page_title: Kalabhra dynasty
hierarchical_section_title: Kalabhra dynasty
caption_attribution_description: Map showing the important port cities of ancient Tamil country and its approximate northern boundary
context_page_description: The Kalabhra dynasty, also called Kalabra, Kalappirar, Kallupura or Kalvar were rulers of all or parts of Tamil region sometime between the 3rd century and 6th century CE, after ancient dynasties of early Cholas, early Pandyas and Chera. Information about the origin and reign of the Kalabhras is uncertain and scarce. Their proposed roots vary from southeast region of modern Karnataka, Kalappalars of Vellala community, to Kalavar chieftains. The Kalabhra era is sometimes referred to as the "dark period" of Tamil history, and information about it is generally inferred from any mentions in the literature and inscriptions that are dated many centuries after their era ended.
  According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, the Kalabhras were largely overthrown in the 5th century, as new power centers led by Chalukyas and Pallavas arose. In contrast, Upinder Singh states that Shivaskandavarman rise in the 4th century, as evidenced by inscriptions, show Kalabhras were not in power at that time near rivers Penner and Vellar.
context_section_description: The Kalabhra dynasty, also called Kalabra, Kalappirar, Kallupura or  Kalvar were rulers of all or parts of Tamil region sometime between the 3rd century and 6th century CE, after ancient dynasties of early Cholas, early Pandyas and Chera. Information about the origin and reign of the Kalabhras is uncertain and scarce. Their proposed roots vary from southeast region of modern Karnataka, Kalappalars of Vellala community, to Kalavar chieftains. The Kalabhra era is sometimes referred to as the "dark period" of Tamil history, and information about it is generally inferred from any mentions in the literature and inscriptions that are dated many centuries after their era ended.
  According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, the Kalabhras were largely overthrown in the 5th century, as new power centers led by Chalukyas and Pallavas arose. In contrast, Upinder Singh states that Shivaskandavarman rise in the 4th century, as evidenced by inscriptions, show Kalabhras were not in power at that time near rivers Penner and Vellar (close to Kaveri). The Kalabhras dynasty had ended for certain by the last quarter of 6th century when Simhavishnu consolidated his rule up to the Kaveri river, south of which the Pandyas by then were already in power.
caption: Kalabhra conquered parts or all of ancient Tamilakam
exif: {}