Shiv Shanker Tiwary 
Encyclopaedia of South Indian Kingdoms 

Southern India has seen many great empires in its history. The history of South India covers a span of over two thousand years during which the region saw the rise and fall of a number of dynasties and empires. The period of known history of the region begins with the ancient period during which the great king Ashoka ruled over most of the Indian subcontinent. The dynasties of Satavahana, Chera, Chola, Pandya Kakatiya and Hoysala were at their peak during various periods of history. Theses kingdoms constantly fought amongst each other and against external forces when Muslim armies invaded South India. Vijayanagara empire rose in response to the Muslim intervention and covered the most of south India and acted as a bulwark Mughal expansion into the south. The present encyclopaedia tries to give various aspects of these kingdoms. Their art, architecture, administration education system, etc. were very influential. Every dynasty had some of their unique characteristics. This encyclopaedia tries to cover these very unique characteristics of these kingdoms. A chronology has been maintined which will help the readers. From the golden period of these kingdoms to finally their integration all the important events have been included in this encyclopaedia which we expect will find its due place among the readers.