Which of the following pairs of the king and his dynasty in early historical Tamilakam is/are not correctly matched?
Senguttuvan — Chera • Udiyanjerai — Chola • Nedunjeliyan — Pandya
Identify the incorrectly matched pair(s)
(Sangam Age • c. 300 BCE – 300 CE)
Which of the following pairs of the king and his dynasty in early historical Tamilakam is/are not correctly matched?
CHOOSE THE CORRECT STATEMENT:
Cheran Senguttuvan (also called Red Chera / Good Chera) was one of the most celebrated rulers of the Chera dynasty during the Sangam Age (2nd century CE).
- Capital: Vanji (modern Karur, Tamil Nadu)
- Famous epic: Silappatikaram by Ilango Adigal (his brother)
- Introduced the worship of Kannagi as Pattini (ideal wife) in Tamil Nadu
- Legendary northern expedition mentioned in literature
Udiyanjerai (also known as Uthiyan Cheralathan / Perum Chorru Udiyan Cheralathan / Vanavaramban) was the earliest known ruler of the Chera dynasty, not Chola.
He ruled around c. 130 CE. He is regarded as the founder/earliest recorded ruler of the Western branch of Cheras. Chola rulers of the period include Karikala Chola (famous for Kallanai dam).
Nedunjeliyan II (c. 210 CE) was a powerful Pandya king of the Sangam period. He is famously known as “Talaiyalanganathu Seruvendra Nedunjeliyan”.
- Defeated the combined forces of Chera and Chola at the Battle of Talaiyalanganam
- Extended Pandya influence across much of Tamilakam
- Capital: Madurai (also Korkai port)
Deep Dive: Profiles of the Kings
Vanji (Karur)
Bow & Arrow
- Hero of the Tamil epic Silappatikaram
- Performed northern expedition (Himalayan campaign mentioned in literature)
- Installed the idol of Kannagi and popularised Pattini cult (worship of chaste wife) across Tamil country
- Patron of arts and literature
c. 1st – 2nd Century CE
Bow (Chera)
- Regarded as the founder / earliest recorded ruler of the Chera line in Sangam literature
- Known as Perum Chorru (one who gave great feasts) — possibly hosted returning warriors
- Mentioned extensively in Purananuru
- His son or successors continued Chera rule from Vanji
Madurai
Two Fishes (Carp)
- Defeated a powerful confederacy of Cheras and Cholas at Battle of Talaiyalanganam (near modern Tiruvarur)
- One of the greatest military successes of any Sangam ruler
- Patron of poets; praised in Mathuraikkanci
- Strengthened Pandya control over fertile Kaveri delta and southern regions
Sangam Age at a Glance: The Three Crowned Kings (Moovendars)
The early historical period in Tamilakam (roughly 300 BCE – 300 CE) is known as the Sangam Age. It is named after the Sangam — assemblies of Tamil poets and scholars held in Madurai under Pandya patronage.
The three major ruling dynasties were the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas — collectively called the Moovendars (Three Crowned Kings). Their history, society, economy, and culture are vividly described in the Sangam literature (Ettuttokai, Pattuppattu, and the two great epics).
| Aspect | Chera | Chola | Pandya |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital | Vanji (Karur) | Uraiyur / Puhar (Kaveripattinam) | Madurai |
| Emblem | Bow (and arrow) | Tiger | Two Fishes |
| Major Port(s) | Muziris (Muchiri), Tyndis (Tondi) | Puhar, Nagapattinam | Korkai, Alagankulam |
| Famous Ruler(s) | Senguttuvan, Uthiyan Cheralathan, Imayavaramban Nedunjeralathan | Karikala Chola, Kocengannan | Nedunjeliyan I & II, Mudukudimi Peruvaludi |
| Key Literary Source | Silappatikaram, Purananuru | Pattinappalai, Purananuru | Mathuraikkanci, Purananuru |
| Notable Contribution | Pattini cult, overseas trade with Rome | Kallanai (Grand Anicut) dam by Karikala | Victory at Talaiyalanganam; strong navy |
Important Timeline of Sangam Rulers & Events
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
Test Yourself: More Practice Questions
Show Answer & Explanation
Mathuraikkanci is a Pattuppattu poem that describes the glory of Nedunjeliyan II and the city of Madurai. Silappatikaram is about Senguttuvan. Pattinappalai praises Karikala Chola.
Show Explanation
Statement 2 is wrong. Nedunjeliyan (Pandya) won the battle. Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
मुख्य बिंदु (हिंदी में) – Key Points in Hindi
This page is created for educational purposes for competitive exam aspirants. All information is synthesized from standard, widely accepted historical sources. Dates and interpretations may have minor scholarly variations.