M. Irasamanickkanar & Pallava History

மா. இராசமாணிக்கனார் - பல்லவர் வரலாறு

Abstract

This article examines Ma. Irasamanickkanar's seminal work Pallavar Varalaru (History of the Pallavas), published in 1944 by the Saiva Siddhanta Nurpatippuk Kazakam, which has remained an indispensable reference for understanding Tamil Nadu's political and cultural history. The book has seen more than ten editions, testifying to its enduring scholarly relevance. Irasamanickkanar utilized an extensive range of sources including around sixty books, twenty-three inscriptional collections, research journals, and field studies to construct a comprehensive history of the Pallava dynasty, which ruled South India for approximately six hundred and fifty years (c. 250–890 CE). The study classifies the Pallavas into three periods based on the language of their inscriptions: early, middle, and late Pallavas. The article highlights how Irasamanickkanar critically evaluated differing scholarly opinions — including those of Sir Walter Elliot, James Fergusson, Dr. Fleet, and R. Gopalan — and arrived at independent conclusions supported by epigraphic and literary evidence. The work also explores the Pallavas' connections with Buddhism, their origins, their wars with contemporary dynasties, and their remarkable contributions to Tamil culture including rock-cut temples, bhakti literature, music, and fine arts. The article concludes that this foundational text continues to inspire republication and renewed scholarly interest in Pallava history.