What was the origin of the Pallavas?

Little is known about the origin of the Pallavas. Some are of the opinion that the Pallavas of southern India were none but the ‘Pahlavas’ (or Parthians) who invaded India during the post- Mauryan period.

This foreign origin of the Pallavas has been rejected by most of the modern historians.

Another opinion regarding the origin of the Paiiavas is that originally they were daring people, who after being civilized founded as independent kingdom.

Gradually the authority of the Pallavas extended over a vast region of South India.

The Pallava rule is important in the history of India not so much for their political activities as for their cultural advancement.