The Cheras - History – Mocomi.com

Learn about the Cheras South Indian dynasty, visit: http://mocomi.com/chera-dynasty/

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The lands south of the Mauryan Empire which included the 
Malabar coast, Karur, Coimbatore and Salem districts in 
South India were all part of the Chera Kingdom. The Chera 
capital was Tiruvanchikul am.

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Utiyan Cheralatan was the first Chera king and is accred-
ited with founding the dynasty. One of his battles was 
against the Cholas where he suffered a humiliating defeat 
as a result of which he committed suicide.

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Utiyan's son, Imayavaramban Nedun Cheralatan, through 
his grit and determination was responsible for making the 
Cheras one of the most powerful kingdoms in the south. His 
rule lasted 58 years and during this time he won multiple 
battles and wars, the most famous of which was against his 
sworn enemies, the Kadambas of Banasvi.

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Imayavaramban not only extended his kingdom, he also 
supported the local arts, culture and literature during his 
reign.

6. Yet, the greatest Chera king was to follow - King Kadalpira-
kottiya Vel Kelu Kuttuvan.  The great Tamil  epic, Silappadi-
garam ( which means the jeweled anklet) which tells the 
story about a mythical herois supposed to be about him. 
There were two other epic works during that time which 
were Manimegalai and Sivagami Sindamani.
Kuttavan established the Patni (wife) cult which says that 
a wife must be completely devoted to her husband. An ex-
ample of this is the story of the faithful wife Kannagi, who 
is remembered even today.
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7. The Chera kings used marriage to strengthen their ties 
with other clans as they were constantly warring with 
their neighbors and needed to strengthen their positions. 
With strong overseas links with places like Rome, the king-
dom prospered immensely. The trade consisted mainly of 
spices, ivory and sandalwood. They also reported pearls 
and gems to the Middle East.
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This period of success was followed by the Kalabhras over-
throwing the Cheras. The Cheras however over threw the 
Kalabhras and the second Chera Empire was founded with 
Mahodyapuram as their capital.

9. Mahodayapuram was founded by Kulasekhara Alvar, one 
of the twelve Alvars or Saints who sang hymns and com-
posed songs in praise of their beloved Lord Vishnu. The 
Bhakti movement of south India was established by the 
Alvars.
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10. Kulasekhara Alvar authored five dramas 'Perumal Tiru-
mozhi', 'Mukundamala', 'Tapatisavarna', 'Subhadradhamala' 
and 'Vichchinnabhiseka'. He was a renowned scholar and 
lover of art.
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11. Kulasekhara was succeeded by Rajasekhara Varman Rul. 
He was followed by Sthanu Ravi Varman who was friendly 
with the Cholas. During his time, trade flourished with 
China and Kerela
amongst other places.
However, with Sthanu's death, the relationship between 
the Cheras and Cholas turned sour. The last Chera King 
was Rama Varma Kulasekhara who shifted his capital to 
Quilon. After his death,
the Chera empire disintegrated and the Cholas took over.
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