Cheran Chenkuttuvan, also known as the Alluring Kuttuvan, lived in the second century CE. Chera, also known as Katal Pirakottiya Vel Kezhu Kuttuvan, was the most famous ruler of the Chera dynasty in early historic South India and Kerala. During his reign, his kingdom was expanded all the way to Kerala, and due to his great valour, the kings in his neighbouring kingdom showed him proper respect and moved with him in a friendly manner. This article will explain to you the Cheran Senguttuvan which will be helpful in Ancient History preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Cheran Senguttuvan

Cheran Senguttuvan

• Cheran Senguttuvan was a popular king in the line of Chera rulers from the Sangam Age.
• Two important Sangam Age literary works, 'Padirupattu' and 'Ahananuru,' contain a wealth of information about him.
• Cheran's military exploits are also detailed in the Tamil epic 'Silappadikaram.'
• According to this work, he led an expedition to the Himalayan mountains, defeated his enemies across the Ganges, and raised the Chera flag on the Himalayas.
• In the fifth decade of Patitrupattu of the Ettutokai anthology, Paranar eulogises the kuttuvan.
• Purananuru 343 refers to Cenkuttuvan's hill and sea products, primarily pearls, as well as Yavana gold brought ashore by boats.
• He apparently also brought back stones from there and built a temple in Kannagi's honour.

Cheran Senguttuvan

Cheran Senguttuvan - Reign

• Senguttuvan, the great Chera king, ruled his kingdom during the 2nd century AD and was a popular king during the ancient period.
• He was the great king Cheralathan's son.
• During his reign, his kingdom was expanded all the way to Kerala, and due to his great valour, the kings in his neighbouring kingdom showed him proper respect and moved with him in a friendly manner.
• He ruled his empire for more than 50 years and was also the ruler of modern-day Coimbatore.
• His famous brother, Ilanko Adigal, had become a Jain monk and was the author of Silappatikaram.
• Silappatikaram, an ancient Tamil work, mentions his accomplishments.
• Senguttuvan had established business in foreign countries and conducted his trade via ships.
• Everyone in this world praised Senguttuvan, and his name and fame spread throughout the world.
• Senguttuvan was a noble king who established many food and resting places throughout his kingdom to alleviate the hunger of tired travellers.

Cheran Senguttuvan - Military Conquests

• The Kadambas, aided by the Yavanas (possibly Greek or Roman mariners), launched a sea attack on the Kuttuvan, but the Cera ruler destroyed their fleet.
• He is said to have defeated the Kongu people as well as the warrior Mokur Mannan.
• Chera territory included Kollimalai near Karur Vanci in the east and Tondi and Mantai on the western coast during his reign (Kerala).
• Kerala's Kuttanad is named after him.
• Senguttavan's military achievements are described, albeit exaggeratedly, in the mediaeval Tamil epic poem Silappatikaram.
• Cheran Senguttuvan warriors used bull-hide shields to protect themselves from enemy darts.
• Cheran Senguttuvan successfully intervened in the Cola territory succession dispute and installed his relative (brother-in-law) Killi on the Chola throne.).
• The Cheran Senguttuvan's arch enemies are described as the Kadambas. The kuttuvan defeated them in the battle of Idumbil, Valayur (Viyalur).
• The "fort" of Kotukur, where the Kadamba warriors had taken refuge, was stormed.
• Later, the Kadambas (aided by the Yavanas) launched a sea attack on Kuttuvan, but the Cera ruler destroyed their fleet.

Cheran Senguttuvan and Silappatikaram

• Silappatikaram is traditionally attributed to prince Ilanko Atikal (literally the Junior Prince), who appears in the work as Cheran Senguttuvan's younger brother.
• The third section of Silappatikaram (the Vanci Kantham) is about Cheran Senguttuvan's expedition to the Himalayas to bring the virakkallu for an idol of Kannaki/Pattini.
• The royal astrologer at the court of Chera king predicted that (the younger prince) Ilanko would succeed the king, which enraged the elder prince Senguttavan, according to the patikam of Silappatikaram.
• Ilanko immediately chose to renounce his throne claims and live the life of a Jain ascetic.
• He moved to a monastery on the outskirts of Vanci and wrote the epic Silappadikaram.

