This is a list of ethnically Tamil and predominantly Tamil speaking monarchs, who ruled in

Southern India South India, also known as Dakshina Bharata or Peninsular India, consists of the peninsular southern part of India. It encompasses the States and union territories of India, Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and T ...

and parts of

Sri Lanka Sri Lanka (, ; si, ශ්‍රී ලංකා, Śrī Laṅkā, translit-std=ISO (); ta, இலங்கை, Ilaṅkai, translit-std=ISO ()), formerly known as Ceylon and officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an ...

and

South East Asia Southeast Asia, also spelled South East Asia and South-East Asia, and also known as Southeastern Asia, South-eastern Asia or SEA, is the geographical south-eastern region of Asia, consisting of the regions that are situated south of mainland ...

. The ancient Tamil monarchy was largely hereditary and supported by numerous chieftains.

Tamil royal titles

* ''Perun-Ko, Perarasan, Irai, Iraivan'' (Emperor) * ''Perarasi'' (Empress) * ''Ko, Arasan, Mannan, Aliyan'' or ''Araiyan'' (King) * ''Arasi'' (Queen) * ''Ilavarasi'' or ''Piratti'' (Princess) * ''Ilam-Ko'' or ''Ilavarasan'' (Prince) * ''Kuru-nila Mannan'' or ''Chitarasan'' (Petty King) * ''Chitarasi'' (Petty Queen) * ''Antavan'' (Ruler)

Ethnically Tamil monarchs

Three Crowned Kings

There were "Three Crowned Kings" which is – * Chera *

Chola The Chola dynasty was a Tamils, Tamil thalassocratic Tamil Dynasties, empire of southern India and one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the history of the world. The earliest datable references to the Chola are from inscriptions dated ...

* Pandya

Pandyan dynasty (c. 600 BCE – 1620 CE)

Early Pandyans (c. 6th century BCE – 3rd century CE)

Koon Pandiyan Koon Pandiyan ("The hunch-backed Pandyan") was the nickname of a king who ruled Madurai around 7th century. Some historians identify him with the Pandyan king Arikesari Parankusa Maravarman. He converted from Shaivism to Jainism, but then r ...

* Nedunjeliyan I (he was mentioned in legend of

Kannagi Kannagi ( ta, கண்ணகி) sometimes spelled Kannaki, is a legendary Tamil woman who forms the central character of the Tamil epic '' Cilappatikaram''. Kannagi is described as the chaste woman who stays with her husband despite his unfa ...

) * Pudappandiyan * Mudukudumi Peruvazhudhi *

Nedunjeliyan II Nedunjeliyan II (c. 210 CE) was the greatest of Early Pandya Kings. He defeated a confederacy of the Cholas and Cheras at Talaiyalanganam near Tiruvarur and conquered most of the Tamil country establishing him as the most important ruler of h ...

* Nanmaran * Nedunjeliyan III * Maran Vazhudhi * Kadalan Vazhudhi * Mutriya Chezhiyan * Ukkirap Peruvazhudhi

Imperial Pandyans (590–920 CE)

Kadungon :''Kadungon or Kadunkon was also the name an earlier Pandya king, mentioned in the Sangam literature.'' Kadungon was a Pandya king who revived the Pandya rule in South India in the 6th century CE. Along with the Pallava king Simhavishnu, he is ...

(590–620 CE) * Maravarman Avani Culamani (620-645 CE) *

Jayantavarman Jayantavarman (''r. c''. 654–670 CE), known in Tamil as Seliyan Sendan, was a Pandya ruler of early historic south India. He is best known for extending the Pandya rule to the Chera country (Kerala). He was succeeded by his son Maravarman Ar ...

(645-670 CE) * Arikesari Maravarman Nindraseer Nedumaaran (670–710 CE) *

Kochadaiyan Ranadhiran Kochchadaiyan, known as Ranadhira, (Tamil: கோச்சடையான் ரணதீரன்)(''r. c.'' 700 – 730 AD) was a Pandya king of early medieval south India. He was the son and successor of Arikesari Maravarman (''r. c.'' 640 ...

(710–735 CE) * Arikesari Parankusa Maravarman Rajasimha I (735–765 CE) * Parantaka Nedunjadaiyan (765–815 CE) * Rasasingan II (790–800) CE * Varagunan I (800–830 CE) *

Srimara Srivallabha Srimara Srivallabha (r. c. 815–c. 862 ADSastri, K. A. Nilakanta. (1958, second ed.) ''A History of South India from Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar''. Madras, Oxford University Press. 165.) was a Pandya king of early medieval sou ...

(815–862 CE) *

Varagunavarman II Varagunavarman II, also described as Varaguna II, was a king of the Pandya dynasty in south India whose reign lasted from c. 862 until c. 879 CE.Sastri, K. A. Nilakanta. (1958, second ed.) ''A History of South India from Prehistoric Times to th ...

(862–880 CE) * Parantaka Viranarayana (880–900 CE) *

Maravarman Rajasimha II Maravarman Rajasimha II (''r. c.'' 900–915 AD) was the last major king of the early medieval Pandya kingdom (6th–10th century AD) of south India. He was the son and successor of Parantaka Viranarayana (''r. c.'' 880–900 AD).Sastri, K. A. ...

