nellore.
Maravarman Kulasekaran	Later Pandya	Ruled successfully for about 40 years and brought peace and prosperity.

Chola Administration

Administrative Unit	Meaning
Mandalam	Province.
Nadu	Sub-division of Mandalam.
Kurram	Group of villages.
Gramam	Village.

Chola Local Bodies

Local Body	Function / Meaning
Urar	Landholders who acted as spokesmen in Ur.
Sabhaiyar	Members of Sabha in Brahmin villages; performed administrative, financial, and judicial functions.
Nagarattar	Administered trader settlements.
Nattar	Assembly of Nadu that solved Nadu-related disputes and issues.

Uttiramerur Inscriptions

Point	Explanation
Location	Present-day Kanchipuram district.
Village Type	Brahmadeya village.
Importance	Gives details about village Sabha committee elections.
Number of Wards	30 wards.
Eligibility	Men aged 35 to 70, well-versed in Vedic texts, and owning land and house.
Election Method	Names written on palm-leaf slips and picked from a pot.

Chola Economy, Trade and Society

Topic	Important Point
Land Tax	Kanikadan.
Tax Collection	One-third of the produce was collected in kind.
Irrigation Channels	Vati-vaykkal, ur-vaykkal, nadu-vaykkal.
Water Distribution	Turn system.
Inland Traders	Mani-gramattar.
Maritime Traders	Anju-vannattar and Ai-nutruvar.
Export Items	Sandalwood, ebony, condiments, gems, pepper, oil, paddy, grains, salt.
Vellalars	Important landholders.

Chola Literature and Architecture

Area	Important Point
Religion	Chola rulers followed Saivism.
Vedic College	Established at Ennayiram by Rajendra I.
Literary Works	Periyapuranam and Kamba Ramayanam.
Thirumurai	Codified by Nambiyandar Nambi.
Brihadeshwara Temple	Built by Rajaraja I at Thanjavur.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple	Built by Rajendra I to commemorate his northern victories.

Pandyas – Important Points

Topic	Important Point
Early Pandya Capital	Korkai.
Later Capital	Madurai.
Madurai was also known as	Koodal.
Reviver of Pandya Power	Kadunkon.
First Strong Pandya Ruler	Arikesari Maravarman.
Arikesari Maravarman was also known as	Kun Pandian.
Saivite Saint	Thirugnanasambandar converted Arikesari to Saivism.
Velvikkudi Plates Donor	Jatila Parantaka Nedunjadayan or Varaguna I.
Pandya King Defeated by Parantaka I	Rajasimha II.
Royal Secretariat	Eluttu-Mandapam.

Later Pandyas

Ruler / Topic	Important Point
Sadaiyavarman Sundarapandyan	Illustrious ruler of the second Pandya kingdom.
Extent of Rule	Extended up to Nellore in Andhra.
Battle at Kannanur	Sundarapandyan defeated Vira Someswara.
Maravarman Kulasekaran	Ruled successfully for about 40 years.
His Two Sons	Vira Pandyan and Sundara Pandyan.
Malik Kafur Invasion	Happened after Sundara Pandyan sought help from Ala-ud-din Khalji.
After Invasion	A Muslim state subordinate to Delhi Sultan was established in Madurai.

Pandya Trade

Trade Point	Importance
Great Port	Kayal.
Busiest Port Town	Kayal Pattinam in present-day Thoothukudi district.
Marco Polo	Visited Kayal twice in 1288 and 1293.
Ships From	Arabia and China.
Horse Traders	Kudirai Chetties.
Gold Coins	Kasu, kalanchu, and pon.
Trade Writer	Wassaff recorded horse trade.

Important Places to Remember

Place	Importance
Uraiyur	Ancient Chola capital.
Thanjavur	Capital of Vijayalaya; site of Brihadeshwara Temple.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram	Capital built by Rajendra I.
Ennayiram	Vedic college established by Rajendra I.
Uttiramerur	Known for Chola village administration inscriptions.
Korkai	Early Pandya capital and pearl fishery centre.
Madurai	Capital of the Pandyas; famous for Meenakshi Temple.
Kayal Pattinam	Busiest port under the Pandyas; in Thoothukudi district.
Kannanur	Place where Sundarapandyan defeated Vira Someswara.

