Question map
Which of the following dynasties of South India issued their documents first in Prakrit and later in Sanskrit?
Explanation
The Pallavas of Tondaimandalam are the South Indian dynasty known for transitioning their official documentation from Prakrit to Sanskrit. During their early phase (c. 250–350 CE), the Pallavas issued copper-plate charters in Prakrit, such as the Mayidavolu and Hirahadagalli plates, which followed the administrative traditions of the Satavahanas. As the dynasty consolidated power and the 'Sanskrit Cosmopolis' expanded, they shifted to Sanskrit for their records from the 4th century onwards. This linguistic shift reflected broader cultural integration and the adoption of Aryan political and religious frameworks in the Tamil region. While other dynasties like the Cholas and Pandyas primarily used Tamil and Sanskrit in later periods, the specific sequence of Prakrit followed by Sanskrit is a hallmark of early Pallava epigraphy. Similar transitions occurred in other contemporary southern dynasties like the Kadambas and Salankayanas.