(900–920 CE)

Pandyans under Chola empire (920–1216 CE)

*Sundara Pandyan I (920 CE) *Vira Pandyan I *Vira Pandyan II *Amarabhujanga Tivrakopa *Jatavarman Sundara Chola Pandyan *Maravarman Vikrama Chola Pandyan *Maravarman Parakrama Chola Pandyan *Jatavarman Chola Pandya *Seervallabha Manakulachala (1101–1124) *Maaravaramban Seervallaban (1132–1161) *

Parakrama Pandyan I Parakrama Pandyan I was a Pandyan king of Tamilakkam, ruling from the Pandyan capital in Madurai. He was besieged in the Pandyan Civil War (1169–1177) by his contemporary, rival and throne claimant Kulasekhara Pandyan in 1169, a vassal of the ...

(1161–1162 CE) *Kulasekara Pandyan III *Vira Pandyan III *Jatavarman Srivallaban (1175–1180 CE) *

Jatavarman Kulasekaran I Sadayavarman Kulasekaran I ( ta, முதலாம் சடையவர்மன் குலசேகரன்) was a Pandyan king, who ruled regions of South India between 1190–1216. Accession and background Kulasekaran acceded to the Pa ...

(1190–1216 CE)

Later Pandyans (1212–1345 CE)

Parakrama Pandyan II Parakrama Pandyan II, also Pandu Parakramabahu of Polonnaruwa or Parakrama Pandu, was a Pandyan king who invaded the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa in the thirteenth century and ruled from 1212 to 1215 CE. His namesake royal Parakrama Pandyan I had rule ...

(1212–1215 CE) *

Maravarman Sundara Pandyan Maravarman Sundara Pandyan I was a Pandyan king, who ruled regions of South India between 1216–1238 CE. He laid the foundation for the Pandya revival, after being dominated by the Cholas for several centuries. Accession Sundara Pandyan c ...

(1216–1238 CE) *

Sadayavarman Kulasekaran II Sadayavarman Kulasekaran II ( ta, இரண்டாம் சடையவர்மன் குலசேகரன்) was a Pandyan king, who ruled regions of South India between 1238–1240. Shared rule Kulasekaran was one of two Pandyan ...

(1238–1240 CE) *

Maravarman Sundara Pandyan II Maravarman Sundara Pandyan II ( ta, இரண்டாம் மாறவர்மன் சுந்தர பாண்டியன்) was a Pandyan king, who ruled regions of South India between 1238–1240 CE.Sethuraman, p124 Shared rul ...

(1238–1251 CE) *

Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan Jatavarman Sundara I, also known as Sadayavarman Sundara Pandyan, was a emperor of the Pandyan dynasty who ruled regions of Tamilakkam (present day South India) between 1250–1268 CE.Sethuraman, p124 He is remembered for his patronage of the ...

(1251–1268 CE) *

Maaravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I ( ta, முதலாம் மாறவர்மன் குலசேகர பாண்டியன்) was a Pandyan emperor who ruled regions of South India between 1268–1308 CE, though history profess ...

(1268–1308 CE) *Sundara Pandyan IV (1309–1327 CE) *Vira Pandyan IV (1309–1345 CE)

Tenkasi Pandyans (1422–1620 CE)

During the 15th century, the Pandyans lost their traditional capital city

Madurai Madurai ( , also , ) is a major city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu and the administrative headquarters of Madurai District. As of the 2011 census, it was the third largest Urban agglomeration in ...

because of Nayaks invasion, and were forced to move their capital to

Tirunelveli Tirunelveli (, ta, திருநெல்வேலி, translit=Tirunelveli) also known as Nellai ( ta, நெல்லை, translit=Nellai) and historically (during British rule) as Tinnevelly, is a major city in the Indian state of Tami ...

in southern

Tamilakam Tamiḻakam (Tamil: தமிழகம்; Malayalam: തമിഴകം), refers to the geographical region inhabited by the ancient Tamil people, covering the southernmost region of the Indian subcontinent. Tamilakam covered today's Tamil Nad ...

and existed there as vassals. * Cataiyavarman Parakrama Pandyan (1422–1463 CE) * Cataiyavarman III Kulasekara Pandyan (1429–1473 CE) *

Azhagan Perumal Parakrama Pandyan Jatavarman Parakrama Pandyan was a ruler of the Pandyan dynasty between 1473 and 1506. He was known by the regnal title of Azhagan Perumal, while his inscriptions start with Pumisaivvanitai (in Tamil) and Samastabhuvaikavira (in Sanskrit). He mad ...

