Social and Economic Life during the Pallava Rule

Social Conditions during the Pallavas

SOCIETY DURING THE PALLAVAS . The Pallava rule had witnessed a drastic changes in the Social and Economic life of the people . The emergence of the Bhakthi Movement had significantly changed their way of life , Social Structure . The society under the Pallavas was chiefly divided into Four , namely , Brahmins , Kshatryas , Vaisyas and Sudras and other Sub divisions based on their occupation . Brahmins . The Brahmins occupied the first place in the society and also enjoyed higher position in the government . They were the learned and the most respected in the society . The Brahmins had lived in a separate place called Agraharam .The Brahmins had recited Vedas and performed Puja in the temples .

The Pallava kings had made extensive Land grants to Brahmins , known as Brahmadeyas . The Brahmins helped the kings in performing sacrifices . Kshatryas . The Kshatryas had remained in the next position in the social hierarchy . Generally , the Kshatryas belonged to the ruling class , also become Warriors . Kshatryas also gave liberal donations to the temples and Brahmins . The Kshatryas had contributed to the development of society by establishing Mutts and Choultries The Kshatryas also fed the poor and committed to public welfare and Social progress . Vaisyas . Those who indulged in Agriculture and Trade were called as Vaisyas

Sudras The Sudras had occupied the last place in the social Structure , remained low grade servants . The Literature of the Pallava period refers to them as Pulayar and Chandalas , A few of them had become religious saints due to their devotion to God . Status of Women . The Women from royal and rich families had enjoyed high status in the Society , also given property rights . They remained pious and religious and granted liberal donations to the temples and Brahmins . Women in the middle and lower status of the society had to work hard to earn their livelihood , Spinning , Weaving and other similar works .

Food , Dress and Ornaments . Rice was the staple food of the people during the Pallava period and also consumed Milk , Ghee and Curd . people wore simple dress made of Cotton and the rich people were fond of wearing Silk garments . The Sculptures of this period indicate several types of Ornaments used by the people include Ear Rings , Bangles , Necklaces and Anklets . Education . Much importance was given to the Sanskrit Education during the Pallava period . The Temples and the Mutts had remained as important educational centres , The Buddhist Kadigas in Kanchipuram was a famous educational centres . The Chinese Traveller Hiuen Tsang stayed there and studied . Another Buddhist Scholar Dharmapala was also studied in this Kadigai .

The Jain Pallis had also been functioning in Kanchi . Literature , Grammar , Astrology , Medicine and Painting were some of the important subjects taught in these institutions. ___________