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It was an ancient dynasty of South India, existing since at least 3rd centuries BCE.
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The dynasty passed through two
periods of imperial dominance, the 6th
to 10th centuries CE, and under the 'Later Pandyas' (13th to 14th centuries CE).
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It was among the three great
kingdoms of Tamilakam, the other two being the Cholas and the Cheras.
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The Pandyas ruled extensive territories, at times including regions of present-day South India and northern Sri Lanka.
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The early Pandya rulers ruled their country (Pandya Nadu) from the
ancient period, which included the inland
city of Madurai and the southern
port of Korka.
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The Pandyas are mentioned in:
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Earliest available Tamil poetry (Sangam
literature").
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Graeco-Roman accounts (as early as 4th century BCE),
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Edicts of Maurya emperor Ashoka,
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Coins with legends in Tamil-Brahmi script, and
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Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions.
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From the 6th century to the 9th century CE, the Chalukyas of Badami, Rashtrakutas of the Deccan, Pallavas of Kanchi, and Pandyas of Madurai dominated the
politics of south India.
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The Pandyas fell into decline with the rise of the Cholas of Thanjavur
in the 9th century and were in constant
conflict with the latter.
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The legendary Sangams (тАШthe
AcademiesтАЩ) were held in Madurai
under the patronage of the Pandyas, and some of the Pandya rulers claimed to be
poets themselves.
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Territory of Pandyas is known as Pandymandalam, Thenmandalam, or
Pandianadu.
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It was divided into Valanadus > Nadus > Kurrams (meaning group
of villages).
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Brahmin settlements with irrigation facilities known as Mangalam or
Chaturvedi Mangalam were established.
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Uttaramantri was the name of the Prime Minister.
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Royal secretariat was called Eluttu Mandapam.
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The affairs of a village were the responsibility of its elders, who were
not elected but were recognized and appointed based on their age and status in
society.
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Ambalam and Manram were two institution of judicial, administrative and financial
functioning in village.