The Colas c10.23

c10.23

9. Dr. Pope suggested the fanciful equation Kiḷḷi = Paḷḷavan (*IA*. xxix p. 250). Even if Paḷḷava is accepted as the correct form of the word, rather than Pallava (Skt. 'sprout'), it would mean more properly 'people dwelling in low lands' (paḷḷam), and not 'diggers.' It may be doubted if the Pallavas were indigenous to Southern India; and unless they were, it would be vain to look for a Dravidian origin for their name. In any case, they were by no means the same as the Cōḷas.