These Kalabhra were the ones who ruled over Tamil Nadu by overthrowing the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas who are considered to be the Muvendars of Tamil Nadu. Some say that the rule of these Kalabhra kings was the dark age of Tamil Nadu and some say that it was the golden age of Tamil Nadu. We have to look at history to know whether it was the Golden Age or the Dark Age.
Origin
Kalabhra first invaded Tamil Nadu in the third century. Some say that they came from north India. But historians have proved with evidence that they came from the Kannada region. However, where they came from is still confusing. Kalki and Rothermund wrote in the note that the origin of the kalabhra was unknown. They first arrived in droves into Tamil Nadu and conquered Madurai and then began to conquer every part and then conquered the whole of Tamil Nadu.
History
The history of the Kalabhra kings who ruled Tamil Nadu from the 3rd to the 6th century is largely non-existent. But there are references in some Tamil and Buddhist texts like Yappilakanam and etc. Not only this but many inscriptions mention about Kalabhra from which we can know their history
Warfare and Valor
The use of elephants in war by the Kalabhra kings is mentioned in some texts. They also praised their heroism, and there is a note in the Yapilakanam in which the corpse beasts go along with the army of kings because they have killed all the opposing soldiers on the battlefield thus boasting of their heroism.
The Pandyas are constantly at war with them but they are afraid of them and sometimes secretly wage war from which we can learn about their heroism.
Social and Justice
Historical stones and historical texts state that during the reign of the Kalabhara kings, all races and religions were treated equally and justice was established during their rule. The culmination of this was the donation of the village of Velvukudi to the Brahmins during the Pandyan period, which they plundered and gave to the poor common people.
During the Pandya period, the Brahmins were divided into small circles and were in charge of those circles, but this was not accepted by the Kalabhara kings and they were very angry at this.
Against Brahmins
Some say that Kalabhra's rule was the darkest period in Tamil Nadu but it was a dark period not only for the whole of Tamil Nadu but for a particular race in Tamil Nadu. That race is the Brahmin race.
The Kalabhra kings plundered the free lands(Mangalam) given to the Brahmins during the reign of the Tamil kings and gave them to the poor people. Not only this but all the special privileges and honors enjoyed by the Brahmins were taken away and they were treated like others.
The enraged Brahmins continued to protest against the Kalabhra kings.
End of Dynasty
After more than 200 years of rule, the rule of the Kalabhra kings began to come to an end. There is no accurate information in history as to how their rule ended but what we know from some references is that the Pallava king Simhavishnu united with other Tamil kings to win the war against the Kalabhra kings and thus a few notes mention the end of the rule of the Kalabhra kings.
Literature
The Kalabhra placed great emphasis on the Jain-Buddhist religion during their rule. Many Jain Buddhist schools were built and taught to the people. Not only this, the Jain monasteries and halls of knowledge were opened and many Jain scholars came there to discuss various subjects. Etc. have been taught to the people and there have been great discussions about it among them.
Impact of Kallabrah Kings
The Kalabhra kings did not have much inclination toward the Hindu God as they belonged to the Jain Buddhist religion. They have also done a few acts against the Hindu god. They have redesigned the idol of Lord Murugan and changed the way they worship Lord Shiva and affected many temples. Also, Jain Buddhism was taught to keep halls high and not to teach much about Hindu gods
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