Important Exam Points from the Lesson

Topic	Important Point
Chola Dynasty Revived By	Vijayalaya.
Vijayalaya Captured	Thanjavur.
Ancient Chola Capital	Uraiyur.
Greatest Chola Rulers	Rajaraja I and Rajendra I.
Brihadeshwara Temple Built By	Rajaraja I.
Gangaikonda Chola	Title of Rajendra I.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Built By	Rajendra I.
Srivijaya Conquered By	Rajendra I.
Last Ruler of Vijayalaya Line	Athirajendra.
Chalukya-Chola Dynasty Started By	Kulothunga I.
End of Chola Dynasty	1279 CE.
Chola Administration Units	Mandalam, Nadu, Kurram, Gramam.
Eldest Son of Chola King	Yuvaraja.
Land Tax in Chola Country	Kanikadan.
Village Administration Source	Uttiramerur inscriptions.
Later Pandya Power Revived By	Kadunkon.
First Strong Pandya Ruler	Arikesari Maravarman.
Arikesari Maravarman Also Known As	Kun Pandian.
Velvikkudi Plates Donor	Jatila Parantaka Nedunjadayan or Varaguna I.
Royal Secretariat of Pandya Kingdom	Eluttu-Mandapam.
Later Pandya Capital	Madurai.
Great Pandya Port	Kayal.
Marco Polo Visited	Kayal.
Busiest Pandya Port	Kayal Pattinam.
Horse Traders	Kudirai Chetties.
Gold Coins	Kasu, kalanchu, pon.

Vocabulary to Remember

Monarch – king or queen who rules a kingdom
Dynasty – line of rulers from the same family
Revival – becoming powerful again
Naval Expedition – military journey by sea
Matrimonial Alliance – political alliance through marriage
Civil Unrest – disturbance or conflict among people
Yuvaraja – heir apparent or eldest son of the king
Mandalam – province in Chola administration
Nadu – sub-division of Mandalam
Kurram – group of villages
Gramam – village
Brahmadeya – land gifted to Brahmins
Urar – landholders in Ur
Sabhaiyar – members of Sabha in Brahmin villages
Nagarattar – administrators of trader settlements
Kanikadan – land tax in Chola country
Vaykkal – water supply channel
Feudatory – subordinate ruler
Embankment – structure built to prevent flooding or store water
Repository – place where things are stored
Kudirai Chetties – horse traders
Maritime Trade – trade through sea routes

TET / Exam Focus Areas

Very Important Focus: These are the most expected textbook-based areas from this lesson.

Who revived the Later Chola dynasty?
Who built the Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur?
Who assumed the title Gangaikonda Chola?
Who conquered Srivijaya?
What were the items exported during the Later Chola period?
What was called Chatur-Vedi-Mangalam?
What was Kanikadan?
Explain Chola administrative divisions.
Write about Chola local self-government.
What is the importance of Uttiramerur inscriptions?
Who revived Pandya power after Kalabhras?
Who was known as Kun Pandian?
Who was the donor of Velvikkudi copper plates?
Who was Sadaiyavarman Sundarapandyan?
What was Kayal famous for?
Who visited Kayal twice?
What were kasu, kalanchu and pon?
Write about Pandya trade.

Short Answer Questions and Answers

1. Who revived the Later Chola dynasty?

Vijayalaya revived the Later Chola dynasty in the 9th century.

2. What did Vijayalaya do?

Vijayalaya conquered Thanjavur and made it his capital.

3. Who was Rajaraja I?

Rajaraja I was one of the greatest Chola rulers. He expanded Chola power and built the Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur.

4. Who built the Brihadeshwara Temple?

Rajaraja I built the famous Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur.

5. Who was Rajendra I?

Rajendra I was the son and successor of Rajaraja I. He expanded the Chola empire and assumed the title Gangaikonda Chola.

6. Why did Rajendra I assume the title Gangaikonda Chola?

Rajendra I assumed the title Gangaikonda Chola because he successfully conquered regions in North India near the Ganga.

7. Who built Gangaikonda Cholapuram?

Rajendra I built Gangaikonda Cholapuram to commemorate his victories in North India.

8. Which kingdom did Rajendra I conquer through his navy?

Rajendra I conquered Srivijaya in southern Sumatra through his navy.

9. What were the items exported during the Later Chola period?

Sandalwood, ebony, condiments, precious gems, pepper, oil, paddy, grains, and salt were exported during the Later Chola period.

10. What was Chatur-Vedi-Mangalam?

Chatur-Vedi-Mangalam or Mangalam was a Brahmin settlement created by kings and local chiefs with irrigation facilities.

11. What was Kanikadan?

Kanikadan was the land tax in Chola country. One-third of the produce was collected as land tax in kind.

12. What were the administrative divisions of the Chola empire?

The Chola empire was divided into Mandalam, Nadu, Kurram, and Gramam.

13. What is the importance of Uttiramerur inscriptions?

The Uttiramerur inscriptions give details about village administration and the election of committee members in the Chola period.

14. Who revived Pandya power after the Kalabhras?

Kadunkon revived Pandya power by recovering Pandya territory from the Kalabhras.

15. Who was Arikesari Maravarman?

Arikesari Maravarman was the first strong Pandya ruler. He was also known as Kun Pandian.

16. Who converted Arikesari Maravarman to Saivism?

Thirugnanasambandar converted Arikesari Maravarman from Jainism to Saivism.

17. Who was the donor of Velvikkudi plates?

Jatila Parantaka Nedunjadayan, also known as Varaguna I, was the donor of Velvikkudi plates.

