Chera Perumals
Also called: Cheras of Mahodayapuram · Topic: Southern Dynasties: Chalukyas, Pallavas, Cholas · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 3 "Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries"
Meaning
The Chera Perumals ruled the Kerala coast from about the 9th to the 12th century. Their capital was Mahodayapuram, modern Kodungallur. They kept their independence even though powerful neighbours surrounded them. Under them, sea trade with West Asia thrived. This shows that India was a hub of international commerce.
Example
A set of copper-plate inscriptions from their kingdom records traders from West Asia who were Christian, Muslim and Jewish. The Tharisapalli plates of c. 849 CE, for example, record grants to a Christian church at Kollam.
Don't confuse with
- Sangam-age Cheras: the much earlier Chera kingdom known from Sangam poems and an edict of Ashoka. It is separate from the later Chera Perumal rulers.