Overview
Western Tamilakam power; maritime trade and Sangam literature patronage.
Chera dynasty
The Chera dynasty in two phases: the Sangam-era Cheras (c. 300 BCE - 305 CE) based at Vanji/Karur controlling the Malabar coast and Kongu Nadu, and the Kulasekhara Cheras (c. 800-1100 CE) centered on Mahodayapuram (Kodungallur) in Kerala. A ~500 year gap (Kalabhra interregnum) separates the two phases.
Territory Phases
Chera Kingdom300 BCE – 305 CE
Sangam-era Chera kingdom. Western Tamilakam power controlling the Malabar coast and Kongu Nadu. Famous for maritime spice trade with Rome via Muziris, Sangam literature patronage (Pathitrupathu praises eight Chera kings), and the bow-and-arrow emblem. Capital at Vanji/Karur.
Chera (Kulasekhara)800 CE – 1100 CE
Later Chera / Kulasekhara dynasty — second Chera kingdom centered on Kerala. Capital at Mahodayapuram (Kodungallur). Controlled most of Kerala and parts of western Tamil Nadu. Patronized Malayalam literature and temple culture. Declined by ~1100-1124 CE under Chola pressure.
Key Rulers
Nedunjeral Adan
Also known as: Imayavaramban
200 BCE – 150 BCE
★★★
Sangam-era Chera king celebrated in the Pathitrupathu. The epithet "Imayavaramban" (he whose boundary is the Himalaya) is poetic hyperbole. Known primarily through Sangam literary references; no epigraphic attestation.
Sthanu Ravi Varma
844 CE – 885 CE
★★★★
Major Kulasekhara ruler. Traditionally associated with the foundation of the Kollam Era (825 CE) though he reigned later. Expanded Kulasekhara territory and engaged in conflicts with the Pandyas and early Cholas.
Key Events
Foundation of Kollam Era825 CE
Kollam (Quilon)
The Kollam Era (Kollavarsham), a calendar system still used in Kerala, traditionally begins on 25 August 825 CE. Possibly marks a political event or treaty — the exact founding circumstances are debated. Associated with the Kulasekhara Chera consolidation of Kerala.
Sources
- Zvelebil, K. (1973) The Smile of Murugan
- Abraham, S. (2003) Chera, Chola, Pandya: Using Archaeological Evidence