Contribution of the Pallavas to the Cherigalpattu District

In the district histories of Tamil Nadu, one of the four districts to have its headquarters in a town which had been the capital of one of the ancient major ruling dynasties of South India is Chengalpattu District, the others being the districts of Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli and Madurai. Since the district was positioned at the core of the Pallava Kingdom, the history of the Pallavas and their contemporaries is the history of the district.

Though Kanchipuram has been regarded as one of the holiest and most important cities even before the Pallavas, their rule added further glory to the town as they embellished the city with gigantic temples and shrines. The district owes its gratitude to the ruling dynasty for their beautification of Mahabalipuram with the internationally acclaimed piece of art and architecture. Perhaps, the Pallavas, interest in improving the irrigation sources by excavating many tanks and lakes might have earned the sobriquet of the ‘District of Lakes” to the district. Literature and religion received fair patronage which promoted the religious and cultural life of the people.