The Mauryan art is believed to be inspired from Achaemenid or Persian influence. We can find a lot of similarities in terms of form and style in the inscriptions of Ashoka and the Persian king Darius.
Pandyas acknowledged the overlordship of the Cholas for about 30 years. Prantaka Viranayana was also defeated by Krishna III who was the Rashtrakuta King, in the battle of Takkolam in 949 A.D.
The third Sangam was held at the present Madurai in Tamil Nadu. The third sangam had 449 poets and the important ones among them include Nakkirar, Iraiyanar, Kapilar, Paranar, Sattanar, Auvikyar etc.
EXAMIANS