There is not much known about the early history of the Pandyas. Divergent views have been expressed regarding the origin of the Pandyas. According to the traditional beliefs, the Pandyas were connected with the Pandyas of Northern India. However, other theories prove that the three brothers of Konkai established the kingdoms of Pandya, Chola and Cheda. Nevertheless, among all these concepts it is acknowledged that Pandya Dynasty was one of the ancient dynasties of the Indian Sub continent in the medieval history of India.

The Kingdom of Pandya prevailed in an ancient Tamil state of South India. They ruled the Tamil kingdom until the end of 15th century along with the Chola and Chera dynasties. The Pandya Dynasty ruled from Korkai, the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula and moved to Madurai in the later part of their supremacy. The Pandayas expanded their kingdom during the reign of Maravarman Rajasimha I and his successors. History of Pandya Dynasty is available through literary sources and some epigraphic, archaeological and numismatic evidences.

The Pandya Dynasty initiated a religious era in Tamil Nadu. In Madurai, Saivism was practised during the reign of the Pandayas. Furthermore, Jainism as well as Buddhism also formed the basis of Religion in Pandya Dynasty. Jainism flourished in the Pandaya kingdom following the invasion of Kalabhras. The references of the existence of both these religions are found in ancient Tamil literature. Religion in the Tamil states changed with the commencement of Bhakti movements. In the later period of the rule of the Pandya Dynasty, an increased amount of Hindu worshippers existed who claimed themselves to be descendents from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Pandyan Nedumchadayan was a staunch Vaishnavite

Art and Architecture of Pandya Dynasty includes both rock-cut and structural temples. These early rock-cut temples have monolithic vimanas. During the Pandaya Dynasty rule, several structural stone temples were built which and had all the features of bigger temples with vimana, mandapa and sikhara. In the latter period of the Pandaya rule development of elegant vimanas with finely sculptured idols and the gopurams or portals of the temples originated. Pandya Kings were mighty rulers as well as courageous warriors. Jatavarman Sandar Pandya was one such celebrated emperor who came to the throne of Pandya kingdom in 1251 A. D. He gained supremacy over the state of Tamil Nadu after defeating the Cholas. After the death of Jatavarman Sundar Pandya, Maravarman succeeded him as a king. He fought many wars and conquered Malaynadu, present day Travancore and Simhala or Ceylon. Other influential rulers among the Pandayas were Sirvallabha, Maravarman Sundar Pandya I and Maravarman Kulasekhara, who constantly proved their superiority all throughout their reign.