Royal Officials of the Later Pandyas: Evidence from Aragalur Inscriptions
By J. Murugan
Summary
The article examines the role of royal officials in the Later Pandyan administration through temple inscriptions at Aragalur, particularly the Kamesvara and Kariya Varadaraja Perumal temples. It highlights key signatories like Kandiyatheva, Chediraya, Adichchan Ganapathi Alvan, and Kalingaraya, whose names appear in epigraphs alongside their contributions to the Pandya rulers. Kandiyatheva, identified as a viceroy or minister, established shrines for Kulasekara Pandya and Jatavarman Sundara Pandya. Chediraya, a feudatory chief, served as a prime minister and administered grants to temple priests. Adichchan Ganapathi Alvan, a Pandyan signatory, attested royal orders across regions. The study emphasizes the administrative hierarchy, with officials like Kalingaraya and Inankudi Udaiyan executing grants and attesting documents. The inscriptions reveal the officials' autonomy in managing land grants, temple maintenance, and political authority, reflecting a structured governance system under the Pandyas. The analysis draws from epigraphic evidence to reconstruct the administrative framework and the roles of these officials in sustaining the Pandyan state.
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Conclusion
The study of the Aragalur temple inscriptions reveals the critical role of royal officials in the administrative machinery of the Later Pandyas, highlighting their involvement in governance, land grants, and attestation of royal orders. The identified signatories, such as Kandiyatheva, Chediraya, and Adichchan Ganapathi Alvan, demonstrate the decentralized yet structured nature of Pandyan administration, where regional chiefs and officials operated with significant autonomy while maintaining loyalty to the crown. These officials not only executed royal mandates but also initiated grants and temple constructions, reflecting their dual roles as administrators and patrons. The inscriptions further underscore the continuity of administrative practices across dynasties, as similar titles and roles are documented under Cholas, Vijayanagar rulers, and others. The findings emphasize the interconnectedness of political authority and religious patronage in medieval Tamilakam, positioning royal officials as key intermediaries in the governance and cultural landscape of the Pandyan kingdom. This analysis enriches the understanding of regional