(1473–1506 CE) * Kulasekara Pandyan (1479–1499 CE) * Cataiyavarman Civallappa Pandyan (1534–1543 CE) * Parakrama Kulasekara Pandyan (1543–1552 CE) * Nelveli Maran (1552–1564 CE) * Cataiyavarman Adiveerama Pandyan (1564–1604 CE) * Varathunga Pandyan (1588–1612 CE) * Varakunarama Pandyan (1613–1618 CE) * Kollankondan ( Approx 1620 CE)

Chola dynasty (c. 300 BCE – 1280 CE)

Legendary Chola rulers

Early Chola rulers (c. 300 BCE – 850 CE)

Ellalan Ellalan ( ta, எல்லாளன், translit=Ellāḷaṉ; si, එළාර, translit=Eḷāra) was a member of the Tamil Chola dynasty, also known as "Manu Needhi Cholan", who upon capturing the throne became king of the Anuradhapura King ...

* Kulakkottan *

Ilamcetcenni Ilamchetchenni (''Iḷamcēṭceṉṉi''; ) was an early Tamil people, Tamil king of the Chola dynasty during the Sangam period. He was a great warrior and ruled the Chola kingdom with Uraiyur as the capital. He married a Velir princess from A ...

Karikalan Karikala ( ta, கரிகால சோழன்) was a Tamils, Tamil Chola dynasty, Chola Emperor who ruled southern India. He is credited with the construction of the flood banks of the Kaveri, river Kaveri. He is recognised as the greates ...

Nedunkilli Nedunkilli ( ta, நெடுங்கிள்ளி) was a Tamil king of the Early Cholas mentioned in Sangam Literature. Nedunkilli is mentioned in context with a civil war between him and another Chola Nalankilli. We have no definite deta ...

Nalankilli Nalankilli was one of the Tamil kings of Early Cholas of the Chola Dynasty mentioned in Sangam Literature. He is the son of Karikala Chola. Nalankilli is mentioned in context with a civil war between him and another Chola king Nedunkilli. The ...

Killivalavan {{Chola history Killivalavan ( ta, கிள்ளிவளவன்) was a Tamil king of the Early Cholas mentioned in Sangam Literature, and of a period close to that of Nedunkilli and Nalankilli. We have no definite details about this Chola ...

Kopperuncholan Kopperuncholan ( ta, கோப்பெருஞ்சோழன்) was a Tamil king of the Early Cholas mentioned in Sangam Literature. We have no definite details about this Chola or his reign. The only information we have is from the fragme ...

Kocengannan Kochchenganan (''Kōccengaṇān'') Kochengat Cholan or Śengaṇān (also spelt Senganan)( ta, சோழன் செங்கணான்) was one of the kings of the Early Cholas mentioned in Sangam literature. The only surviving details ab ...

Perunarkilli Perunarkilli ( ta, பெருநற்கிள்ளி) was one of the Tamil kings of the Early Cholas mentioned in Sangam Literature. There are no definite details about this Chola or his reign. The only information available is from the f ...

Imperial Chola Empire (850–1279 CE)

Vijayalaya Chola Vijayalaya Chola (Tamil: விஜயாலய சோழன்) was a king of South India () who founded the imperial Chola Empire. He ruled over the region to the north of the river Kaveri. Dark age of Cholas The ancient Chola kingdom once ...

(848–881) *

Aditya Surya (; sa, सूर्य, ) is the sun as well as the solar deity in Hinduism. He is traditionally one of the major five deities in the Smarta tradition, all of whom are considered as equivalent deities in the Panchayatana puja and a ...

(871–907) *

Parantaka I Parantaka Chola I (Tamil : பராந்தக சோழன் I) (873 CE–955 CE) was a Chola emperor who ruled for forty-eight years, annexing Pandya by defeating Rajasimhan II. The best part of his reign was marked by increasing success ...

(907–955) *

Gandaraditya Gandaraditha Chola ( ta, கண்டராதித்த சோழன்) succeeded his father Parantaka I and became the Chola king about 955 CE. He was also a Tamil literary poet in the Thiruvisaippa Palandu.''Epigraphy'', by Archaeological ...

(950–957) *

Arinjaya Arinjaya Chola was a chola ruler of the Chola kingdom. He was the third son of Parantaka I and the younger brother of Gandaraditya Chola, whom he is thought to have succeeded in about 956. Arinjaya Chola was succeeded by his son Sundara Chola ...

(956–957) *

Parantaka Chola II Parantaka Chola II (Tamil: இரண்டாம் பராந்தக சோழன்) (r. 958 – 973 CE) was a Chola emperor. He is also known as Sundara Chola as he was considered an epitome of male beauty.''Early Chola temples:Parantak ...

(957–970) *

Uttama Chola Uttama was a Chola Emperor who ruled from 973 CE to 985 CE in present-day Tamil Nadu, India. According to Tiruvalangadu plates of Rajendra Chola, Madurantaka Uttama Chola's reign is placed after Aditya II. The latter may have been a co-regent ...

(973–985) *

Rajaraja Chola I Rajaraja I (947 CE – 1014 CE), born Arunmozhi Varman or Arulmozhi Varman and often described as Raja Raja the Great or Raja Raja Chozhan was a Chola emperor who reigned from 985 CE to 1014 CE. He was the most powerful Tamil king in South ...

