South India, during the Sangam Age, was ruled by three dynasties-the Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas. The main source of information about these kingdoms is traced from the literary references of Sangam Period.
Cheras
- The Cheras controlled the central and northern parts of Kerala and the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu.
- Vanji was their capital and the ports of the west coast, Musiri and Tondi, were under their control.
- The emblem of Cheras was “bow and arrow”.
- The Pugalur inscription of the 1st century AD has reference to three generations of Chera rulers.
- The Cheras owed its importance to trade with the Romans. They also built a temple of Augustus there.
- The greatest ruler of Cheras was Senguttuvan, the Red Chera or the Good Chera, who belonged to the 2nd century A.D.
- His military achievements have been chronicled in epic Silapathikaram, with details about his expedition to the Himalayas where he defeated many north Indian rulers.
- Senguttuvan introduced the Pattini cult or the worship of Kannagi as the ideal wife in Tamil Nadu.
- He was the first to send an embassy to China from South India.
Cholas
- The Cholas controlled the central and northern parts of Tamil Nadu.
- Their core area of rule was the Kaveri delta, later known as Cholamandalam.
- Their capital was Uraiyur (near Tiruchirapalli town) and Puhar or Kaviripattinam was an alternative royal residence and chief port town.
- Tiger was their emblem.
- The Cholas also maintained an efficient navy.
- King Karikala was a famous king of the Sangam Cholas.
- Pattinappalai portrays his life and military conquests.
- Many Sangam poems mention the Battle of Venni where he defeated the confederacy of Cheras, Pandyas and eleven minor chieftains.
- Karikala’s military achievements made him the overlord of the whole Tamil region of that time.
- Trade and commerce flourished during his reign.
- He founded the port city of Puhar (identical with Kaveripattinam) and constructed 160 km of embankment along the Kaveri River.
Pandyas
- The Pandyas ruled from Madurai.
- Korkai was their main port, located near the confluence of Thampraparani with the Bay of Bengal. It was famous for pearl fishery and chank diving.
- Their emblem was the “Fish”.
- They patronized the Tamil Sangams and facilitated the compilation of the Sangam poems.
- Rulers kept a regular army.
- Trade was prosperous and their pearls were famous.
- Sati, caste, idol worship were common. Widows were treated badly.
- They adopted the Vedic religion of sacrifice and patronized Brahmin priests.
- Their power declined with the invasion of a tribe called the Kalabhras.
- After the Sangam Age, this dynasty lost its significance for more than a century, only to rise once again at the end of the 6th century.