VR Chennai | Shopping Mall in Chennai

language Tamil, Malayalam
capital(s) Vanchi Muthur, Karur
emblem Bow
major monuments Mahavishnu Kshetram, Thirukodithanam; Thiruvanchikulam Siva Temple

The Chera Dynasty, along with the Pandya and the Chola, were one of the three dominant kingdoms of Tamilakam – a geographical region that includes the modern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry and Lakshadweep, along with parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Most of what we know about the Cheras comes from Sangam literature, the edicts of the Mauryan emperor Asoka and writings of Graeco-Roman travellers. The Chera Kingdom played a key role in the ancient world as a hub of trade, not just within India, but across the seas to Greece, Arabia, Egypt, Italy, etc. as well.

At the height of their powers, the Chera Empire included large parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There are also records of a number of battles with other kingdoms including the Pallavas, Kadambas and even the Greeks.

A notable feature of social life in the Empire was the absence of any division on the basis of caste and community and the high status that was accorded to women – something that was not seen in other empires of that time. Women were allowed to choose any profession they wanted, including being in the army. The practice of "bride price", where a prospective groom would pay the girl's parents, was also prevalent.

Art, poetry and music were patronised by the Chera rulers and professional artists were lavishly rewarded for their services. Many notable works were composed in both Sanskrit and Tamil during this period. Malayalam, the language of the state of Kerala, also evolved a distinct identity during this period.

Inscriptions on the Ulòka Gopuram

Cheran Senguttavan

Cheran Senguttavan is one of the most illustrious Kings of the early Chera Dynasty and his exploits are a part of Silappadikaram (Tale of an Anklet), one of the Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature. Written by Ilango Adigal, the poem tells the story of Kannagi, a Tamil woman, who took revenge on the Pandya King Nedunj Cheliyan I of Madurai for wrongfully killing her husband.

The epic poem mentions that Cheran Senguttavan once embarked on a military expedition to the Himalayas, defeated Aryan armies on his way and crossed the Ganges to bring back a rock from the mountains. This piece of rock was used to make a sculpture to honour Kannagi, the heroine of Silappadikaram.

The wars that the Chera King won against North Indian empires en route to the Himalayas and the moment when he hoisted the Chera flag on the mountains, is represented on the Ulòka Gopuram.

Thirukodithanam Mahavishnu Temple

Built by the Cheras in the Kerala style of architecture, the Thirukodithanam Mahavishnu temple in Kottayam, Kerala, is one of the 108 Divyadesam temples devoted to Lord Vishnu. It is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabhandham – a collection of 4000 Tamil verses written during the 9th and 10th centuries.

The Divya Prabhandham, written by the 12 Alvars – Vaishnava poet saints who sang the praises of Lord Vishnu – form an important part of Tamil culture. In many temples across the region, the chanting of the Divya Prabhandham still forms a major part of the daily service.

Chera Trade

The ancient Chera Empire had a strong and profitable trade relationship with other civilisations of the period. The port city of Muziris in the Malabar coast was one of the most important points of trade in the region. Spices, ivory, timber and precious gems were exported to Greece, Rome, Egypt and Arabia. Pepper exports to Rome brought in vast amounts of gold which made the Chera Empire extremely wealthy.

Vijayanagara

Chola

Inscriptions on the Ulòka Gopuram

Cheran Senguttavan

Thirukodithanam Mahavishnu Temple

Chera Trade

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