PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary 2023
Answer
Kanchipuram
Explanation
Kanchipuram, located in modern-day Tamil Nadu, was the historic capital of the Pallava dynasty. The Pallavas were a formidable power in South India from the 3rd to the 9th century CE. They were great patrons of art and architecture, famous for the Shore Temple and the monolithic rathas at Mahabalipuram.
Key Points
- > Founder of the Pallava dynasty: Simhavishnu.
- > Most famous ruler: Narasimhavarman I (defeated Pulakeshin II).
- > Madurai was the capital of the Pandya dynasty.
- > Tanjore (Thanjavur) was the capital of the Chola dynasty.
- > Badami (Vatapi) was the capital of the Early Chalukyas.
- > The Pallavas introduced Dravidian architecture in South India.
- > Kanchipuram is also known as the 'City of Thousand Temples'.
Additional Information
South Indian Dynasties & Capitals
| Dynasty | Capital City | Modern State |
|---|---|---|
| Pallavas | Kanchipuram | Tamil Nadu |
| Cholas | Tanjore (Thanjavur) | Tamil Nadu |
| Pandyas | Madurai | Tamil Nadu |
| Chalukyas | Badami (Vatapi) | Karnataka |
Memory Tips
- Remember initials: P.K. (Pallavas-Kanchipuram), C.T. (Cholas-Tanjore), P.M. (Pandyas-Madurai).