Chera Dynasty | List of Chera Rulers and their contributions

Name of Chera Rulers

Reign (AD)

Contribution (s)

Uthiyan Cheralathan

NA

1. He was the first recorded Chera ruler of the Sangam period in ancient South India.

2. He was popularly known as "Vanavaramban" (which means either "one whose kingdom reaches up to the sky" or "the one who's loved by the gods").

Nedum Cheralathan

NA

1. Kannanar was his court poet.

2. Took the title of Adhiraja.

Selva Kadumko Valiathan

NA

NA

Senguttuvan Chera

NA

1. Also known as Kadalpirakoottiya Vel Kelu Kuttuvan, Senguttavan, and Chenkuttuvan.

Illam Cheral Irumporai

NA

NA

Mantaran Cheral

NA

1. He was one of the mighty kings of the Chera Kingdom in Tamilakam, during the Sangam period.

Kulashekhara Varma

800–820

1. Also known as 'Perumal', meaning 'The Great' – an epithet for god Rama.

2. He considered as the author of Sanskrit lyrics Mukundamala and Perumal Tirumozhi, which are compiled as a part of Nalayira Divya Prabandham.

Rajashekhara Varma

820–844

1. His another name was Ceraman Perumal Nayanar.

2. He is the first known ruler of the Chera of Cranganore.

3. The Hindu saint Adi Sankara was his contemporary. 

Sthanu Ravi Varma

844–885

1. His reign was noted for developments in science, economic prosperity and political stability.

2. Famous astronomer Sankara Narayana (the author of Sankara Narayaniyam, a commentary of Bhaskara's Laghu Bhaskariya) was member of the royal palace of Sthanu Ravi at Mahodayapuram.

Rama Varma Kulashekhara

885–917

NA

Goda Ravi Varma

917–944

NA

Indu Kotha Varma

944–962

NA

Bhaskara Ravi Varma I

962–1019

NA

Bhaskara Ravi Varma II

1019–1021

NA

Vira Kerala

1021–1028

NA

Rajasimha

1028–1043

NA

Bhaskara Ravi Varma III

1043–1082

NA

Ravi Rama Varma

1082–1090

NA

Rama Varma Kulashekhara

1090–1102

1. His full name was Raja Sri Rama Varma, Kulasekhara Perumal, alternatively Ramar Tiruvati or Kulasekhara Koyiladhikarikal).

2. His reign was known for severe political crisis and instability.

3. He was the last ruler of the Later Chera dynasty (Kulasekharas of Mahodayapuram).