Textbook
Our Pasts I, II & III (Classes 6–8)
The simplest possible start: short, illustrated and the base of countless exam questions.
Early Cheras (Sangam era)
Kingdom
Level 2
c. 300 BCE – c. 300 CE
Sangam-age kingdom trading pepper with Rome via Muziris.
- Capital
- Vanchi (Karur / Muziris)
- Region
- South
- Duration
- 599 years
- Main period
- Post-Mauryan Powers
Approximate extent.
Rulers
- Senguttuvan Kingc. 150 CE – c. 190 CEHero of the Silappatikaram tradition.
Selected rulers; gaps in the list are not gaps in the dynasty.
Key events
| Year | Event | Place |
|---|---|---|
| c. 52 CE | St Thomas traditionally lands at Muziris | Kodungallur |
Personalities
📚 Recommended reading on the Early Cheras (Sangam era)
Textbook
Themes in Indian History, Parts I–III (Class 12)
Source-based chapters on Harappa, Vijayanagara, the Mughal court and 1857 — essential for UPSC.
Textbook
An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I (Class 11)
The standard base for art and architecture questions — stupas, temples and sculpture.
Textbook
India's Ancient Past
The expanded version of the classic old-NCERT ancient India text; clear and exam-friendly.
We may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. See all recommended books →
Contemporaries
Powers that coexisted with the Early Cheras (Sangam era) for a significant part of its history.
Anuradhapura Kingdom ★
Sri Lanka · c. 437 BCE – c. 1017
Mauryan Empire ★
Pan-Indian · c. 321–185 BCE
Satavahana Empire ★
Deccan · c. 200 BCE – c. 225 CE
Kushan Empire ★
Northwest · c. 30 CE – c. 375 CE
Gupta Empire ★
Gangetic Plain · c. 240 CE – c. 550 CE
Pallava Dynasty ★
South · c. 275 CE – c. 897 CE
Kalinga
East · c. 700–261 BCE
Early Pandyas (Sangam era)
South · c. 400 BCE – c. 300 CE
Early Cholas (Sangam era)
South · c. 300 BCE – c. 300 CE
Greco-Bactrian Kingdom
Northwest · c. 256–125 BCE
Mahameghavahana (Chedi) of Kalinga
East · c. 200 BCE – c. 50 CE
Indo-Greek Kingdoms
Northwest · c. 200 BCE – c. 10 CE
Shunga Dynasty
Gangetic Plain · c. 185–73 BCE
Indo-Scythian (Saka) Kingdoms
Northwest · c. 110 BCE – c. 80 CE
Kanva Dynasty
East · c. 73–28 BCE
Indo-Parthian Kingdom
Northwest · c. 19 CE – c. 100 CE
Western Kshatrapas
West · c. 35 CE – c. 415 CE
Ikshvakus of Vijayapuri
Deccan · c. 225 CE – c. 340 CE
Kalabhra Interregnum
South · c. 250 CE – c. 600 CE
Vakataka Dynasty
Deccan · c. 250 CE – c. 500 CE