Sanskrit Poets and Royal Charters in Pallava, Pandya, and Chola Periods

Summary

The article explores the role of Sanskrit and Tamil poets in documenting historical and literary information through copper-plate charters issued by Pallava, Pandya, and Chola rulers. These charters, often bilingual, recorded land donations or endowments to temples or Brahmins, with Sanskrit used for eulogies and mythological lineage descriptions, while Tamil provided practical details like land location and recipient lineage. The copper-plates were prioritized over stone inscriptions due to their portability and dual-language content, offering valuable insights into political history. Notable poets, such as Medhavi, Paramesvara, and Narayana, served as court scholars, composing *prasastis* (eulogies) that blended historical facts with poetic praise. The Pallava and Chola dynasties favored Sanskrit for royal charters, while the Pandyas used it alongside Tamil. These poets, often hereditary officeholders, played dual roles as historians and literary figures, preserving the achievements of kings and their ancestors. The study highlights the significance of analyzing Sanskrit sections for historical accuracy, as they often contained mythological analogies, royal genealogies, and detailed endowment records, alongside warnings against future violations. The article emphasizes the importance of these copper-plates as primary sources for understanding the administrative and cultural dynamics of these ancient South Indian kingdoms.