The Southern Dynasties of medieval China, spanning from the 5th to the 6th century, were a period marked by both political turbulence and cultural flourishing. Comprising the Liu Song, Southern Qi, Liang, and Chen Dynasties, this era unfolded against the backdrop of the Northern and Southern Dynasties period, a time of division and conflict following the fall of the Jin Dynasty. The Southern Dynasties, located in the southern part of China, witnessed the ebb and flow of power as different rulers sought to establish and consolidate their realms. Amidst the chaos of warfare and shifting allegiances, this period also witnessed notable achievements in literature, art, and philosophy. The Southern Dynasties played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of medieval China, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s history. Exploring the complexities of this historical epoch provides invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs that defined medieval Chinese society.
Hoysalas
Political History
- Hoysalas were feudatories of chalukyas of Kalyana.
- Dwarasamudra(Halebeedu) was their capital.
- Sala was the founder of this dynasty.
- He was succeeded by Vinayaditya and Balalla 1.
- Vishnuvardhana(Bittideva) was the greatest in the Hoysala dynasty.
- He completely routed Cholas from Gangavadi in the battle of Talakadu, and for this, he got the title Talkadugonda.
- In commemoration of this victory, he built the Kirtinarayana temple at Talakadu and the Chennakesavar temple at Beluru.
Religion
- Hoysalas patronized Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism.
- Vishnuvardhana followed Jainism.
- He was influenced by Sri Ramanujacharya and converted to Srivaishnavism.
- Ramajunacharya left Srirangam in Tamil Nadu and settled in Melukote, Karnataka.
Literature
- Kannada and Sanskrit literature developed during this period.
- Important literary works in Kannada are Harihara, Raghavanka, Nemichandra, and Janna.
Art and Architecture
- Hoysalas combined the Vesara and Dravida styles and developed a new Hoysala style.
- Important features of this style are the star-shaped platform, the jagati around the temple as the open pradakshinapatha, the polished pillar with a variety of designs, elaborate carvings, and beautifully carved madanika figures, and the Vimana(shikara) in a pyramidical shape.
- Most of their temples are in Bhumija style, with miniature shikara carved on the outer wall of the temple.
- Examples of Hoysala temples are the Channakeshava temple at Beluru, the Hoysaleshvara temple at Halebidu, and the Keshava temple at Somnathpura.
- They constructed Jain Basadis also, such as Savathi Gandhavarana Basadi at Shravanabelagola.
Yadavas
Political History
- Ruled the area between Narmada and Tungabhadra, comprising present-day Maharashtra, southern Madhya Pradesh, and northern parts of Karnataka.
- Dynasty is also known as SEVUNA, GAVLI KINGS.
- Devagiri (Daulatabad) was their capital.
- Initially, they were feudatories of Western Chalukyas.
- Bhillamma declared independence and started independent rule.
- Maintained rivalry with Kakatiyas and Hoysalas.
- The Yadava kingdom reached its peak under Simhana II and flourished until the early 14th century when it was annexed by the Delhi Sultanate.
- Harpaladeva was the last king in this dynasty.
Literature and Language
- The Yadavas were the first major dynasty to use Marathi as an official language.
- Earlier, both Sanskrit and Kannada had been used for official inscriptions in present-day Maharashtra.
- Marathi became the dominant official language of the region partly due to the efforts of the Yadav rulers.
- Mukundaraya wrote Vivekasindhu in Marathi.
- Gnyaneshwar wrote Gnyaneshwari, a Marathi language commentary on Bhagwad Gita.
- Hemadri composed Chaturanga Chintamani in Sanskrit.
- Sarangapani composed Sangeetaratnakara, considered to be the first book on music.
- Kannada was one of the court languages during early Yadava times, as evident from several Kannada-language inscriptions.
Kakatiyas
Political History
- The Kakatiya dynasty ruled most of the eastern Deccan region comprising present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and parts of eastern Karnataka and southern Odisha between the 12th and 14th centuries.
- Their capital was Orugallu, now known as Warangal.
- Early Kakatiya rulers served as feudatories to Rashtrakutas and Western Chalukyas for more than two centuries. They assumed sovereignty under Prataparudra I in 1163 CE.
- Ganapati Deva (r. 1199–1262) significantly expanded Kakatiya lands during the 1230s and brought under Kakatiya control the Telugu-speaking lowland delta areas around the Godavari and Krishna.
- Ganapati Deva was succeeded by Rudramma Devi (r. 1262–1289).
- Marco Polo, who visited India sometime around 1289–1293, made note of Rudramma Devi’s rule.
- Alauddin Khalji invaded the Kakatiya kingdom in 1303 AD. This brought hard times for Kakatiyas.
- Finally in 1323 Prince Jaunakhan (Muhammad bin Tughlaq) defeated Prataparudra Deva and annexed their kingdom.
- Prince Jauna changed the name of Kakatiya’s capital Oragallu to Sultanpur.
- Prataprudra Deva committed suicide near the Narmada River while coming to Delhi as a captive of Prince Jauna.
Literature
- Sanskrit and Telugu literature flourished during this period.
- Jayapa senani has composed Geeta Ratnavali, Nritya Ratnavali and Vadya Ratnavali.
- Andhra Natyam and perinisivatandavam were classical dance forms of this period.
Architecture
- Kakatiyas followed the trikuta model in their temple constructions.
- In this model, temples are constructed for Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya in a triangular way.
- Floating bricks and welcoming archways were silent features in Kakatiya structures.
- The scenic Pakhal lake in Warangal was built by Ganapathi Deva.
- The 1000-pillar temple in Warangal was built during the Kakatiya Rule and is another example of exquisite Kakatiya Architecture.
- The iconic Kakatiya Thoranam was built by Rudramadevi’s father in the 12th Century. This ornate arch is said to have many similarities with the gateways at the Sanchi Stupa and is also the emblem of Telangana.
- The Koh-i-Noor Diamond, which is now among the jewels set in the British Crown, was mined and first owned by the Kakatiya Dynasty.
- Ramappa temple is the best specimen in Kakatiya temples.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
