[1][2] Kadavas were related to the Pallava dynasty and ruled from Kudalur near Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu.
[4] Chiefs bearing the Kadava title figure as feudatories of the Cholas as early as the 12th century.
During the reign of Kulothunga Chola II, there was a vassal called Alappirandan Elisaimohan alias Kulottungasola Kadavaradittan.
The kings of the collateral line of the Pallavas who were descended from Bhimavarman, the brother of Simhavishnu, are called the Kadavas.
The Pallava king Nandivarman II (Pallavamalla) is praised as "one who was born to raise the prestige of the Kadava family.