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TOPIC 3.2 THREE TAMIL DYNASTIES
The Sangam period
the Cheras, 2) the Pandyas. 2) the Cholas
The rulers of the three Tamil dynasties, referred to as the "three crowned rulers" or "Muventhar," were the Cholas, the Cheras, and the Pandyas. These dynasties played a significant role in South Indian history, each contributing to the region's cultural, political, and economic development.
The Sangam period, spanning roughly from 300 BCE to 300 CE, saw the rise and prominence of several important Tamil kingdoms. These kingdoms played crucial roles in the political, economic, and cultural developments of ancient South India. The three most significant kingdoms during the Sangam era were the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas.
1. Chera Kingdom
Location: The Chera kingdom was located in present-day Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu.
Capital: The main capital was Vanji (also known as Karur), with other significant cities like Muziris (Muchiri).
Economy: The Cheras were known for their extensive trade relations, especially with the Roman Empire. Muziris was a major port that facilitated trade in spices, pearls, and precious stones.
Culture: The Cheras were patrons of Tamil literature and culture. They supported poets and scholars, contributing significantly to Sangam literature.
Notable Rulers: Important rulers include Cheran Senguttuvan, who is celebrated in Tamil literature and is associated with the Kannagi story of the "Silappatikaram."
2. Chola Kingdom
Location: The Chola kingdom was located in the fertile Cauvery Delta region of present-day Tamil Nadu.
Capital: The primary capital was Uraiyur, and later, Puhar (Kaveripattinam) became an important urban centre.
Economy: The Cholas were skilled in agriculture, benefiting from the fertile plains of the Cauvery River. They also engaged in maritime trade.
Culture: The Cholas were great patrons of arts and literature. The city of Puhar is famously described in the Sangam epic "Silappatikaram."
Notable Rulers: Karikala Chola is one of the most celebrated kings of the Chola dynasty, known for his military conquests and contributions to infrastructure, such as the construction of the Grand Anicut (Kallanai) on the Cauvery River.
3. Pandya Kingdom
Location: The Pandya kingdom was located in the southern part of Tamil Nadu.
Capital: The capital city was Madurai, known for its rich cultural and literary heritage.
Economy: The Pandyas were involved in agriculture, pearl fishing, and trade. They had strong trade connections with the Roman Empire and Southeast Asia.
Culture: The Pandyas were significant patrons of Tamil literature, arts, and architecture. The city of Madurai was a cultural hub and the venue for the Tamil Sangams (assemblies of poets and scholars).
Notable Rulers: Nedunjeliyan, also known as Aryappadai Kadanda Nedunjeliyan, is a well-known Pandya ruler who is often mentioned in Sangam literature for his valour and patronage of the arts.
Legacy
These kingdoms collectively contributed to the richness of Sangam literature, which includes the "Ettuthokai" (Eight Anthologies) and "Pathuppattu" (Ten Idylls), reflecting the socio-political and cultural life of the time. The Sangam period's legacy is seen in the enduring traditions, literature, and cultural practices of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The period is often celebrated for its valour, heroism, and significant contributions to Tamil language and culture.
1.Cheras -Kerala
The Cheras were also known as ‘Kerala Putras’ in history. The Chera kingdom occupied the region of a narrow strip between the sea and the mountains of Konkan range.
Vanji was their capital and the ports of the west coast, Musiri and Tondi, were under their control
We know today about the Cheras through the texts of Sangam Literature. The most common sources include the Pathitrupathu, the Akananuru, and the Purananuru
Copper and lead coins were introduced by the Cheras, which were inspired by the Roman coins. Most of these coins were found in the Amaravati riverbed and are the biggest source of Chera historiography
Most of the coins had bow and arrow engraved on them, which was the emblem of the Cheras
The Cheras were an ancient Dravidian royal dynasty of Tamil origin. The first to establish an historical ruling dynasty in the area, they ruled wide-ranging areas of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in south-eastern and south-western India respectively, areas that had been settled since at least 5000 BC, when Neolithic carvings had been left in Edakkal Caves. Chera territory included regions such as Venad, Kuttanad, Kodanad, Pazhinad, and others, encompassing the area between KanyaKumari in the south to Kasaragod in the north (now in the far north of Kerala).
The Chera rulers also occupied high positions in the history of south India. Nedunjeral Adan was a famous Chera king. He conquered Kadambas with his capital at Vanavasi (near Goa). He also defeated the Yavanas.
Nedunjeral Adan had a good relation with the Greeks and Romans who came in large numbers as traders and set up large colonies in south India.
Early Cheras (Sangam Period) c.270 BC - c.AD 710
The Chera kings have been rather vaguely described in the Sangam literature (the Sangam age encompasses the first four centuries of the Christian era). Their historical dating is conspicuously absent and genealogy is lacking, and most attempts to construct a meaningful list of kings can vary wildly in the order in which it places those kings. However, this is largely due to a misunderstanding in how the lists have been assembled in the first place.
Nedunjeral Adan was called Imayavaramban. The literary meaning of the term Imayavaramban is “one who had the Himalaya Mountains as the boundary of his kingdom." However, it seems to be mere exaggeration.
Sengutturan was the greatest king of the Chera dynasty as mentioned in the Chera tradition. He had defeated the Chola and the Pandya kings.
The Chera power declined at the end of the 3rd century A.D. They again acquired power in the 8th century A.D.
Uthiyan Cheralathan is the earliest known Chera ruler. Following him, other important rulers of the kingdom include:
Nedunjeral Adan – He had defeated seven crowned kings and won the title of “Adhiraja”
Senguttuvan – Believed to be the greatest Chera ruler, he was popularly known as Red Chera. He had defeated the Chola and the Pandya kings.
Kudakko Ilanjeral Irumporai – Believed to be one of the last Chera kings
The Chera power declined at the end of the 3rd century A.D. They again acquired power in the 8th century A.D.
