The Pandyas were one of the three small Dhravidian races that occupied the southern extremity of India. Around 700 BC, Dhravidians must have penetrated into S.India and organized themselves into distinguishable communities. Titles such as Solan, Pandiyan, and Keralas proves the existence of such a community. Early Pandyan Kingdom comprised the greater part of modern Madura and Tinnevelly district during 1st century AD. Their original capital was at Kolkoi (on the Thambraparny river in Tinnevelly) and later at Madura. Ashokan edicts of 3rd Century BC mentions of Pandyas. Kongu Ratta inscription of early 5th century AD recorded the conflict of Pandyas with Kongu Rattas. Not much is known about Pandyas then onwards until 7th century AD. Cheras, possibly remained as allies of Pandyas for a larger period than the Cholas. The dependence with Cholas and Cheras allowed them to continue free movement and trade along the coast of SriLanka. Around 940 AD, Rajaraja Chola reduced the Pandyas to a condition of tributary dependence and the position continued for the next two centuries. After Chola dominance, Madura Sultans, Vijayanagara Rayas, Nayakas of Madura, Nawabs of Arcot took turn to rule the once powerful Pandyan Kingdom. Pandyas were restricted to unimportant areas of Tinnevelly district. At the end of 16th century, Pandya dynasty disappeared from Indian scene once for all.

RELIGION

The Hinduism which was followed by the Aryans along with the demon worship of the local earlier inhabitants would have got mixed well and practiced. It is suggested that Meenakshi may have been a Pandyan princess whom Brahmana immigrants found to be too dear to the hearts of people. The marriage of Meenakshi to Lord Siva was perhaps a method to reconcile and unite the old faith with a new.

FISH COGNISANCE

The flag of the early Pandyas during 200 BC till 300 AD carried a Fish or fishes on it. The fish referred to is a species of carp or Barbel found in the river and has a Tamil name "Kayal". The very name of the new capital "Kayal" (after Korkoi) was perhaps due to the dynastic emblem of the earlier Pandyas. Even the sovereign had carried the title "Minavan", the Fish one.

COINAGE

The earliest coinage in the south consisted of globules of gold with one or two indistinct punches on them. A similar type of copper might have been inducted by the earlier Pandyas alongwith these gold globules. The early copper coins are square in shape and usually carried the symbol of elephant on most of the obverses. The silver currency circulated during Mauryan period. The Bodnayakanur(Tinnevelly District) hoard reveals yet another type of silver currency (could be dated back to 100BC) has a weight of about 1.5gm (closest to half karshapana weight) and has five punches on the obverse. the reverse had a typical Pandyan fish type of punch, that is represented with lines approach as usual in the contemporary copper coinage.