The Cheras were a Tamil royal dynasty of ancient Dravidian origin. They were the first to establish a historical ruling dynasty in the area, ruling over a vast area of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in south-eastern and south-western India, respectively. They were ardent worshippers of Shiva and built many temples of Lord Shiva. Their architecture is known as Dravidian architecture, and their temples are mostly octagonal or rectangular in shape, built with sandstone or granite. This article will explain to you the Art and Literature of Cheras which will be helpful in History preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Cheras - Background

• The Chera Dynasty was one of three major kingdoms of Tamilkam, ruling over what is now Kerala and, to a lesser extent, parts of Tamil Nadu in South India.
• The word Chera is most likely derived from Cheral, which means declivity of a mountain in ancient Tamil.
• They were also referred to as 'Keraputras,' and their kingdom was located to the west and north of the Pandya kingdom.
• The Cheras' history has been marked by constant conflict with the Cholas and the Pandyas.
• They ruled over Kerala's central and northern regions, as well as the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu.
• Their capital was Vanji, and they controlled the ports on the west coast, Musiri and Tondi and their emblem was “bow and arrow”.
• Senguttuvan, also known as the Red Chera or the Good Chera, was the greatest ruler of Cheras in the second century A.D.

Art and Architecture of Cheras

• Cheras architecture is known as Dravidian architecture, and their temples are mostly octagonal or rectangular in shape, built with sandstones or granite. Their temples are divided into four sections: vimanam, mandapams, gopurams, and garbhagriha.
• The gopurams, an imposing tower over the entrance, were the tallest structures in the villages and towns where they were built.
• The gopuram was always lit at night, often to guide a tired traveller or show a passer-by the way.
• The temple was more than just a place of worship. It was a place for socialising, education, and celebration, not just of the king's battle victories, but also of local functions and ceremonies such as marriages.
• The temple was also used as a sort of emergency storage facility, and many temples also housed hospitals.
• It was a place where art such as music, dance, drama, and handicrafts, was encouraged and flourished.

Some important temples of Cheras are:-

Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple

• It was built in Kerala style architecture during the Chera period, when Lord Shiva was worshipped by Umadevi.
• This temple falls under India's archaeology, and it is one of the oldest Shiva temples in South India.
• The myth story goes that Lord Shiva lived with his entire family and that sage Sundara Murthy Naayanar travelled on horseback to reach Kailash, where the song Padhigam is written in this temple.
• This temple is in the Thrissur district of Kodungallur.

Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple

Bhagavathi Amman Temple

• This temple located in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, is also known as Bhadrakali Amman temple.
• This is one of the 52 Shakthi Peetam temples.
• According to legend, Lord Shiva failed to keep his promise to marry her, and as a result, she turned into a demon.
• According to popular belief, the back spine area of sati fell here.
• The Navarathri, Kalabhavan, and Vaisakha festivals are all grandly celebrated here.

Bhagavathi Amman Temple

Mahavishnu Temple

• It is located in Thrikkodithanam, Kottayam, Kerala, and represents five ancient shrines connected to Mahabharatham.
• Kerala style architecture can be found throughout the area.
• Kazhivetti Kallur, a strange form of art, is displayed between the pond and the eastern entrance.
• It is kept as a reminder that the king bribed the caretaker and gained access to the temple, where he soon became ill and died.

Literature of Cheras

• The Sangam texts are a large body of Tamil works that describe a number of Chera rulers along with Pandya and Chola rulers.
• The Pathitrupathu, Akananuru, and Purananuru are the most important literatures of the Cheras.
• The Pathitrupattu, the fourth book in the Ettuthokai anthology, mentions several Chera rulers and heirs-apparent.
• Chenguttuvan is described as Ilango Adigal's elder brother in the legendary Tamil epic poem Chilapathikaram.
• He also mentions Chenguttuvan's decision to build a temple (Virakkallu) in Vanchi for the goddess Pattini (Kannaki).
• Silapathikaram was written during their reign, when Tamil poets, Paranar, and Kongar ruled.
• Some other literary works of Sangam time which are common for the Cheras, Pandyas and Cholas are Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai, Pathinenkilkanakku, and two epics named Silappathikaram and Manimegalai.
• Tolkappiyam, written by Tolkappiyar, is considered the first Tamil literary work. Though it is a work on Tamil grammar, it also provides insights into the time's political and socioeconomic conditions.
• Aingurunooru, Narrinai, Aganaooru, Purananooru, Kuruntogai, Kalittogai, Paripadal, and Padirruppatu are the eight works included in Ettutogai (Eight Anthologies).
• Pathinenkilkanakku is a collection of eighteen works on ethics and morals. The most important of these works is Tirukkural, written by Thiruvalluvar, a great Tamil poet and philosopher.

Conclusion

Cheras were an important part of ruling in south India. They were religious people and worshippers of Shiva, built many temples of lord Shiva. Their architecture is known as Dravidian architecture and temples are divided into four sections: vimanam, mandapams, gopurams, and garbhagriha. The Pathitrupathu, Akananuru, and Purananuru are the most important literatures which describe the Cheras. Their reign was dubbed the "Glorious Period of South India," because it saw a lot of flourishing and happiness, whether it was during their first or second reign.