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YearMaps
Classical Antiquity353 CE – 601 CEPeak: 137,945 km² (472 CE)

Kalabhra Dynasty: Map & History

The Kalabhra dynasty were rulers of all or parts of Tamil region sometime between the 3rd century and 6th century CE, after the ancient dynasties of the early Cholas, the early Pandyas and Chera.

5.5
353 CEDrag timeline:472 CE601 CE
353 CE
425 CE
475 CE
550 CE
601 CE
Capital: KaveripumpattinamCapital at 11.14°N, 79.86°EPeak Extent: 137,945 km²Vector Attribution: Cliopatria (CC BY 4.0)Wikidata: Q2572901 ↗
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Wikipedia Encyclopedic Compendium

Historiographical synthesis & structured realm registry

Wikipedia: Kalabhra dynasty
Kalabhra dynasty historical cartography
Ancient dynasty in South India

The Kalabhra dynasty were rulers of all or parts of Tamil region sometime between the 3rd century and 6th century CE, after the ancient dynasties of the early Cholas, the early Pandyas and Chera. Information about the origin and reign of the Kalabhras is uncertain and scarce. It is believed that they were once the feudatories of the Pallavas. Prof. M. S. Ramaswami Aiyangar, in his 1922 book "Studies in South Indian Jainism" asserted that the Kalabhra period was 'The Augustan age of Tamil literature". He also noted that many Pallava and Pandya records describe how the Kalabhras defeated the Cholas, Pandyas, and Cheras and established their rule. The Kalabhra era is sometimes referred to as the "dark period" of Tamil history, and information about it is generally inferred from any mentions in the literature and inscriptions that are dated many centuries after their era ended.

Capital / Seat
Kaveripumpattinam
Common Languages
Tamil, Prakrit, Sanskrit, Pali
State Governance
Monarchy
Historical Religion
Jainism (major), Buddhism, Ajivikism
Peak Territory
137,945 km²
Preceded By
Three Crowned Kings, Ancient Tamil country
Succeeded By
Pallava dynasty, Pandyan dynasty
Content & infobox metadata adapted from Wikipedia (Kalabhra dynasty)

Modern Countries Once Part of Kalabhra Dynasty

At its mapped extent, Kalabhra Dynasty covered territory in 1 present-day country. The period shown is when the mapped borders include that country, and the note says how much of it.

States and Provinces

Derived by testing mapped cities against this polity's dated territorial polygons, so the list is indicative and follows the borders in the source dataset.

Kalabhra Dynasty: Key Facts

Key facts about Kalabhra Dynasty
CapitalPuhar
Founded250 CE
Dissolved600 CE

Facts from Wikidata Q2572901 (CC0).

Kalabhra Dynasty Map Over Time

Dated world maps on which Kalabhra Dynasty appears, with the other states of the time.

Kalabhra Dynasty Timeline

Key historical inflections from foundation to peak territorial expansion

1 Epochs
Territorial Apex472 CE

Expansion to peak recorded area of 137,945 km² in 472 CE.

Kalabhra Dynasty: Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Kalabhra Dynasty exist?

The Kalabhra Dynasty is dated to 353 CE – 601 CE, in the Classical Antiquity era.

What was the capital of the Kalabhra Dynasty?

The capital of the Kalabhra Dynasty was Kaveripumpattinam.

How large was the Kalabhra Dynasty at its peak?

At its peak in 472 AD the Kalabhra Dynasty covered about 137,945 km².

How did the map of the Kalabhra Dynasty change over time?

The Kalabhra Dynasty appears on 3 dated world maps in the atlas, from 400 CE to 600 CE. Each shows its borders in that year next to the other states of the time.