(985–1014) *

Rajendra Chola I Rajendra Chola I (; Middle Tamil: Rājēntira Cōḻaṉ; Classical Sanskrit: Rājēndradēva Cōla; Old Malay: ''Raja Suran''; c. 971 CE – 1044 CE), often referred to as Rajendra the Great, and also known as Gangaikonda Chola (Middle Tami ...

(1014–1044) *

Rajadhiraja Chola I Rajadhiraja I (994 CE - 1052 CE) was a Chola emperor, the most skilled military commander among the Chola rulers and the successor of his father, Rajendra I. He was the only Chola emperor who was killed while leading his army in war, and alth ...

(1018–1054) *

Rajendra Chola II Rajendra Chola II (997 CE - 1064 CE) often referred to as Rajendradeva Chola was a Chola emperor who reigned from 1052 CE to 1064 CE. He was made Rajendra succeeded his brother Rajadhiraja I after his death at the Battle of Koppam.''The ...

(1054–1063) *

Virarajendra Chola Virarajendra Chola (1002 CE – 1070 CE) was a Chola emperor, who spent a major part of his life as a subordinate to two of his elder brothers Rajadhiraja I and Rajendra II, he is the son of Rajendra I. During his early reign he granted the ...

(1063–1070) * Athirajendra Chola (1067–1070) *

Kulottunga Chola I Kulottunga I (;1025 CE - 1122 CE) also spelt Kulothunga (), was a Chola Emperor who reigned from 1070 CE to 1122 CE succeeding his cousin Athirajendra Chola. He also served as the Eastern Chalukya king from 1061 CE to 1118 CE, succeeding his f ...

(1071–1122) * Vikkrama Chola (1118–1135) * Kulottunga Chola II (1133–1150) *

Rajaraja Chola II Rajaraja II was a chola emperor who reigned from 1150 CE to 1173 CE. He was made his heir apparent and Co-Regent in 1146 and so the inscriptions of Rajaraja II count his reign from 1146. Rajaraja's reign began to show signs of the coming end of ...

(1146–1163) * Rajadiraja Chola II (1163–1178) *

Kulottunga Chola III Kulothunga III was a Chola emperor who ruled from 1178 to 1218 CE, after succeeding his elder brother Rajadhiraja II. Kulothunga Chola III gained success in war against his traditional foes. He gained victories in war against the Hoysalas, ...

(1178–1218) *

Rajaraja Chola III Rajaraja Chola III succeeded Kulothunga Chola III on the Chola throne in July 1216 CE. Rajaraja came to the throne of a kingdom much reduced in size as well as influence. With the rise of the Pandya power in the south, the Cholas had lost most ...

(1216–1246) *

Rajendra Chola III Rajendra Chola III was a brother and rival of Rajaraja Chola III, and came to the Chola throne in 1246 CE. Rajendra began to take effective control over the administration, and epigraphs of Rajendra Chola III indicate there was civil war endin ...

(1246–1279), last of the imperial Cholas

Chera dynasty (c. 300 BCE – 1528 CE)

Early Chera rulers (c. 3rd century BCE – 4th century CE)

Chera coin (ancient south India) (cropped)

* Uthiyan Cheral Athan * Nedum Cheral Athan *Palyani Sel Kelu Kuttuvan *Narmudi Cheral * Vel Kelu Kuttuvan (Senguttuvan Chera) *Adu Kottu Pattu Cheral Athan *Selva Kadumko Valia Athan *Anthuvan Cheral * Perum Cheral Irumporai *Illam Cheral Irumporai * Mantharan Cheral Irumporai *Kanaikkal Irumporai

= From inscriptions

= *Ko Athan Cheral Irumporai *Perum Kadungo Irumporai *Ilam Kadungo Irumporai *Kadummi Pudha Chera

= From inscribed coins

= *Mak-kothai *Kuttuvan Kothai *Kollippurai/Kollippurai *Kol Irumporai *Sa Irumporai

Kongu Chera dynasty (c. 400–844 CE)

* Ravi Kotha * Kantan Ravi * Vira Kotha * Vira Narayana * Vira Chola * Vira Kerala * Amara Bhujanga Deva * Kerala Kesari Adhirajaraja Deva

Chera Perumal dynasty (844–1122 CE)

* Sthanu Ravi Kulasekhara (844–870 CE) **

Kulasekhara Alvar Kulasekhara (Tamil: ''குலசேகரர்'') (''fl.'' 9th century CE), one of the twelve Vaishnavite alvars, was a bhakti theologian and devotional poet from medieval south India (Kerala). He was the author of Perumal Tirumoli in Tamil ...

/Kulasekhara Varma *

Rama Rajasekhara Rama Rajasekhara (''fl.'' 870/71 – c. 883/84 AD) was a Chera Perumal ruler of medieval Kerala, south India. Rajasekhara is usually identified by historians with Cheraman Perumal Nayanar, the venerated Shaiva ( Nayanar) poet-musician of the B ...

(870–883 CE) **

Cheraman Perumal Nayanar Cheraman Perumal Nayanar (literally meaning Chera king the Nayanar) was a bhakti poet-musician and religious teacher (one of the sixty-three nayanars) of Tamil Shaiva tradition in medieval south India. The Cheraman Perumal's friendship with Chun ...

