What is Chera Dynasty?

The Cheras were one of the major ancient dynasties of South India that ruled the region of present-day Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu. They flourished during the early historic period from around the 3rd century BCE to the 12th century CE. The Chera Dynasty played a significant role in shaping the cultural, political, and economic landscape of South India. Ahom Dynasty Pala Dynasty

Who is the Chera Dynasty Founder?

The founder of the Chera Dynasty, according to Sangam texts, is believed to be a legendary figure named Uthiyan Cheralathan . He is credited with establishing the Chera Kingdom and laying the foundation for the dynasty’s rule in the region. Pallava Dynasty Khiliji Dynasty

How many lines of kings did the Chera Dynasty have?

The Chera Dynasty is believed to have had a long line of kings ruling over the region of present-day Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu. However, the Chera Dynasty had two important lines of rulers, the first line starts from Uthiyan Cheralathan and the second line starts from Irumporai.

Who were the contemporaries of the Chera Dynasty?

The Chera Dynasty coexisted with several contemporary dynasties and kingdoms during its existence. Some of the prominent contemporaries were Cholas and Pandyas. At that time the Chera empire was one of the main lineages ruler of Southern India.

Who was the last king of the Chera Dynasty?

The last known king of the Chera Dynasty is Rama Varma Kulashekhara Perumal . He is believed to have ruled during the 12th century CE. Rama Varma Kulashekhara Perumal was a patron of arts and literature, and his reign marked the final phase of the Chera Dynasty. Vedic Literature Early Medieval Period of India

What was the Chera Dynasty Capital?

Muziri, also known as Vanchi/ Vanji, was the Chera Dynasty Capital. The Cheras were the ruling dynasty of Kerala’s current-day state and Tamil Nadu’s regions in South India. The capital of the Chera Dynasty varied over time based on the reign of different kings .

What was the Chera Dynasty Origin?

From a historical perspective, the Chera Dynasty emerged as a prominent political entity in South India during the early historic period, around the 3rd century BCE. The exact origin and early history of the Chera Dynasty are not well-documented.

Where did the Chera Dynasty established its kingdom?

Kerala state is where the Chera Dynasty established its kingdom . It was one of the three major kingdoms of southern India that constituted Tamilkam (territory of the Tamils). The Chera rulers also exerted influence over certain parts of Tamil Nadu.

Who is the famous Chera Dynasty King?

Cheran Chenguttuvan was the greatest king of the Chera dynasty , and he conquered the Chola and the Pandya kings. He is celebrated in ancient Tamil literature and is considered a legendary figure in the history of the Chera Dynasty.

When did the Chera dynasty start and end?

The Chera Dynasty ruled in two different spans. The first Chera Dynasty ruled in Sangam Era, while the second Chera Dynasty led from the 9th century AD onwards . The exact year of its establishment is not precisely known, as historical records from that time are limited.

What led to the decline of the Chera Dynasty?

The decline of the Chera Dynasty can be attributed to a combination of factors. Internal conflicts, succession disputes, and invasions by other regional powers weakened the dynasty. In addition, the emergence of new trade routes and the decline of the Roman Empire disrupted the maritime trade network, and impacted Chera Dynasty.

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Chera Dynasty: Founder, Rulers, Symbol, Time Period, Chera kingdom

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: November 14th, 2023

Chera Dynasty ruled over the Southern part of India in the early period. The Cheras were Dravidians. Though they were called Keralaputra, the sons of Kerala, they were of Tamil origin. During Sangam Age Chera Dynasty, Pandyas and Cholas were powerful kingdoms. Analysis of the Sangam texts shows that the first rule of the Cheras Dynasty may have started in the 5th Century B.C

Most of our known history of the Chera Dynasty is from their second rule between the 9th and the 10th centuries. This article delves into the remarkable history, rulers, symbol, and time period of the Chera Dynasty, shedding light on their maritime influence, significant contributions to trade and commerce, and enduring cultural legacy.

Table of content

1. Origin of Chera Dynasty
2. Chera Dynasty – Important Facts
3. Chera Dynasty Rulers
4. Famous Chera Dynasty Rulers
5. Dynamics Between the Chera Dynasty Period, Cholas, and Pandyas
6. Chera Dynasty UPSC

Origin of Chera Dynasty

The Cheras ruled Parts of Kerala and Tamilnadu, and their kingdom included Cochin and parts of Malabar and Travancore. Present-day Kerala, Salem, and Dharmapuri were parts of the Chera Dynasty. Their first capital city was Vanchi, and the later rulers moved their capital to Kulasekharapuram. The Cheras constantly warred with the Pandyas and Chola Dynasty.

Chera Dynasty Notes

These three kingdoms formed the prominent ruling dynasties of the Iron Age. With the wedding of the Chera king Netum Ceralatan with the Chola princess Illanko Venmal, Thiruvvur and Nagapatman came under their reign. Most of the population of the Chera Dynasty was agrarian. There is evidence of flourishing trade between the Romans, Greeks, and the Cheras for locally grown spices.

Chera Dynasty – Important Facts

Sangam texts tell us that two lines of rulers ruled the Chera Dynasty. The founder of the first line of rulers was Uthiyan Cheralathan, and Irumporai founded the second line of rulers.

