The History of India Podcast

6.2 Tale of two princes: Dantidurga and Nandivarman

Dec 8, 2023
A twelve-year-old boy from Cambodia becomes the unlikely hope for the crumbling Pallava Empire. The tale unfolds with riveting journeys through diverse landscapes, from perilous deserts to lush plains. Explore the vibrant yet fading glory of Kanchi City, once a bustling trade hub. Witness the dramatic rise of Nandi Varman, marked by exile and political intrigue, and delve into the mesmerizing poetry dedicated to Vishnu that captures the essence of the era's cultural richness.
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ANECDOTE

Kanchi in Crisis

  • Kanchi, the Pallava capital, faced crisis in 731 AD after the emperor's death.
  • A poet's journey describes Kanchi's diverse landscapes, from forests and deserts to bustling ports and grand temples.
INSIGHT

Kanchi's Character

  • Kanchi was a frontier town at the edge of Sanskrit culture, with a history of famine.
  • It was also a center for religious learning and debate among various sects.
ANECDOTE

The Ghataka's Influence

  • Kanchi's Ghataka, a house of Brahmin scholars, played a significant role in the empire's politics.
  • One Brahmin's outrage at Kshatriya dominance led him to found the Kadambam dynasty.
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