*Vijayaraga (883–895 CE) * Kotha Kotha Kerala Kesari (895–905 CE) * Kotha Ravi (905–943 CE) * Indu Kotha (943–962 CE) * Bhaskara Ravi Manukuladithya (962–1021 CE) * Ravi Kotha Rajasimha (1021–1036 CE) * Raja Raja (1036–1089 CE) * Ravi Rama Rajadithya (1036–1089 CE) * Adithyan Kotha Ranadithya (1036–1089 CE) *

Rama Kulasekhara Rama Kulasekhara (''fl.'' late 11th century CE) was the last ruler of the Chera Perumal dynasty of medieval Kerala. He was a contemporary to Chola kings Kulottunga I (1070–1120) and Vikrama Chola (1118–35 AD). Rama Kulaskehara is best known ...

(1089–1122 CE)

Venadu Chera dynasty (''Kulasekhara'') (1090–1528 CE)

(1090–1102 CE) * Kotha Varma Marthandam (1102–1125 CE) * Vira Kerala Varma I (1125–1145 CE) * Kodai Kerala Varma (1145–1150 CE) * Vira Ravi Varma (1145–1150 CE) * Vira Kerala Varma II (1164–1167 CE) * Vira Aditya Varma (1167–1173 CE) * Vira Udaya Martanda Varma (1173–1192 CE) * Devadaram Vira Kerala Varma III (1192–1195 CE) * Vira Manikantha Rama Varma Tiruvadi (1195- ?) * Vira Rama Kerala Varma Tiruvadi (1209–1214 CE) * Vira Ravi Kerala Varma Tiruvadi (1214–1240 CE) * Vira Padmanabha Martanda Varma Tiruvadi (1240–1252 CE) * Ravi Varma (1299–1313 CE) * Vira Udaya Martanda Varma (1313–1333 CE) * Aditya Varma Tiruvadi (1333–1335 CE) * Vira Rama Udaya Martanda Varma Tiruvadi (1335–1342 CE) * Vira Kerala Varma Tiruvadi (1342–1363 CE) * Vira Martanda Varma III (1363–1366 CE) * Vira Rama Martanda Varma (1366–1382 CE) * Vira Ravi Varma (1383–1416 CE) * Vira Ravi Ravi Varma (1416–1417 CE) * Vira Kerala Martanda Varma (1383 CE) * Chera Udaya Martanda Varma (1383–1444 CE) * Vira Ravi Varma (1444–1458 CE) * Sankhara Sri Vira Rama Martanda Varma (1458–1468 CE) * Vira Kodai Sri Aditya Varma (1468–1484 CE) *

Vira Ravi Ravi Varma Vira Ravi Ravi Varma was Raja of Venad, also known as the Kingdom of Quilon, between 1484 and 1503. He was a member of the Kulasekhara Dynasty, predecessors of the Travancore Rajas. He moved the capital from Kallidaikurichi to Padmanabhapuram ...

(1484–1503 CE) * Martanda Varma, Kulasekhara Perumal (1503–1504 CE) * Vira Ravi Kerala Varma, Kulasekhara Perumal (1504–1528 CE)

Pallava Empire (c. 275–897 CE)

I37 Pallavas Narasimhavarman 1 (8097362987)

Early Pallavas

* Virakurcha (275–300), founder of dynasty * Simha Varman I, Provincial governor of Palnadu region of Andhra * Siva Skanda Varman I (300–325) * Buddhavarman (325–340) * Vishnugopavarman (340–350)

Middle Pallavas

* Kumaravisnu I (c. 345–360) * Skanda Varman II (c. 360–380) * Vira Varman (c. 380-400) * Skanda Varman III (c. 400–436) * Simha Varman I (c. 436–477) * Yuvamaharaja Vishnugopa, Brother of Simhavarman I, Provincial governor of Andhra * Skanda Varman IV (c. 477–490) * Nandi Varman I (c. 490–500) * Kumaravisnu II (c. 500–510) * Buddha Varman (c. 510–525) * Kumaravisnu III (c. 525–545)

Later Pallavas

* Simha Varman III (c. 545–554) *

Simhavishnu Simhavishnu (IAST: Siṃhaviṣṇu) also known as Avanisimha son of Simhavarman III and one of the Pallava kings of India, was responsible for the revival of the Pallavan dynasty. He was the first Pallava monarch whose domain extended beyond K ...

(554–590) *

Mahendravarman I Mahendravarman I (600–630 CE) was a Pallava emperor who ruled the Southern portion of present-day Andhra region and Northern regions of what forms present-day Tamil Nadu in India in the early 7th century. He was a scholar, painter, architec ...

(590–630) * Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) (630–668) *

Mahendravarman II Mahendravarman II or Mahendra Varma II was a king of the Pallava dynasty who ruled South India from 668–669 CE. He was the son of Narasimhavarma I Narasimhavarman I was a emperor of the Pallava dynasty who ruled South India from 630 ...