Conclusion

Senguttuvan, the great Chera king, ruled his kingdom in the 2nd century AD and was a popular ruler at the time. Chera, also known as Katal Pirakottiya Vel Kezhu Kuttuvan in early historic South India and Kerala, was the most famous ruler of the Chera dynasty. 'Padirupattu' and 'Ahananuru ', two important Sangam Age literary works, contain a wealth of information about him. The Tamil epic 'Silappadikaram' also details Cheran's military exploits.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which dynasty did Cheran Senguttuvan belong to?

A) Chola
B) Pandya
C) Chera
D) Satavahana

2. What is the primary theme of the epic 'Silappatikaram'?

A) Adventure of a prince
B) Love and vengeance
C) Historical accounts of kings
D) Spiritual journeys

3. Which significant journey is associated with Cheran Senguttuvan?

A) Journey to Sri Lanka
B) Journey to the Himalayas
C) Journey to the Deccan
D) Journey to Egypt

4. What role did Cheran Senguttuvan play in Tamil literature?

A) He was a poet himself.
B) He suppressed literary works.
C) He was a patron of poets.
D) He focused solely on military conquests.

5. Cheran Senguttuvan is most closely associated with which of the following?

A) The Tamil Sangam
B) The Maurya Empire
C) The Gupta Dynasty
D) The Harappan Civilization

GS Mains Questions and Answers

Q1: Discuss the significance of Cheran Senguttuvan in ancient Tamil history.

Answer: Cheran Senguttuvan is a central figure in ancient Tamil history, symbolizing the confluence of military valor, cultural patronage, and religious devotion. His reign is characterized by significant achievements in governance, including the promotion of arts and literature, as exemplified by his association with the epic 'Silappatikaram.' His legendary expedition to the Himalayas highlights his dedication to spirituality and the welfare of his people. Senguttuvan's legacy continues to resonate in Tamil culture, representing an ideal ruler who harmonized strength with cultural advancement.

Q2: Analyze the impact of Cheran Senguttuvan's reign on Tamil literature.

Answer: Cheran Senguttuvan's reign had a profound impact on Tamil literature, as he was a patron of poets and artists who flourished during his time. His encouragement led to the creation of significant literary works, notably 'Silappatikaram,' which encapsulates the socio-cultural ethos of the period. The support extended to poets helped in the preservation and promotion of Tamil language and literature, fostering a literary environment that not only documented the history of the time but also reflected the values and struggles of Tamil society. This cultural renaissance under his rule laid the foundation for future literary developments in Tamil Nadu.

Q3: Evaluate the cultural and religious dimensions of Cheran Senguttuvan's expeditions.

Answer: Cheran Senguttuvan's expeditions were deeply rooted in cultural and religious dimensions, particularly his famous journey to the Himalayas to procure sacred stones. This expedition illustrated his commitment to the spiritual well-being of his kingdom and his personal devotion to the deities he worshipped. Additionally, his actions fostered a sense of cultural pride and identity among his subjects, linking their local practices to broader religious traditions. His efforts to bring back sacred artifacts not only reinforced his political legitimacy but also enhanced the cultural fabric of his kingdom, intertwining governance with religious and artistic endeavors.

Previous Year Questions on Cheran Senguttuvan

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: Cheran Senguttuvan is primarily associated with which of the following epics?

A) Mahabharata
B) Ramayana
C) Silappatikaram
D) Manimekalai

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Cheran Senguttuvan is primarily associated with 'Silappatikaram,' an important Tamil epic that highlights his reign and the cultural milieu of ancient Tamil Nadu.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020:

Question: Critically analyze the contributions of Cheran Senguttuvan to the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

Answer: Cheran Senguttuvan's contributions to the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu are monumental, encompassing his role as a patron of arts and literature. He significantly influenced Tamil literature through his support of poets, fostering a rich literary environment that produced works like 'Silappatikaram.' His legendary exploits and emphasis on spirituality added depth to the cultural landscape, intertwining governance with cultural identity. Furthermore, his initiatives to procure sacred artifacts underscored the connection between religion and politics, reinforcing the cultural cohesion of his realm. Thus, Senguttuvan's legacy is not only of a king but also of a cultural icon who shaped the identity of Tamil Nadu.