During Thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, Kadava dynasty rulers announced descent from the Pallavas. The notable rulers of this dynasty are Kopperunchinga I (reigned c.1216 - 1242 CE), and his son and heir Kopperunchinga II (c.1243 - 1279 CE). Mutually they broadened the sway of their kingdom and played a foremost role in the decisive demise of the Chola dynasty.

Kopperunchinga I was related to the Cholas through marriage, and was an officer in the court of Kulothunga Chola III. When the Pandya army invaded the Chola country in 1216 CE, Kopperunchinga I strengthened his position by garrisoning the town of Sendamangalam. From this opportunity, the Kadavas gradually increased their power until Kopperunchinga I could defeat and imprison the Chola king Rajaraja Chola III with some help the Lanka king Parakrama Bahu II. Under Kopperunchinga II, the Kadava power further expanded. Hoysalas, who were the allies of the Cholas, were deficient from the Tamil country, eliminating one of the major influences in the region. The final Chola king Rajendra Chola III (1246-1279 CE) came to power with Kopperunchinga II's assistance. Their relationship was one of alternating friendship and hostility. When the great Pandya king Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan invaded the Chola country, the Kadavas went into obscurity along with the Cholas.