(668–669) *

Paramesvaravarman I Parameswaravarman I was a Pallava emperor who ruled in South India in the latter half of the 7th century, 670-695 AD. He ascended to the throne after the death of his father Mahendravarman II in 670 CE. His grandfather Narasimhavarman I had al ...

(669–691) *

Narasimhavarman II Narasimhavarman II, popularly known as Rajamalla, was a ruler of the Pallava kingdom. Narasimhavarman reigned from 690 CE to 725 CE. He is credited with the construction of the Shore Temple, Isvara and Mukunda Temples in Mahabalipuram, the Pan ...

(Raja Simha) (691–728) *

Paramesvaravarman II Paramesvaravarman II was a Pallava king who ruled till 730/731 CE. He was killed by Gangas. Reign Paramesvaravarman succeeded his father Narasimhavarman II in 725 and ruled till 731. During his reign, Kanchi was invaded by the Chalukyas wi ...

(728–731) *

Nandivarman II Nandivarman II (718 CE – 796 CE) was a Pallava ruler who ruled in South India. Sen states Nandivarman reigned from 731 CE – 796 CE and built the Vaikuntha-Perumal Temple. He was born in the country of Champa (modern day Vietnam) into a loca ...

(Pallavamalla) (731–796) *

Dantivarman Dantivarman was an Indian monarch who ruled the Pallava kingdom from 795 to 846 CE He was the son of Nandivarman II. Reign Dantivarman ruled the Pallava kingdom for 51 years. During his reign, the decline of the kingdom had set in. Pandyan i ...

(775–825) *

Nandivarman III Nandivarman III was an Indian monarch of the Nandivarman II line who ruled the Pallava kingdom from 846 to 869. He was the son of Dantivarman and grandson of Nandivarman II. Reign Nandivarman III, who was a powerful monarch, tried to reverse ...

(825–869) * Nirupathungan (869–882) * Aparajitavarman (882–897), last Pallava ruler

Ay Kingdom

Ay chieftains (early historic)

* Ay Andiran * Ay Titiyan (the Podiyil Chelvan) * Ay Atiyan

Medieval Ay kings

* Chadayan Karunanthan * Karunanthadakkkan Srivallabha (r. 856–884 CE) *

Vikramaditya Varaguna Vikramaditya (r. c. 884—911 ADNarayanan, M. G. S. ''Perumāḷs of Kerala.'' Thrissur (Kerala): CosmoBooks, 2013. 97, 109. 337-39, 474-75. or 920 ADGurukkal, Rajan. ''The Agrarian System and Socio-Political Organisation Under the Early Pandyas ...

(r. 884–911 CE)

Mushika Kingdom

Early rulers

* Ezhimala Nannan

Medieval rulers

* Validhara Vikkirama Rama (c. 929 CE) * Kantan Karivarman alias Iramakuta Muvar (c. 1020 CE) * Mushikesvara Chemani/Jayamani (c. 1020 CE) * Utaiya-varma alias Ramakuta Muvar (early 12th century CE)

Jaffna Kingdom (c. 1277–1619 CE)

Kulasekara Cinkaiariyan Kulasekara Cinkaiariyan (died 1284) is considered to be the first of the Aryacakravarti dynasty kings to establish his rule over the Jaffna Kingdom in modern Sri Lanka. According to a Sinhala language, Sinhalese primary source Mahavamsa, a warlo ...

(1277–1284) * Kulotunga Cinkaiariyan (1284–1292) * Vickrama Cinkaiariyan (1292–1302) * Varodaya Cinkaiariyan (1302–1325) * Martanda Cinkaiariyan (1325–1348) * Gunabhooshana Cinkaiariyan (1348–1371) * Virodaya Cinkaiariyan (1371–1380) * Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan (1380–1410) *

Gunaveera Cinkaiariyan Gunaveera Cinkaiariyan ( ta, குணவீர சிங்கையாரியன்) was an Aryacakravarti The Arya Chakravarti dynasty ( ta, ஆரியச் சக்கரவர்த்திகள் வம்சம், Sinhalese la ...

(1410–1440) * Kanakasooriya Cinkaiariyan (1440–1450 & 1467–1478) *

Singai Pararasasegaram Singai Pararasasegaram ( ta, சிங்கைப் பரராசசேகரன்) (died 1519), was one of the most well known kings of the later Aryacakravarti kings of the Jaffna kingdom. He was the father of Cankili I. Biography Singai P ...

(1478–1519) * Cankili I (1519–1561) *

Puviraja Pandaram Puviraja Pandaram ( ta, புவிராஜ பண்டாரம்) (died 1591) ruled the Jaffna kingdom during a period of chaos during and after the death of his father Cankili I in 1565. He became king in 1561 following a local uprising a ...

(1561–1565 & 1582–1591) *

Kasi Nayinar Pararacacekaran Kasi Nayinar Pararacacekaran ( ta, காசி நயினார் பரராஜசேகரன்) (died 1570) was of one of the Aryacakravarti The Arya Chakravarti dynasty ( ta, ஆரியச் சக்கரவர்த்திக ...

