Art And Literature Of Cheras: Medieval India

Art And Literature of Cheras: Medieval India

Introduction

The Cheras were an ancient Dravidian-born Tamil royal dynasty. In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, in south-eastern and south-western India, respectively, they were the first to establish a historical ruling dynasty. They created numerous Shiva temples since they were devout worshippers of the god. Their temples are often octagonal or rectangular in shape and made of sandstone or granite. Their style of building is referred to as Dravidian architecture. 
 

History of Cheras

•    One of the three principal kingdoms of Tamilkam, the Chera Dynasty ruled over what is now Kerala and, to a lesser extent, portions of Tamil Nadu in South India.
 
•    The word Chera most likely came from the old Tamil word Cheral, which signifies the declivity of a mountain.
 
•    Their kingdom was situated to the north and west of the Pandya kingdom, and they were also known as "Keraputras."
 
•    The Cholas and the Pandyas have been the Cheras' continuous enemies throughout their history.
 
•    They ruled over Tamil Nadu's Kongu region as well as the center and northern regions of Kerala.
 
•    Their "bow and arrow" eagle served as their national anthem. Their capital was Vanji, and they ruled over the ports of Musiri and Tondi on the west coast.
 
•    The greatest Chera emperor in the second century A.D. was Senguttuvan, commonly known as the Red Chera or the Good Chera.
 
Art And Literature of Cheras: Medieval India

Cheras's Art And Architecture

•    Dravidian architecture is referred to as Cheras architecture, and its temples are often octagonal or rectangular in shape and made of granite or sandstone. Four sections the vimanam, mandapams, gopurams, and garbhagriha are present in each of their temples.
 
•    In the villages and cities where they were constructed, the gopurams, an imposing tower over the entryway, were the tallest buildings.
 
•    The gopuram was usually illuminated at night, frequently to aid weary travelers or passersby in finding their way.
 
•    It was not merely a place of worship at the temple. It served as a gathering spot for people to socialize, receive education, and celebrate local events like weddings as well as the king's military successes.
 
•    Many temples also served as hospitals, and the temple was also employed as a form of emergency storage store.
 
•    It was a setting where the arts including music, dance, theatre, and handicrafts were promoted and flourished.
 
Some important temples of Cheras are:

Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple

•    The Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple is one of Cheras's most significant temples.
 
•    It was constructed in the Chera era, when Umadevi worshipped Lord Shiva, and it has a Keralan style of construction.
 
•    This temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in South India and belongs to Indian archaeology.
 
•    According to legend, Sundara Murthy Naayanar, a sage, rode his horse to Kailash, where the hymn Padhigam is inscribed in this temple, where Lord Shiva dwelt with his complete family.
 
•    This temple is located in Kodungallur's Thrissur neighborhood.
 

Bhagavathi Amman Temple 

•    Bhadrakali Amman temple is another name for this temple, which is situated in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.
 
•    One of the 52 Shakthi Peetam temples is this one.
 
•    Legend has it that after Lord Shiva broke his pledge to marry her, she evolved into a monster.
 
•    The back spine region of the sati is said to have fallen here.
 
•    Here, the festivals of Navarathri, Kalabhavan, and Vaisakha are all lavishly observed.
 

Mahavishnu Temple

•    It is a representation of five historic shrines related to the Mahabharatham and is situated in Thrikkodithanam, Kottayam, and Kerala.
 
•    There is Kerala-style architecture all over the place.
 
•    Between the pond and the eastern entrance is a display of a peculiar kind of art called Kazhivetti Kallur.
 
•    It is preserved as a memento of the king's use of corruption to obtain entry to the temple, where he fell ill and eventually passed away.
 
Art And Literature of Cheras: Medieval India

Literature of Cheras 

•    The Sangam texts are a significant body of Tamil writings that include descriptions of several Chera kings as well as Pandya and Chola kings.
 
•    The most significant Chera literatures are the Pathitrupathu, Akananuru, and Purananuru.
 
•    In the fourth volume of the Ettuthokai anthology, The Pathitrupattu, various Chera kings and heirs apparent are mentioned.
 
•    In the storied Tamil epic poem Chenguttuvan, Ilango Adigal's elder brother is described.
 
•    He also refers to Chenguttuvan's choice to have the goddess Pattini (Kannaki) have a temple constructed in Vanchi (Virakkallu).
 
•    When Paranar and Kongar, two Tamil poets, were in power, Silapathikaram was written.
 
•    Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai, Pathinenkilkanakku, and the two epics Silappathikaram and Manimegalai are some further Sangam-era literary masterpieces that are shared by the Cheras, Pandyas, and Cholas.
 
•    The first piece of Tamil literature is regarded as being Tolkappiyam, penned by Tolkappiyar. Although it is a study on Tamil language, it also sheds light on the political and economic circumstances of the day.
 
•    The eight works in Ettutogai (Eight Anthologies) are Aingurunooru, Narrinai, Aganaooru, Purananooru, Kuruntogai, Kalittogai, Paripadal, and Padirruppatu.
 
•    The collection Pathinenkilkanakku contains 18 writings on morality and ethics. The most significant of these writings is Tirukkural, which was authored by the eminent Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar.
 

Conclusion

In southern India, cheras played a significant role in governance. They were devout individuals who erected numerous Shiva temples and worshipped the god. The vimanam, mandapams, gopurams, and garbhagriha are the four divisions of their temples, which are known as Dravidian temples. The most significant works of literature that describe the Cheras are the Pathitrupathu, Akananuru, and Purananuru. Whether it was during their first or second reign, their rule was known as the "Glorious Period of South India" because it was marked by much prosperity and joy.

Any suggestions or correction in this article - please click here ([email protected])

Related Posts: