A south Indian dynasty that maintained a regional kingdom along the Carnatic coast between the 4th and 9th centuries. There is uncertainty about the origins and early history of the Pallava before their emergence to power from a previously subordinate role in the Deccan. They established their capital at Kanchi and traded in Sri Lanka and parts of south-east Asia. In the late 9th century they lost their territories to their own feudal vassals, the Cholas. Their artistic legacy is important. Apart from patronage of music, painting, and literature, some of the greatest south Indian temples were built during their rule, including the ‘Shore Temple’, carved from solid rock on the coast at Mahabalipuram.