(1565–1570) *

Periyapillai Periyapillai ( ta, பெரியபிள்ளை) (died 1582) was of one of the Aryacakravarti rulers of Jaffna kingdom who followed in the chaotic period after the death of Cankili I(1519–1561). Some sources claim that he deposed the Cank ...

(1565–1582) *

Ethirimana Cinkam Ethirimanna Cinkam ( ta, எதிர்மன்னசிங்கம்) (died 1617) was the penultimate ruler of the Aryacakravarti line of Kings of the Jaffna Kingdom in northern Sri Lanka. He came to power due to the second Portuguese expedi ...

(1591–1617) *

Cankili II Cankili II ( ta, சங்கிலி குமாரன், translit=Caṅkili Kumāraṉ; died 1619) was the last king of the Jaffna kingdom and was a usurper who came to throne with a palace massacre of the royal prince and the regent Ara ...

Cekaracacekaran (1617–1619)

Kingdom of Ramnad (c. 1601–1949 CE)

''List of Sethupathi rulers''

Chieftains With the Madurai Nayaks (c. 1601–1677)

* Udaiyan Sethupathi (Sadaikkan) (1601–1623) * Koottan Sethupathi (1623–1635) * Dalavai Raghunatha Sethupathi (1635–1645) * Thirumalai Raghunatha Sethupathi (1646–1676) * Raja Suriya Sethupathi (1676) * Aathana Raghunatha Sethupathi (1677)

Imperial rulers (c. 1678–1795 CE)

* Raghunatha Kilavan Sethupathi (1678–1710) * Muthu Vairavanatha Sethupathi I (1710–1712) * Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi (1713-1725) * Sundaresvara Raghunatha Sethupathi (1725) * Bavani Sangara Sethupathi (1725–1727) * Kumara Muthu Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi (1728–1735) * Sivakumara Muthu Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi (1735–1747) * Rakka Thevar Sethupathi (1748) * Sella Muthu Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi (1749–1762) * Muthuramalinga Vijaya Ragunatha Sethupathi I (1762–1772 or 1781–1795)

Rulers of princely state under British Raj (c. 1795–1949 CE)

= As king

= * Mangaleswari Nachiyar (1795–1803)

= As Zamindars

= * Mangaleswari Nachiyar (1803–1807) * Annaswami Sethupathi (1807–1820) * Ramaswami Sethupathi (1820–1830) * Muthu Chella Thevar Sethupathi (1830–1846) * Parvatha Vardhani Ammal Nachchiyar (1846–1862) * Muthuramalinga Sethupathi II (1862–1873) *

Court of Wards The Court of Wards and Liveries was a court established during the reign of Henry VIII in England. Its purpose was to administer a system of feudal dues; but as well as the revenue collection, the court was also responsible for wardship and liv ...

(1873–1889) * Bhaskara Sethupathy (1889–1903) * Dinakara Sethupathy *

Raja Rajeswara Sethupathi Raja Rajeswara Sethupathi ( ta, ராஜ ராஜேஸ்வர சேதுபதி) or Muthuramalinga Sethupathy (3 June 1889 – 1929) was the Raja of Ramnad from 1903 to 1929. Early life and education Raja Rajeswara Sethupathi was the ...

(1903–1929) *

Shanmugha Rajeswara Sethupathi Shanmugha Rajeswara Sethupathi (9 November 1909 – 4 March 1967) or Naganatha Sethupathi was an Indian politician of the Justice Party and later, the Indian National Congress and head of the ''zamindari'' of Ramnad from 1929 to 1967. He was a ...

(1929–1949)

Pudukkottai Kingdom (c. 1686–1948 CE)

Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman Raja Sri Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman (1641–1730) was the ruler of the Pudukkottai kingdom from 1686 to 1730. Starting his career as a feudatory chieftain of the Sethupathi of Ramnad, in 1686, Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman was recognised as the indep ...

(1686–1730), first ruler *

Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman I Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman I (25 August 1713 – 28 December 1769) was the second independent ruler of the Pudukkottai kingdom. He reigned from April 1730 to 28 December 1769. His reign was marked with incessant wars with the Thanjavur Mar ...

(1730–1769) *

Raya Raghunatha Tondaiman Raja Sri Raya Raghunatha Tondaiman (c. May 1738 – 30 December 1789) was the ruler of Pudukkottai kingdom from 28 December 1769 to 30 December 1789. Early life Raya Raghunatha Tondaiman was born in May 1738 to Vijaya Raghunatha Raya To ...

(1769–December 1789) *

Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman Raja Sri Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman Bahadur (c May 1759 – 1 February 1807) was the ruler of the pudukottai kingdom from 30 December 1789 to 1 February 1807. Early life Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman was born in May 1759 to Thirumalai Raya To ...

(December 1789–February 1, 1807) *

Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman II Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman (c 1797 - 4 June 1825) was the ruler of the princely state of Pudukkottai from 1 February 1807 to 4 June 1825. Early life Vijaya Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman was born in 1797 to Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman, Ra ...

