The political and Religion condition of Tenkasi in pandyas

Abstract

Following the political breakdown of Pandya rule in Madurai as a result of the Delhi Sultanate's invasions and the rise of the Vijayanagar Empire, the Tenkasi Pandyas, a regional branch of the imperial Pandya dynasty, gained prominence in South Tamil Nadu in the 14th and 16th centuries CE. During a period of change and instability, they established their capital at Tenkasi and functioned as both political and cultural stewards. Through their support of local customs, literature, and temples, the Tenkasi Pandyas have played a vital role in preserving and advancing Tamil culture and religion, particularly Saivism. This study examines this. The Kasi Viswanathar Temple, which embodies their innovative architecture and religious devotion, is a key component of their legacy. This study examines how the Tenkasi Pandyas preserved Tamil identity, protected ceremonial practices, and encouraged vernacular expression through a close examination of epigraphic sources, temple inscriptions, and regional literary references. In spite of northern and imperial influences, their efforts guaranteed the survival of Tamil Saiva customs, temple-based devotion, and the growth of Tamil as a cultural language. The Tenkasi Pandyas are an important topic in the history of medieval South India because this study's examination of their rule emphasizes the wider significance of regional dynasties in cultural preservation.