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Who were the Pallavas?
12. VAISHNAVISM
Pallavas are originaly connected to the Pahlavas of Iran. This Pahlava tribe of Indo-Iranian descent migrated Southward and first settled in Krishna River valley. This region is called Pallavanadu even today. Pallavas later extended their territory and established their capital in Kancheepuram. The Early Pallavas claimed to be Brahmins of Bharadwaja gotra. They styled themselves as Brahma Ksnatriyas ( Brahmins in Pursuit of arms). Later by the fifth century CE, the Pallavas were regarded as Kshatriyas. They were followers of the Brahmanical religion.
Pallava coin 500 - 675 AD
The earliest known coinage in lead issued by the Pallavs dated between 3rd and 4th century AD.
The Early Pallavas claimed to be Brahmins of Bharadwaja gotra. They styled themselves as Brahma Ksnatriyas. They were Brahmins who took arms.
It is easy to see that the Kalabhras were actually defeated and displaced by the Pallavas of Syrian origin. Though they were Brahmins they became a terrorist group to take over the Kalabhra Empire. It was this dynasty who gave refuge to the Gnostics from Syria and were the architects of modern Vaishnavism. Pallavas are famed for their temples which are spread all over Tamil Nadu.
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