Pandyas of Madurai: The Longest-Ruling Dynasty of Ancient India

#ponniyinselvan2 #cholas #rajarajacholan
Pandyas of Madurai were the oldest of the three Tamil dynasties of South India - the other two being the Cholas and the Cheras. Madurai the capital of Pandyas is mentioned in Kautilya's Arthashastra written in 4th Century BCE. Pandyas are also mentioned in the inscriptions of Maurya emperor Asoka, Sangam Tamil texts as well as in ancient Greek sources dating back to 3rd Century BCE. The dynasty passed through two periods of imperial dominance, first from 6th to 10th century CE, and then under the 'Later Pandyas' from 13th to 14th century CE, making them one of the longest ruling dynasties in Indian history. The Pandyas ruled extensive territories, at times including entire region of present-day South India and northern Sri Lanka through vassal states subject to Madurai.