Architecture
• Pandyas built different models of temples. They are:
• sepulchral temples (e.g. Sundarapandisvaram),
• rock-cut cave temples in Anaimalai along with
Sittanvasal caves, and
• structural temples.
• Vimana, mandapa and shikhara were built in early temples.
• The development of Vimanas also progressed during this period.
• Gopurams gained greater significance than Shikharas.
• The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai and the Nellaiappa Temple were constructed.
• The Medieval Pandyas and later Pandyas did not build new temples but focused on maintaining and expanding existing ones, adding gopurams, mandapas, and circumambulatory paths.
Rock Cut Cave Temples
• The early Pandyas are known for their prominent rock- cut cave temples, which can be found in locations such as Pillayarpatti, Tirumeyyam, Kuntrakkudi, Tiruchendur, Kalugumalai, Kanyakumari, and Sittannavasal.
• A 9th-century inscription from the Sittannavasal cave temple reveals that it was created by Ilam Kautamar, while another inscription from the same period mentions that Sri Maran Srivallaban renovated the temple.
• The fresco paintings adorning the walls, ceilings, and pillars of the Sittannavasal Temple are remarkable examples of art. These paintings feature depictions of dancing girls, a king and queen, as well as scenes of a water pool with aquatic creatures, flowers, birds, and mammals.
Sittannavasal Rock cut Jain Temple
Pandyan Coins
• Issued silver punch marked (in Sanskrit mostly) and die struck copper (in Tamil) coins.
• They bear the legend of different Pandyan rulers along with image of fish, bow, conch, etc.
• Coins were basically square.
Society:
Kings and local chiefs established Brahmin settlements known as Mangalam or Chaturvedimangalam, which were equipped with irrigation facilities.
These settlements were often named after royal figures or deities. Prominent Brahmins in these areas were bestowed with honorific titles such as Brahmmadhi Rajan and Brahmmaraiyan