Question

What was the major reason for the decline of the first Pandyan Empire?
  (A) Opposition from Cholas and Pallavas
  (B) Opposition from the Delhi Sultanate
  (C) Opposition from the Mughals
  (D) Opposition from the Guptas

Answer 1

Hint: Pandya’s Dynasty was the biggest dynasty that was spread in the southern region. It was the most prosperous and successful kingdom established at that time. The capital of the Pandyan Empire was Madurai which was also the most important and populous trading center of that period.

Complete answer:
The Pandyan Dynasty was the oldest empire of the Tamil region. This kingdom of Pandyas started ruling the South region from the starting of the 6th century BCE. It ruled for about 3 centuries and started declining at the starting of the 9th century. During the rule of Pandyas, the culture of spirituals and temples reached a great height. The Meenakshi Temple which is in Madurai, Nellaiapar Temple that is located in Tirunelveli were built under the rule of the Pandyan kingdom. Along with the different temples that were built for the Hindus, the religion of Jainism and Shaivism also developed during this time period. The major cause that became the greatest reason for the decline of the first Pandyan Empire was the hostility from the side of kingdoms of Cholas and Pallavas. The Chola Empire conquered the king of Thanjavur who was part of the Pandyan Empire. After this, the empire started declining continuously. But the Pandyan rulers didn’t give up in front of the Cholas, instead, they kept fighting for their territories and made many coalitions with the Cholas rulers to keep their dynasty alive.
So, the correct answer is Option A.

Note: The founder of Pandya's Dynasty was Maravarman Sundara I who ruled in the 13th century from 670 A.D. to 710 A.D. The Nedunjeliyan was the strongest emperor of Pandya's as he overthrew the emperors of Chera and Cholas along with their forces in a war that took place at Madurai. The Pandyas were having a strong connection with Rome in terms of both trades and business.