Early Medieval Age – Sources and Political Narrative & Structure

Early Medieval age discussed by Harsh

After the fall of Guptas as a major power in North India, the new regional principalities emerged in Indian subcontinent. The early Medieval denotes an intermediate period between the ancient and medieval period of Indian history. This period was roughly from 6th century AD to 12^th century AD.

Also Read : Vakatakas and Other Dynasties of Peninsular India (c. 300 AD – c. 600 AD)

Gupta Age – A Golden Age or A Classical Age?

Pre-Historic Studies – Paleolithic Age

Sources to Study

There are various literary sources available to study the early medieval age of Indian history. And archeological evidences also help in reconstructing the early medieval history. Harshacharita written by Banabhatta as well as Sandhyakaranandin’s Ramacharita both are important texts for the reconstruction of the history of this age. Bilhana wrote the Vikramankadevacharita which is about the Vikramaditya, the Chalukyan king of Kalyani.

Hemachandra’s Kumarapalacharita tells story of Kumarapala, the king of Anahilawada. Prithvirajraso written by Chand Bardai which tells about Prithviraj Chouhan. The Rajatarangini of Kalhana was first major historical literature which covered the history of Indian subcontinent from Mahabharat time to 12^th century AD. He wrote in detail about the rulers of Kashmir.

Ganitasarsangraha of Mahaviracharya written in 9^th century. Other work of Bhaskaracharya’s Lilavati also gave inputs about this age. The accounts of foreigner travelers from China and Arab like Xuan Zang, Yijing, Sulaiman, Al-masudi, Al-Biduri, Ibn Haukal, Al-Biruni, Muhammad Ufi, Ibn Battuta etc.

Political Narrative and Structure

Deccan

The political history of peninsular India during c. 600 AD -c. 900 AD was marked by intense warfare between the Chalukyas of Badami (western Chalukyas), Pallavas of Kanchi and Pandyas of Madurai. All three of these empires rise in power during 6^th century, but in the mid-8^th century Chalukyas were replaced by Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta. There were two branches of Chalukyas; western and eastern.

Western Chalukyas or Chalukyas of Badami were claimed to be of Brahmana origin as Haritiputras of Manavya gotra founded by Pulakeshin (c. 535 – c. 566 AD). He built a strong fortress at Vatapi. Kingdom was further enlarged by Kirtivarman (c. 566 – c. 597 AD), he fought against Kadambas of Banavasi, Mauryas of Konkan and Nalas of Bastar.

After his death, the war of succession was fought between Mangalesha and his nephew Pulakeshin, the second. Pulakeshin won the war of succession and emerged as the most powerful rulers of this line. He dispatched expeditions into eastern Deccan, south Kosala and Kalinga. He defeated Harsha on the banks of River Narmada but he was killed by Pallavas, after that empire started to decline and took over by Rashtrakutas.

Eastern Chalukyas or Chalukyas of Vengi, this line included the kings like Vishnuvardhana, Vijayaditya. They ruled from Vengi in Andhra. Vijayaditya claimed victories against Pallavas and Pandyas. Later in c. 999 AD, Rajaraja Chola conquered Vengi.

Rashtrakutas origin can be traced to the Kannada speaking area of Deccan. They claimed descended from Yadu. They defeated Partiharas, Palas, Eastern Chalukyas and Cholas. Dantidurga was the one who assumed the independent status who ascended the throne in c. 733 AD. He won many military victories and assumed the imperial titles. The kingdom was further expanded by Krishna, Govinda and Amoghavarsha.

Rashtrakutas could not press home their victories against Chalukyas of Badami, Eastern Chalukyas, Eastern Ganges and Pallavas. Kailashanatha Temple at Ellora was built during reign of Krishna. Amoghavarsha built new capital at Manyakheta. He was also a good writer and wrote the texts like Kavirajamarga, the earliest Kannada work on poetics. Kannauj was captured during the reign of Indra. In 10^th century, Paramaras sacked Manyakheta because of the decline of Rashtrakutas.  

The Far South

The political history of south India was dominated by Cholas, Cheras, Pallavas and Pandyas during the early medieval age.

The Pallavas were associated with Tondaimandalam, the land between north Penner and north Vellar rivers. In the 6^th century, Simhavishnu by putting Kalabhras aside rise Pallavas to power up to River Kaveri, coming into conflict with Pandyas and rule of Sri Lanka. He was succeeded by Mahendravarman (c. 590 – c. 630 AD), who was in the continuous conflict with Pandyas and Western Chalukyas.

After him Narsimhavarman conquered Badami. Later, they came into conflict with Pandyas and Rashtrakutas. Nandivarman was the one who finally managed to defeat Pandyas. The last known imperial Pallava king was Aparajita. In the c. 893 AD, Pallavas were overthrown by Cholas.

Pandya’s early medieval line included Kadungon and his son Naravarman. The most important ruler of the line was Rajasimha who attained the title of Pallava Bhanjana (breaker of Pallavas). Pandyas were completely overthrown by Cholas in 10^th century AD.

Cheras was remained a small kingdom on the Kerala coast, ruled by Chera Perumalso. The Cheraman Perumal was among the last kings of dynasty. The dynasty was ended in the 9^th century BC.

Cholas was one of the major powers in south India in early medieval age. The founder of this age dynasty was Vijayalaya who established their capital in Uraiyur. Vijayalaya accepted the overlordship of Pallavas. Aditya confederated with Pallavas to defeat Pandyas. He also entered in matrimonial alliance with Pallavas. Parantaka conquered Madurai and defeated the combined forces of Pandyas and king of Sri Lanka of Vellur.

Chola empire was on its peak during the reign of Arumolivarman who assumed the title of Rajaraja. He launched successful expedition to Sri Lanka. He achieved victories against Western Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas. Maldives was conquered by him towards the end of his reign. Rajendra Chola further defeat Sri Lanka, Pandyas, Kerala, Western Chalukyas. He built new capital at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Kulottunga saw dispatch of embassy to China. After few this great also came to an end.

The circuit of power in Chera, Chola, Pallavas included local chieftains. The governors were also appointed by Kings. Thus, the administration included the elements of decentralization.