The Nolamba Pallavas
by
Dr. S. Srikanta Sastri

One of the great feudatory families that played a prominent part in the history of Karnataka for a period of three centuries (circa 750 to 1055 A.D.) is that of the Nolamba – Pallavas. This family had important relations with other rulers in South India like the Banas, the Rashtrakutas, the Gangas, the Chalukyas, and the Vaidumbas. They started their career under the Western Gangas of Talakad, as governors of the territory called Nolambalige 1,000, which comprised portions of Anantapur (Andhra Pradesh), Chitradurga and Tumkur Districts (Mysore State). Nolambalige 1,000 means the district of Nolambalige consisting of 1,000 villages and hamlets. This tract was probably bounded on the east by the river Pennar and on the west by the river Hagari. In course of time they acquired more territory until it became a 32,000 District in the beginning of the tenth century. This province of Nolambalige 32,000 covered the District of Tumkur and Chitradurga and portions of Bellary, Anantapur, Kolar and Bangalore.

The Nolambas emerged as rulers on the disruption of Pallava rule in that region. Their rule extended far into the Salem District as evidenced by inscriptions at Dharmapuri. Henjeru (or Penjeru) or Hemavati, on the northern border of the Sira Taluk, in the present Anantapur District, was their first capital.

The Nolambas claimed to be Pallavas. The genealogy of the line is given in the Hemavati pillar inscription.

It starts with Trinayana, and mentions Mangala or Nolambadhiraja as the first King. Then Simhapota, Charu Ponnera, Polachora, Mahendra, Nanniga Ayyappadeva Anniga and Dileepa are mentioned in succession.