Political History

Political History

The Tamil country was ruled by three dynasties namely the
Chera, Chola and Pandyas during the Sangam Age. The political
history of these dynasties can be traced from the literary references.

Cheras

The Cheras ruled over parts of modern Kerala. Their capital

was Vanji and their important seaports were Tondi and Musiri. They

had the palmyra flowers as their garland. The Pugalur inscription of

the first century A.D refers to three generations of Chera rulers.

Padirruppattu also provides information on Chera kings. Perum

Sorru Udhiyan Cheralathan, Imayavaramban Nedum Cheralathan

and Cheran Senguttuvan were the famous rulers of this dynasty.

Cheran Senguttuvan belonged to 2nd century A.D. His younger

brother was Elango Adigal, the author of Silappathigaram. Among

his military achievements, his expedition to the Himalayas was

remarkable. He defeated many north Indian monarchs. Senguttuvan

introduced the Pattini cult or the worship of Kannagi as the ideal

wife in Tamil Nadu. The stone for making the idol of Kannagi was

brought by him after his Himalayan expedition. The consecration

ceremony was attended by many princes including Gajabhagu II

from Sri Lanka.The Chola kingdom of the Sangam period extended from

modern Tiruchi district to southern Andhra Pradesh. Their capital

was first located at Uraiyur and then shifted to Puhar. Karikala was

a famous king of the Sangam Cholas. Pattinappalai portrays his

early life and his military conquests. In the Battle of Venni he defeated

the mighty confederacy consisting of the Cheras, Pandyas and eleven

minor chieftains. This event is mentioned in many Sangam poems.

Vahaipparandalai was another important battle fought by him in which

nine enemy chieftains submitted before him. Karikala’s military

achievements made him the overlord of the whole Tamil country.

Trade and commerce flourished during his reign period. He was

responsible for the reclamation of forest lands and brought them

under cultivation thus adding prosperity to the people. He also built

Kallanai across the river Kaveri and also constructed many irrigation

tanks.

Pandyas

The Pandyas ruled over the present day southern Tamil Nadu.

Their capital was Madurai. The earliest kings of the Pandyan dynasty

were Nediyon, Palyagasalai Mudukudumi Peruvaludhi and

Mudathirumaran. There were two Neduncheliyans. The first one

was known as Aryappadai Kadantha Neduncheliyan (one who won

victories over the Aryan forces). He was responsible for the

execution of Kovalan for which Kannagi burnt Madurai. The other

was Talaiyalanganattu Cheruvenra (He who won the battle at

Talaiyalanganam) Neduncheliyan. He was praised by Nakkirar and

Mangudi Maruthanar. He wore this title after defeating his enemies

at the Battle of Talaiyalanganam, which is located in the Tanjore

district. By this victory Neduncheliyan gained control over the entire

Tamil Nadu. Maduraikkanji written by Mangudi Maruthanar

describes the socio-economic condition of the Pandya countryincluding the flourishing seaport of Korkai. The last famous Pandyan

king was Uggira Peruvaludhi. The Pandyan rule during the Sangam

Age began to decline due to the invasion of the Kalabhras.

Minor Chieftains

The minor chieftains played a significant role in the Sangam

period. Among them Pari, Kari, Ori, Nalli, Pegan, Ay and Adiyaman

were popular for their philanthropy and patronage of Tamil poets.

Therefore, they were known as Kadai Yelu Vallalgal. Although they

were subordinate to the Chera, Chola and Pandya rulers, they were

powerful and popular in their respective regions.