800-year-old Shiva Temple

800-year-old Shiva Temple: Recently, a significant archaeological discovery was made in Udampatti village of Melur taluk, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, where remnants of an 800-year-old Shiva temple dating back to the later Pandya period were unearthed.

• About Pandya Dynasty: One of the three major Tamil dynasties of the Sangam Age—Chera, Chola, and Pandya—collectively called 'Muvendar'.

o It ruled over parts of present-day Tamil Nadu and made Madurai its capital.

o The Pandyas were known for their contributions to literature, architecture, temple building, trade, and administration.

• Phases of Pandya Rule: Early Pandyas (4th BCE – 3rd CE): Flourished during Sangam Age; known for Roman trade, patronage of Shaivism, and Sangam literature.

o Medieval Pandyas (6th CE – 14th CE): Revived after Kalabhra rule; faced rivalry with Cholas and Cheras; supported Tamil-Sanskrit literature.

o Later Pandyas (14th CE – 16th CE): Declined due to Delhi Sultanate and Vijayanagara invasions; ended with defeat of Varaguna Pandya III.