A major intervention in Indian historiography when it was first published, this book examines the power structure of the four monarchies of south India under the Pallava, Pa??ya, Cera and Col?a kingdoms from the seventh through thirteenth centuries of the Common Era. In this revised edition, the author has added a new ‘Introduction’ in which he addresses the question of when, chronologically, the process of formation of a ‘state’ becomes visible in south India. He also examines the causative factors that brought about these changes at that particular juncture in history. The new introduction adds immense value to this important book on medieval south Indian history. It will be useful for students and scholars who wish to learn about the nature of state in early medieval India as a whole.

Preface to this Edition
Preface to the First Edition
List of Abbreviations

Introduction to this Edition
Introduction to the First Edition
Chapter 1: The Self-Image of Royalty
Chapter 2: The King and ‘His Men’
Chapter 3: The Role of the Chiefs
Chapter 4: Aspects of Administration
Chapter 5: The Ur and the Nadu
Chapter 6: The Brahmadeyam and the Nagaram
Chapter 7: Social Parameters: Stratification and Ideology
Chapter 8: Conclusion: Towards a Model 

Select Bibliography
Index