The Pandya dynasty was an ancient Tamil dynasty which ruled parts of southern India. The dynasty originated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu and later spread to parts of Kerala and SriLanka. The Pandya kings were known for their patronage of Tamil literature and for their great temple-building activity.
The Pandya dynasty reached its height of power under the rule of King Maravarman Sundara Pandyan, who ruled from 1216 to 1238. Under Sundara Pandyan, the Pandyas conquered the kingdoms of the Chalukyas and the Hoysalas, and extended their territory all the way to the river Krishna in the north. The Pandya kingdom reached its greatest extent under Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan, who ruled from 1251 to 1268. Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan not only conquered the remaining Tamil kingdoms of the Cholas and the Hoysalas, but also invaded and conquered the kingdom of Kerala.
The Pandya dynasty began to decline in the late 13th century, with a series of defeats at the hands of the Delhi Sultanate. The last Pandya king, Mudukudumi Peruvaludi, was killed in battle by the forces of Sultanate in 1323.
Maravarman Sundara Pandyan
Maravarman Sundara Pandyan was a king who ruled over the Pandyan kingdom in southern India during the 13th century. He was known for his military exploits and for his patronage of the arts. He built many temples and commissioned many works of art, including the Kailasanathar Temple at Kanchipuram. He was also a patron of the Tamil Sangam, a literary academy in Tamil Nadu.
Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan
The Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan was the last Pandyan king of the Pandyan Dynasty who ruled South India from 1251 to 1268. He was known for his military prowess and for his patronage of the arts. He was also a great builder and many of the temples and palaces built during his reign can still be seen today.