The Heirs of Kharavela: A TL of Jains and Tamils

Often, around this time in southern India, kings would accept vassalage rather than annexation. In fact, in some ways, it's similar to premodern Indochina and the Mandala system, where regional hegemons would accept fealty and tribute from peripheral areas rather than outright annexing them, simply because it was easier than setting up local bureaucracy. While not exactly equivalent, this is similar.

Regardless, the Pandyas will have some conquering done before the end of Sundara Pandyan's reign, I can promise you that.

As for salting, I'd argue that in many cases it's a form of psychological warfare; not just to make sure nothing will grow in the area, but instead to send a message that "X conquering state will not be f*cked with." At the very least, it serves this purpose here. Plus, he's looking to cripple the Ganga state as well as subordinate them to make sure they can't rise up later.
 
A very interesting update, the bitterness of the fighting comes out quite clearly. I wonder how far Sundara can get in his conquests.
 
Yes, it's certainly been very bitter. Sundara's patience has run out, as you can probably tell. As for his conquests, I won't reveal too much, but the Pandyas will be a strong regional hegemon in southern India before the end of his reign.
 
No, India as a whole (that being a fairly nebulous concept historically anyway) won't be conquered by the Pandyas. Indeed, modern-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh will be slightly more divided than IOTL.

As for Buddhism, while Sundara will aggressively promote Jainism, the southern Buddhists under his dynasty's rule will be more or less unmolested, while Hindus will be almost the same. Two exceptions are Saivites and Smartas, who will be heavily persecuted by the state mostly for the former's aggressive proselytism and the latter's elitism.
 
I meant to have an update done tonight, but it looks like that's not happening. It'll most likely be next week due to the huge net of responsibilities (school, work, getting ready for graduation) currently trapping me.

But on the bright side, in about two weeks I will be the proud bearer of a Bachelor's in History! :D
 
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