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Great Dynasties of South India

The key to understanding the identity of the early Tamil dynastic rule and culture can be found within the prose and poetry of Sangam Anthology, the oldest surviving collection of Tamil literature. The collection of indigenous writings contains ideas from an ancient era we now call the Tamilakam period. Filled with stories of ancient rulers and their politics, it is here that modern-day scholars found evidence of the vibrant Tamil culture and its ethnic identity.

Across the historical timeline of South India, we see many other examples of prosperous regions. The Chalukya, Hoysala and Vijayanagara dynasties each built impressive empires with developed societies. Each of these empires shaped and carved out a distinct identity across the Deccan landscape to make the region a treasure trove of cultural progress and enlightenment.

Language Tamil, Malayalam
Capital(s) Vanchi Muthur, Karur
Emblem Bow
Major monuments Mahavishnu Kshetram, Thirukodithanam; Thiruvanchikulam Siva Temple

Language: Tamil
Capital(s) Kanchipuram; Thanjavur (Tanjore)
Emblem Tiger
Major monuments Brihadishwara Temple, Thanjavur; Brihadeeswarar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram; Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram

Language Tamil
Capital Madurai
Emblem Fish
Major monuments Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

Language Tamil, Sanskrit, Prakrit
Capital(s) Kanchipuram
Emblem Simha (Lion) and Nandi (Bull)
Major monuments Shaiva & Vaishnava Temples, Kanchipuram; Rock cut temples, Mahabalipuram; Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram

Language Kannada, Prakrit
Capital(s) Banavasi
Iconography Madhukesvara temple, Banavasi had one of the earliest mints in the region, as evidenced by the discovery of a 5th Century copper coin with Kannada script.

Language Kannada, Sanskrit
Capital(s) Manyakheta, Kalyani (Basavakalyan)
Major monuments Dodda Basappa Temple, Badami; Mahadeva Temple, Koppal

Language: Kannada
Capital(s) Somanathapura (Somnathpur)
Emblem Warrior Sa'la attacking a Tiger
Major monuments Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam; Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura; Kedareshwara Temple, Halebid; Chennakesava Temple, Belur
Masterpieces: Hoysala architecture and sculpture, especially ornate and intricate, are best seen at Halebid, Belur, and Somnathpur

Language Kannada, Telugu, Sanskrit
Capital(s): Vijayanagara
Emblem: Sun, Moon, Dagger and Boar.
Major monuments: Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam; Virupaksha Temple, Hemakuta Hill, Nandi Statue & Vittala Temple; Zenana Enclosure, Lotus Mahal, Queen's Bath, Hampi (Vijayanagara)
Masterpieces: Fine temple sculptures