South Indian history: Identify the three major powers that rose in the 7th century CE. From the list — Cheras, Cholas, Chalukyas, Pallavas, and Pandyas — select the trio that dominated peninsular India during the 7th century. Choose the correct combination.

GivenThe task is to pinpoint the three most powerful South Indian dynasties of the 7th century CE from a list of five.

Concept/ApproachContemporary inscriptions and political history identify a three-way struggle between the Chalukyas of Badami (Pulakesin II), the Pallavas of Kanchipuram (Mahendravarman I, Narasimhavarman I), and the Pandyas (Madurai). The Cholas' major imperial expansion begins later (9th–10th centuries), while the Cheras were comparatively less dominant in this specific century.

Step-by-step reasoning1) Check 7th-century rulers: Pulakesin II (Chalukya) vs. Narasimhavarman I (Pallava).2) Pandyas were active in the far south in the same period.3) Cholas' revival is later; Chera power is not a leading 7th-century force.

Common pitfalls

• Including Cholas due to later fame under the Imperial Cholas.
• Assuming all five were simultaneously paramount in the 7th century.

Final AnswerChalukyas, Pallavas, and Pandyas.