Kalabhras
Also called: Kalabhra interregnum · Topic: Sangam Age and Early South India · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Kalabhras were rulers who took over Tamilakam after the Sangam age, from c. 3rd to 6th century CE. They pushed aside the old Chola, Chera and Pandya rulers. Few records survive from their time, so it is often called a "dark age". They are thought to have supported Buddhism and Jainism.
Example
Later Pandya copper-plate grants describe the Kalabhras as bad kings who drove out the rightful rulers. Their rule ended in the late 6th century CE. The Pandya king Kadungon defeated them in the south, and the Pallava king Simhavishnu defeated them in the north.
Don't confuse with
- The Sangam age: the Sangam age (c. 300 BCE – 300 CE) was the time of the three crowned kings and the Sangam poems. The Kalabhra period came after it and closed it.