Chera: Dynasty during the Sangam age

The Chera kingdom was among the most powerful bloodlines in early Indian history, ruling over southern India. They ruled over Kerala’s north and central regions, as well as in the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu, and has been a thriving kingdom thanks to its trade and commerce with the Roman empire. During the time of the Sangam Era, which lasted from the very first century BC towards the end of the 2nd century CE, the Pandya kings, Cholas and Cheras have been the most potent three monarchies.

Etymology of Chera

Chera’s etymology is still a source of debate among scholars. One theory claims that the word comes from Cheral, bribery of Charal, which means “mountain declivity” if we see it in the Tamil region, implying a link to Kerala’s steep regions. A further theory claims that the name “Cheralam” comes first from words “cher” that means sand and “Alam” which is a region, and therefore it means “slushy territory.” Aside from the speculative theories discussed, past studies have produced a series of other hypotheses too.

The Cheras has been known by a variety of names in antiquity non-Tamil references. In Ruler Ashoka’s Pali diktats, the Cheras have been referred to as Kedalaputo.  Whereas the Elder, the Pliny and Claudius Ptolemy allude towards the Cheras as Kerobottros and Kaelobotros, respectively, in the Graeco-Roman the Cheras are referred to as Keprobotras. Every one of such Graeco-Roman identities is a clear case of corruption of “Kerala PutraKedala Puto ” which were most likely acquired through trade with northern India.

Conquest of Pandya Kings in Chera Dynasty

From 645 to 70 AD, Sendan/Jayantan, a pandya king, has been known also as Vanavan, an etymological root for a Chera ruler. A further Pandya king during 670-710 AD, Arikesari Maravarman, conquered the Cheras/Keralas on many occasions. His replacement, Ko Chadayan Ranadhira, was also successful in his battles with the Cheras.

The Pandya kings during that time are remembered to have made a defensive coalition or alliance with the kongu region’s Cheras in this period. Pandya king Parantaka Vira Narayana ruled from 880 to 900 AD is remembered to have wedded a Kerala (Kongu Chera) princess whose name is Vanavan Maha Devi. The Chola ruler Parantaka devastated the coalition’s child, Rajasimha, who was characterised as a representative of the Chandra-Aditya Clan. It was initially assumed by K. A. N. Sastri and E. P. N. K. King Vira Narayana had wedded a Perumal queen of cheral from Kerala, according to Pillai.

Rulers of Chera

The Chera Dynasty was governed by two powerful dynasties. The very first line starts in Uthiyan Cheralathan, while the other or second starts at Irumporai. The Cheras are thought to have murdered  Ilamcetcenni, Chola King Karikala’s dad, although the Chera king himself perished subsequently in the battle. Furthermore, the Cheras had amicable connections well with Cholas for a short time, forming marriage partnerships, but then they quickly joined forces with the Pandya kings to fight the Cholas. The Cholas, on the other hand, vanquished both the Pandya kings and the Cheras. The Chera monarch,  Uthiyan Cheralathan, who had been seriously wounded, committed himself.

The decline of the Chera Kingdom

Once the Kalabhra Interregnum halted Chera’s rule in the 3rd century AD, the Chera Kingdom started to collapse.  Just after the tenure of Chera ruler Kulashekhar Varman, the lineage became renowned as the Mahodayapuram Kulashekharas. The very first Chera kingdom reigned until the 5th century, while the 2nd Chera kingdom took power in the 9th century AD. There isn’t much written or known well about the period here between the 5th and 9th centuries AD.

Existence of Chera at Present day

Kerala, Salem and Dharmapuri, are claimed to have been parts of such Chera dominion in the past. The southern Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam were joined to their kingdom with the marriage of the very first Chera monarch through into Chola regal dynasty. During the Chera dynasty’s reign, strong commercial links with Rome became established. Muziris were historic India’s well-known seaport. Spice, wood, jewels, amber, and stones were all shipped from such an Indian seaport to the nations of the Mideast and Europe. Foreign commerce was also active along the coastlines of Coimbatore, Malabar and Karur. In the 2nd century AD, they moved the capital of Chera from Vanchi Muthur to another place known as Karuvur. The value of all religions was equalised.

Conclusion

To sum up, the Chera dynasty is one of the most important dynasties or kingdoms during the Sangam period. It was located in the Tamil Nadu region earlier known as the Kongu region and in northern and central Kerala. There have been many battles between the Pandya kings and the Cheras later in which they are known to make a defensive alliance with Kongu’s Cheras by marrying a princess of that place.

The Chera dynasty first started with Uthiyan Cheralathan and another being at Irumporai. They were known to be ruled by two dynasties, the Cheras themselves and the Cholas and Pandya kings for some time for their benefit. However, during the second or third century AD, the Chera dynasty started collapsing due to various reasons.