The Chera Dynasty was among the three prominent ancient Dravidian royal dynasties of Tamil origin. They established a dynasty in the wide-ranging areas of modern-day Tamil Nadu and Kerala. These areas had been settled for at least 5,000 years BC as we find neolithic carvings and palaeolithic evidence. The Cheras’ territory included regions such as Kuttanad, Venad, Pazhinad and many more. They were spread between Kanyakumari in the South and Kasaragod in the North. They also reached Palghat, Coimbatore, Salem, etc. The dynasty, however, did not rule these areas consistently because of several factors, including rivalries.
Ancient borders could be fluctuating at times because there have been consistent changes and demarcation of territories. Their primary territory was limited to Kerala. The Pallavas had pushed them out of Tamil Nadu and the Cheras established their capital at Vanchi, also known as Muzris after a robust maritime trade that materialised between the Romans and the Cheras.
Origin of Chera Dynasty:
The dynasty is divided into two distinct periods in history. The periods, however, are vague and different sources suggest different time intervals. The early Chera Dynasty was founded during the Sangam period and continued to rule until the 3rd century CE. The only source for understanding the early Cheras is the Sangam literature.
Quote on Chera Dynasty:
The Chera dynasty is one of the Sangam-age dynasty and one of the four principal Tamil dynasties (Chola, Chera, Pallava, and Pandya) of Tamilakam who are credited as the creators of land of Kerala as they have unified various regions of the Western Coast and Western Ghats. 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 with its its trade and commerce with Roman Greek empire Muziri also known as Vanji was the Chera’s capital presented day located in Karur District of Tamil Nadu. Uthiyan Cheralathan is the earliest known Chera ruler. Followed by Nedunjeral Adan, Senguttavan, Kulashekara Varma, Goda Ravivarma, Kudakko Ilanjeral Irumporai etc. The Chera Kingdom’s most important political institution was the monarchy. The royal queen held an extremely privileged position. The Tamil epic Shilappadikaram mentions the kings council and five assemblies in the administration. Chera people practiced Dravidian religions. Their economy was based on pastoral cum agrarian activities. Ancestral worship was the most popular aspect of Cheras. Cheras developed Dravidian style of architecture and their temples were of octagonal shape and built with sandstone. The temple were the not just the place of worship, it was place of socialising, education and celebration of ceremonies and victories of kings. Their temples are divided into four sections, Vimanam, Mandapams, Gopurams and Garbhagriha. Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple, Bhagavathi Amman Temple, and Mahavishnu Temple are some of the important temples. Cheras also known as Keralaputras, portrayed the rich culture, religious tolerance, maritime trade, literature and even now their legacy continues to inspire the political and cultural history of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, said Dr. Sanmathi Kumar, HOD & Assistant Professor, Department of History, SDM College (Autonomous), Ujire.
Famous rulers of Chera Dynasty
Uthiyan Cheralathan
Selva Kadumko Valiathan
Rajashekhara Varma
Sthanu Ravi Varma
Indu Kotha Varma
Rajasimha
Art and Architecture of Chera Dynasty
The Cheras built numerous temples and other structures from their early presence until the 12th century CE. It is known as Dravidian architecture. The temples are mostly octagonal or rectangular and are built with sandstone or granite.
The temples can be divided into 4 sections, such as Vimanam, Mandapams, Gopurams, and Garbhagriha. These sections can make a temple, or in some cases, one of the elements could be missing. However, they constitute a temple.
Gopurams are prominent entrances to a village, temple, or other structure. In early times, temples were not just a place to worship. People gathered here to socialise, educate, and celebrate. They also acted as banks, hospitals, and emergency storage facilities, etc. Art also flourished in the temples.