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The  Malabar coast, Karur, Coimbatore and Salem districts in South India were all part of the Chera Dynasty. The Chera capital was Tiruvanchikulam.

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The  Malabar coast, Karur, Coimbatore and Salem districts in South India were all part of the Chera Dynasty. The Chera capital was Tiruvanchikulam.

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Utiyan Cheralatan was the first Chera king and is accredited with founding the dynasty. One of his battles was against the Cholas where he suffered a humiliating defeat as a result of which he committed suicide.

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Utiyan’s son, Imayavaramban Nedun Cheralatan, through his grit and determination was responsible for making the Chera dynasty one of the most powerful kingdoms in the south. His rule lasted 58 years and during this time he won multiple battles and wars, the most famous of which was against his sworn enemies, the Kadambas of Banasvi. Imayavaramban not only extended his kingdom, he also supported the local arts, culture and literature during his reign.

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Yet, the greatest Chera king was to follow – King Kadalpirakottiya Vel Kelu Kuttuvan. The great Tamil epic, Silappadigaram ( which means the jeweled anklet) which tells the story about a mythical hero is supposed to be about him. There were two other epic works during that time which were Manimegalai and Sivagami Sindamani.Kuttavan established the Patni (wife) cult which says that a wife must be completely devoted to her husband. An example of this is the story of the faithful wife Kannagi, who is remembered even today.Kuttavan is also said to have achieved the famous victories at Mogur Mannan and Kongar.

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The Chera kings used marriage to strengthen their ties with other clans as they were constantly warring with their neighbors and needed to strengthen their positions. With strong overseas links with places like Rome, the kingdom prospered immensely. The trade consisted mainly of spices, ivory and sandalwood. They also exported pearls and gems to the Middle East.

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The Kalabhras. This period of success was followed by the Kalabhras overthrowing the Cheras.

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The Kalabhras. This period of success was followed by the Kalabhras overthrowing the Cheras.

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The Chera dynasty however, overthrew the Kalabhras and the second Chera Empire was founded with Mahodyapuram as their capital.

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Mahodayapuram was founded by Kulasekhara Alvar, one of the twelve Alvars or Saints who sang hymns and composed songs in praise of their beloved Lord Vishnu.

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The Bhakti movement of south India was established by the Alvars.

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Kulasekhara was succeeded by Rajasekhara Varman Rul. He was followed by Sthanu Ravi Varman who was friendly with the Cholas. During his time, trade flourished with China and Kerala amongst other places.

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With Sthanu’s death, the relationship between the Cheras and Cholas turned sour. The last Chera King was Rama Varma Kulasekhara who shifted his capital to Quilon. After his death, the Chera dynasty disintegrated and the Cholas took over.

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Their architecture was called as, the Dravidian architecture that their temples, are mostly octagonal, rectangular, that sandstone, granite are used to build

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The features of Dravidian style of architecture are mentioned below :

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The features of Dravidian style of architecture are mentioned below :

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Temples are enclosed with a compound wall.
Gopuram: the entrance gateway in the centre of the front wall.
Vimana: The shape of the main temple tower it is a step pyramid that rises up.
At the entrance to the garbhagriha, there would be sculpture of fierce dvarapalas guarding the temple.
Famous temple towns of Tamil Nadu Kanchipuram, Thanjavur (Tanjore), Madurai and Kumbakonam.

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The Chera dynasty was one of the principal lineages in the early history off present day state of Kerala and some parts of Tamil Nadu in southern India.

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together with the Cholas of Uraiyur and the Pandyas of Madurai, the early Cheras were known as one of the three major powers (muventar) of ancient tamilakam in the early century of the common era.

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The Cheras of the historical period are known to have had their original centre  at Karur in Tamil Nadu and harbours at Muchiri and Thondi on the Indian Ocean coast.

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Cheras of the Kongu countries are known to have controlled western Tamil Nadu and central Kerala in early middle mediaeval.

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Kongu Cheras appeared to have been absorbed into the panda political symbol by 10th/11th century AD. Even after the dissolution of the Perumal kingdom, outside Kerala proper call mama continued to referrer the country and people as the "Cheras of Keralas"