Chera Dynasty

The Cheras were one of the major powers that dominated Tamil Nadu during the Sangam period. The early Chera empire included the state of Kerala and some parts of Salem-Coimbatore districts. In the first centuries of the Christian era, the Cheras had status and power equal to the Cholas and Pandyas. The first Chera king of the Sangha period was Perumchottu Udiyan Cheralathan. He was a contemporary of Karikala Chola. His successor, Imayavaramban Nedumcheralathan, fought against the Kadambars of Banavasi. He also fought and won against the Yavanas. The most prominent of the early Cheras was Chenguttuvan. He was a great lover of art and literature. He took steps to promote trade and commercial affairs. The Patittupat is a work that throws light on the history of the early Chera kings.

The capital of the early Cheras was Vanchimuthur. The decline of the Chera dynasty was due to the incompetence of the kings. Internal weaknesses and economic crises accelerated the decline. The attacks of the Kalabhra king Achyutavikantha and the dominance of dynasties such as the Chalukyas, Pallavas, Pandyas and Cholas also paved the way for the decline of the Chera kingdom. After the 2nd century AD, the power of the Cheras began to decline. There is no information available about the history of the Chera dynasty until the 8th century AD. However, in the 9th century AD, Chera power was restored. The kings of the later Chera kingdom were known as 'Kulashekaras'. This period is generally referred to by historians as the "Perumal period".

Kulasekhara Azhvar (Kulasekharavarman) was the founder of the Second Chera Kingdom. Their capital was Makothai or Mahodayapuram near Kodungallur. The capital city was situated around the Shiva temple at Thiruvanchikulam. The city of Mahathevar, which was a city of Shiva temples, later became Mahodayapuram. The re-establishment of the Chera Kingdom is associated with the growth of a Brahmin-dominated society. The Brahmins welcomed a monarchy in place of the tribal society. The Chera kings and the Brahmins helped each other and it was beneficial for both groups.

About thirteen kings ruled the Second Chera Kingdom. Their exact chronology is not available. Kulasekara Azhwar, the founder of the Second Chera Kingdom  is the author of the Sanskrit poem 'Mukundamala'. He also wrote the famous devotional book in Tamil 'Perumal Thirumozhi'. The second Chera king, Rajashekaravarman, was a devotee of Shiva. He was also known as "Cheramaan Perumal Nayanar". The Kollavarsham, which began in 825 AD, was established during the reign of Rajashekaravarma.

The next Chera emperor, Sthanuravivarman, was the most notable ruler of the Kulasekaras. The famous Tharisappally Edict (Cheppedu) was prepared in 849 AD. The famous astronomer Sankaranarayanan was Sthanuravi's chief scholar. A well-equipped astronomical observatory was functioning under his supervision at Mahodayapuram. Arab travelers like Sulaiman visited Kerala during Sthanuravi's reign.

Bhaskara Ravivarman I was one of the prominent Chera kings who came to power after Sthanuravivarman. The Jewish edict he wrote to Joseph Rabban, the Jewish leader of Mahodayapuram, is a document of great historical importance. It is a royal proclamation granting Joseph Rabban the title of "Anchuvanna" with seventy-two rights.

The Chola-Chera war began during the reign of Bhaskara Ravivarman. The last Chera king, Ramavarma Kulasekharan, strongly resisted the attacks of the Cholas, but could not save the country from disintegration. The prolonged Chola-Chera war led to the decline of Mahodayapuram and the loss of its political importance. Internal problems and external attacks spelled the end of the Chera rule. By the beginning of the twelfth century, the Perumal rule had disappeared.

Temple Architecture

Two types of architectural styles were used in Kerala for temple construction. Dravidian style and Kerala style. The main features of Kerala style are the sanctum and the importance of woodwork. Some temples built in Kerala style include Koothambalam and Garuda Mandapam.

There are three phases in the development of temple construction in Kerala.

(1) The first phase is between the ninth and eleventh centuries. The foundations of the temples during this period were built in a circular or rectangular shape.

(2) In the second phase between the eleventh and fourteenth centuries, a combination of Dravidian and Kerala styles prevailed. The practice of building a shrine inside a temple began during this period.

(3) The third phase of temple construction in Kerala occurred between the fourteenth and nineteenth centuries. During this phase, temple construction became very complex. Attractive decorative works became the main feature of the temples.

Major temples built in the Kerala style

■ Koodalmanikyak Temple in Irinjalakuda

■ Mahadeva Temple in Peruvanam

■ Vadakkumnath Temple

■ Sree Rama Temple in Triprayar

■ Sree Krishna Temple in Guruvayur

■ Thiruvangad Temple in Thalassery