• The Tamil country was ruled by three dynasties namely the Chera, Chola and Pandyas during the Sangam Age. The political history of these dynasties can be traced from the literary references.

The Cheras

• The Cheras 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 west coast ports of Musiri and Tondi. Vanji is associated with Karur, however some scholars associate it with Tiruvanchaikkalam in Kerala. Most scholars now agree that there were two main branches of the Chera family, and the Poraiya branch reigned from Karur in present-day Tamil Nadu.
• The Patitruppathu speaks of eight Chera kings, their territory and fame. The inscriptions of Pugalur near Karur mention Chera kings of three generations. Cheral Irumporai issued coins in his name. Imayavaramban Neduncheralathan and Chenguttuvan are some of the prominent Chera kings. Chenguttuvan defeated many chieftains and is said to have ensured the safety of the great port Musiri by putting down piracy. Some Cheras issued copper and lead coins, with Tamil-Brahmi legends, imitating Roman coins. There are many other Chera coins with their bow and arrow emblem but without any writing on them.

Fig: Sangam Period, ruled by Chera dynasty, Chola dynasty and the Pandyan dynasty