Five Rathas; Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, India; 7th century CE. Photograph: Arupparia (2014), Wikimedia Commons

A dynasty that ruled major parts of present-day Tamil Nadu from the late-third to early-tenth centuries CE. Originally based in coastal Andhra Pradesh, they later moved south and established their capital at Kanchipuram. They are known for their patronage of art and architecture, such as the rock-cut temples of Mamallapuram, dating to the seventh century CE.