Chera dynasty facts for kids

The Chera dynasty was one of the oldest and most important ruling families in southern India. They were a Tamil dynasty who ruled from ancient times, possibly as early as the 3rd century BC, until about the 15th century CE.

The Early Cheras controlled a large area. This included the Malabar Coast, and the Coimbatore, Karur, and Salem Districts. Today, these regions are part of the modern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in India. The Cheras were known for their strong trade connections and powerful navy.

Who Were the Cheras?

The Chera rulers were powerful kings in ancient and medieval South India. They were one of the three main Tamil kingdoms, along with the Cholas and the Pandyas. These three groups often fought for control over the rich lands of the south.

Early Cheras (Sangam Age)

The earliest period of Chera rule is known as the Sangam Age. This was a time when a lot of great Tamil literature was created. The Chera kings of this era were mentioned in many poems. They were known for their bravery and their love of art and learning.

• They ruled over parts of what is now Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Their main cities were Vanchi Muthur and Karur.
• They controlled important trade routes, especially for spices.

Cheras and Trade

The Cheras were very important in the ancient spice trade. Their ports on the Malabar Coast were busy centers. Ships from Rome, Egypt, and other distant lands came to trade. They bought spices like pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom. They also traded for pearls, ivory, and silk.

• The Cheras had a strong navy to protect their trade ships.
• Their control over the spice routes made them very wealthy.
• They even had connections with the Roman Empire.

Later Cheras (Chera Perumals)

After the Sangam Age, there was a period where the Chera power seemed to fade. However, they rose again as the Chera Perumals of Mahodayapuram. This kingdom was based in what is now Kerala.

• They ruled from the 9th to the 12th centuries CE.
• Their capital was Mahodayapuram (modern-day Kodungallur).
• They were important in the cultural development of Kerala.

Culture and Religion

The Chera rulers supported different religions. They built temples for Hindu gods. They also allowed other religions, like Jainism, Buddhism, and Christianity, to grow. Many famous poets and scholars lived in their kingdom.

• They encouraged the growth of Tamil and Malayalam languages.
• Art and architecture also flourished under their rule.

Decline of the Cheras

The Chera dynasty eventually declined. They faced constant wars with the Cholas and Pandyas. Over time, their kingdom broke into smaller independent states.

• The Chola Empire became very powerful and weakened the Cheras.
• By the 12th century, the Chera Perumal kingdom ended.
• New kingdoms like the Zamorins and Kochi emerged from their former territories.

Legacy of the Cheras

Even though the Chera dynasty ended, their legacy lives on. They played a huge role in shaping the history and culture of South India. Their contributions to trade, literature, and architecture are still remembered.

• They helped connect India with the rest of the world through trade.
• Their rule influenced the development of the Malayalam language and culture.
• Many ancient coins and inscriptions tell us about their history.

Images for kids

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  Ancient Silk Road map showing the then trade routes. The spice trade was mainly along the water routes (blue).

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  Tamil Brahmi inscription from Pugalur, near Karur

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  A Chera coin with legend "Makkotai"

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  A Chera coin with legend "Kuttuvan Kotai"

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  Chera bow and arrow insignia in Sangam era copper coin, Amaravati River, Karur

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  An approximate extend of Kalabhra supremacy in southern India.

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  Chera Perumal Kingdom with the Chola Empire on the east.

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  Cheras of central Kerala

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  Depiction of Cherman Perumal Nayanar - Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur

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  Silk Road (Red) and Spice Routes (Blues)

See also

In Spanish: Dinastía Chera para niños