The Chera Dynasty and its kings belong to one of the two clans, Irumporai and the Vanavaraman.
The Cheras ruled the central and northern parts of Kerala and the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu.
Vanji was Chera Dynasty capital, and the ports of the west coast, Musiri, and Tondi were under their control.
‘Bow and arrow’ was the Chera Dynasty symbol.
The Chera kings were also referred to as “Keralaputas” (sons of Kerala).
Inscriptions from the Chera Dynasty period show intermarriages between these two clans.
The Vedic influence started from Brahmanism, and Cheras preceded that period.
For this reason, the Cheras did not follow any specific religion.
However, we know that they worshipped their ancestors.
The Chera country got geographically well recognized to profit from sea trade through the vast Indian Ocean networks.
Trade of timber, Indian spices, pearls, and gems was regular.

Chera Dynasty Rulers

The first known Chera king is mentioned in the Sangam age. His name was Uthiyan Cheralathan, and he is widely considered the founder of the Chera Dynasty. Below is the Chera Dynasty kings list.

Chera Dynasty Kings	Reign (AD)	Contribution (s)
Uthiyan Cheralathan	NA	He was the first recorded Chera ruler in ancient South India of the Sangam period.
Nedum Cheralathan	NA	He took the title of Adhiraja.
Senguttuvan Chera	NA	He was popularly known as Senguttavan, Kadalpirakoottiya Vel Kelu Kuttuvan,and Chenkuttuvan.
Mantaran Cheral	NA	He was one of the fearsome kings of the Chera Dynasty period in Tamilakam during the Sangam period.
Kulashekhara Varma	800–820	He is considered the author of Sanskrit lyrics Perumal, Mukundamala, and Tirumozhi, which are a portion of Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
Rajashekhara Varma	820–844	He is the first known ruler of the Chera of Cranganore.
Sthanu Ravi Varma	844–885	He was a popular astronomer, the author of Sankara Narayaniyam, and a member of the royal palace of Sthanu Ravi at Mahodayapuram.
Rama Varma Kulashekhara	1090–1102	He was the last ruler of the Later Chera dynasty (Kulasekharas of Mahodayapuram), and his reign was known for severe political crisis and instability.

Other Chera Dynasty kings names whose contribution is not known are:

Chera Dynasty Kings List
Selva Kadumko Valiathan	NA	NA
Illam Cheral Irumporai	NA	NA
Rama Varma Kulashekhara	885–917	NA
Goda Ravi Varma	917–944	NA
Indu Kotha Varma	944–962	NA
Bhaskara Ravi Varma I	962–1019	NA
Bhaskara Ravi Varma II	1019–1021	NA
Vira Kerala	1021–1028	NA
Rajasimha	1028–1043	NA
Bhaskara Ravi Varma III	1043–1082	NA
Ravi Rama Varma	1082–1090	NA

Famous Chera Dynasty Rulers

The most famous Chera Dynasty rulers were Nedunjeral Adan, Senguttuvan, and Kudakko Ilanjeral Irumporai.

Uthiyan Cheralathan, or Perum Chorru Udiyan Cheralathan, is the first documented Chera Dynasty king of the Sangam era.
He is known to have ruled during the 2nd Century AD.
According to the lore, he was responsible for feeding the Pandava and Kaurava armies during the battle of Mahabharata.
It may be a symbol to depict the prosperity of his kingdom during his rule of the Chera Dynasty.
Uthiyan Cheralathan ruled with Kuzhumur as his capital city and was a contemporary of the Chola ruler Karikala Chola.

Dynamics Between the Chera Dynasty Period, Cholas, and Pandyas

The dynamics of the Chera Dynasty, Chola, and Pandya dynasties are an essential part of south Indian history. For a while, the Cheras and Cholas had friendly relations.

They were marriages between dynasties and regions given to each other as dowries.
The Cheras, Pandyas, and Cholas were constantly warring for dominance in South India.
Later, the Cheras and Pandyas united to fight against Cholas.
The Chera king to rule was Rama Varma Kulakshekhra.
After he died in 1102 A.D., it was observed as the Decline of the Chera Dynasty.

Chera Dynasty UPSC

Chera Dynasty is a part of the medieval Indian history which is a significant part of the UPSC History Syllabus. That’s why for aspirants preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, understanding the importance of this dynasty, its rulers, time period, and symbol is crucial. Candidates need to cover Chera Dynasty topic comprehensively so that they can answer all the medieval history question in UPSC easily, and ace the history section.

Chera Dynasty MCQs

Question: The Chera Dynasty was an ancient dynasty that ruled over which region of present-day India? a) South India b) North India c) East India d) West India

Answer: a) South India

Question: The Chera Dynasty had its capital at: a) Vanchi b) Puhar c) Mahabalipuram d) Kanchipuram

Answer: a) Vanchi

Question: The Chera Dynasty is known for its contributions to which field? a) Literature b) Architecture c) Sculpture d) All of the above

Question:: d) All of the above

UPSC Notes
World Trade Organisation	Tiger Reserves In India
World Bank	Tectonic Plates
Wahabi Movement	Svamitva Scheme
Uniform Civil Code	Statue Of Equality
Ujjawala Scheme	Small Finance Banks
Trips Agreement	Shanghai Cooperation Organisation