18. Who was Sadaiyavarman Sundarapandyan?

Sadaiyavarman Sundarapandyan was an illustrious ruler of the second Pandya kingdom. He brought Tamil Nadu under his rule.

19. What was Kayal famous for?

Kayal was a great port of the Pandyas. It was famous for ships, business activities, horse trade, and overseas trade.

20. Who visited Kayal twice?

Marco Polo, a famous traveller from Venice, visited Kayal twice in 1288 and 1293.

21. What were kasu, kalanchu, and pon?

Kasu, kalanchu, and pon were gold coins used during the Pandya period.

22. Who were Kudirai Chetties?

Kudirai Chetties were horse traders who were active in maritime trade.

How to Write This in Exam

For a short answer, write the direct point first. For example, if the question asks “Who revived the Later Chola dynasty?”, write “Vijayalaya revived the Later Chola dynasty.”

For a long answer, divide the answer into headings such as Later Cholas, Rajaraja I, Rajendra I, Chola administration, Uttiramerur inscriptions, Later Pandyas, Kayal port, Marco Polo, and Pandya trade.

Sample Exam Answer

“Emergence of New Kingdoms in South India: Later Cholas and Pandyas” is an important History lesson in 7th Social Science. The Cholas and Pandyas were famous Tamil monarchs. Vijayalaya revived the Later Chola dynasty in the 9th century. He conquered Thanjavur and made it his capital.

Rajaraja I was one of the greatest Chola rulers. He expanded Chola authority over South India, the west coast, and Sri Lanka. He built the famous Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur. His son Rajendra I continued the expansion of the empire. He assumed the title Gangaikonda Chola, built Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and conquered Srivijaya through his navy.

The Cholas had a well-organised administration. The empire was divided into Mandalam, Nadu, Kurram, and Gramam. Local administration worked through Urar, Sabhaiyar, Nagarattar, and Nattar. The Uttiramerur inscriptions provide details about village administration and committee elections during the Chola period. The Cholas also encouraged irrigation, trade, learning, literature, and temple architecture.

The Pandyas were revived by Kadunkon, who recovered Pandya territory from the Kalabhras. Arikesari Maravarman was the first strong Pandya ruler. Jatila Parantaka Nedunjadayan was the donor of the Velvikkudi plates. Later, Sadaiyavarman Sundarapandyan became a powerful ruler and brought Tamil Nadu under his rule. Kayal was a great Pandya port, and Marco Polo visited it twice. The Pandyas were famous for maritime trade, horse trade, gold coins, and temple expansion.

One Mark Important Points

Later Chola Dynasty Revived By – Vijayalaya
Vijayalaya Captured – Thanjavur
Ancient Chola Capital – Uraiyur
Prominent Chola Rulers – Rajaraja I and Rajendra I
Brihadeshwara Temple Built By – Rajaraja I
Gangaikonda Chola – Title of Rajendra I
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Built By – Rajendra I
Srivijaya Conquered By – Rajendra I
Last Ruler of Vijayalaya Line – Athirajendra
Chalukya-Chola Dynasty – Started by Kulothunga I
End of Chola Dynasty – 1279 CE
Chola Administrative Divisions – Mandalam, Nadu, Kurram, Gramam
Eldest Son of Chola King – Yuvaraja
Land Tax in Chola Country – Kanikadan
Village Administration Source – Uttiramerur inscriptions
Chola Literary Works – Periyapuranam and Kamba Ramayanam
Thirumurai Codified By – Nambiyandar Nambi
Pandya Territory Recovered By – Kadunkon
First Strong Pandya Ruler – Arikesari Maravarman
Arikesari Maravarman Also Known As – Kun Pandian
Velvikkudi Plates Donor – Jatila Parantaka Nedunjadayan
Royal Secretariat of Pandya Kingdom – Eluttu-Mandapam
Pandya Capital – Madurai
Madurai Also Known As – Koodal
Great Pandya Port – Kayal
Kayal Pattinam District – Thoothukudi
Marco Polo Visited – Kayal
Horse Traders – Kudirai Chetties
Gold Coins – Kasu, kalanchu, pon
Meenakshi Temple Located At – Madurai

Short Conclusion

“Emergence of New Kingdoms in South India: Later Cholas and Pandyas” teaches us about the rise and achievements of two great Tamil dynasties. Vijayalaya revived the Cholas, Rajaraja I expanded the empire and built Brihadeshwara Temple, and Rajendra I became Gangaikonda Chola and strengthened the Chola navy. The Cholas were famous for local self-government, Uttiramerur inscriptions, irrigation, trade, literature, and architecture. The Pandyas were revived by Kadunkon and later became powerful under Sadaiyavarman Sundarapandyan. Kayal port, Marco Polo’s account, horse trade, gold coins, and temple expansion are important features of the Pandya period.