(February 1, 1807–June 1825) * Raghunatha Tondaiman (June 1825–July 13, 1839) * Ramachandra Tondaiman (July 13, 1839 – April 15, 1886) *

Martanda Bhairava Tondaiman Raja Sri Brahdamba Dasa Raja Sir Martanda Bhairava Tondaiman (26 November 1875 – 28 May 1928) was the ruler of the princely state of Pudukkottai from 15 April 1886 to 28 May 1928. Early life Martanda Bhairava Tondaiman was born on 26 Nov ...

(April 15, 1886 – May 28, 1928) *

Rajagopala Tondaiman Raja Sri Brahdamba Dasa Raja Sri Rajagopala Tondaiman Bahadur (23 June 1922 – 16 January 1997) was the ninth and last ruler of the princely state of Pudukkottai. Early life Rajagopala Tondaiman was born to Prince Ramachandra Tondaiman and ...

(October 28, 1928 – August 15, 1947), last ruler

Sivaganga Kingdom (c. 1725–1947 CE)

* Muthu Vijaya Raghunatha Periyavudaya Thevar (1725–1750), first ruler * Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar (1750–1780) *

Velu Nachiyar Rani Velu Nachiyar (3 January 1730 – 25 December 1796) was a queen of Sivaganga estate from 1780–1790. She was the first Indian queen to wage war with the East India Company in India.Vellacci Vellacci or Vellachi Nachiyar (1770-1793) was the second ruling queen of Sivaganga estate in 1790–1793. She is the daughter of Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar and Velu Nachiyar. She was made the heir to the throne of Sivagangai by her mo ...

(1790–1793)K. R. Venkatarama Ayyar, Sri Brihadamba State Press, 1938, ''A Manual of the Pudukkóttai State'', p.720 * Vangam Periya Udaya Thevar (1793–1801), last ruler ;

Zamindar A zamindar ( Hindustani: Devanagari: , ; Persian: , ) in the Indian subcontinent was an autonomous or semiautonomous ruler of a province. The term itself came into use during the reign of Mughals and later the British had begun using it as a ...

under

British rule The British Raj (; from Hindi ''rāj'': kingdom, realm, state, or empire) was the rule of the British Crown on the Indian subcontinent; * * it is also called Crown rule in India, * * * * or Direct rule in India, * Quote: "Mill, who was hims ...

(1803–1947)

Velir Monarches

Athiyamān Atiyamāṉ (also known as Adhiyamān, Adigamān or Satyaputra-Atiyān) were a royal Velir dynasty. These king-chiefs ruled from their capital Tagadur (present day Dharmapuri) from at least the 3rd century BCE. The royal house was one of the ...

Athiyamān Nedumān Añci Athiyamān Nedumān Añji was one of the most powerful Velir kings of the Sangam era who ruled the region called Mazhanadu, a part of ancient Kongu Nadu and the great dynasty called Chera Dynasty.''Śrī puṣpāñjali, page 125'' A famous r ...

Irunkōvēl Irunkōvēl, also known as ''Irungkōvēl'', ''Irukkuvēl'', and ''Ilangōvēlir'', was a title of the Irunkōvēl line of Velir kings. The Irunkovel line of kings ruled over ''Konadu'' identified with the Kodumbalur and surrounding areas in anc ...

* Malaiyamān Thirumudi Kāri * Malayamān * Vaiyāvik Kōpperum Pēkan *

Vēl Pāri Vēḷ Pari was a ruler of Vēḷir lineage, who ruled ''Parambu nādu'' and surrounding regions in ancient Tamilakam towards the end of the Sangam era. The name is often used to describe the most famous amongst them, who was the patron and frie ...

* Ilanji Vel

Palaiyakkarar Monarches

Dheeran Chinnamalai Dheeran Chinnamalai (17 April 1756 – 31 July 1805) was a Palayakkarar and Pattakarar who fought against the British East India Company. Early life Dheeran Chinnamalai was born on April 17, 1756 in present-day Kangeyam, to a noble family. Hi ...

Puli Thevar Puli Thevar was a Tamil Palaiyakkarar who ruled Nerkattumseval, situated in the Sankarankoil taluk, Tenkasi,formerly Tirunelveli Tamil Nadu. He is notable fighting against East India Company from May 22, 1752 - 1767 in India. Worship of God ...

Maruthu Pandiyar The Marudhu Pandiyars (Periya Marudhu and Chinna Marudhu) were Diarchal Kings of Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu, India, towards the end of the 18th century. They were known for fighting against the East India Company. They were finally executed by t ...

Veerapandiya Kattabomman Veerapandiya Kattabomman was an 18th-century Tamil Palayakarrar and king of Panchalankurichi in Tamil Nadu, India. He refused to accept the sovereignty of the British East India Company and waged a war against them. He was captured by the Briti ...

Oomaithurai Oomathurai (real name Kumarasamy Naiyakar), was an Indian Poligar (Palaiyakkarar) from Tamil Nadu, who fought against the British East India Company in the Polygar Wars. He was the younger brother of Veerapandiya Kattabomman. He died by hanging ...

Maveeran Alagumuthu Kone Maveeran Alagumuthu Kone (11 July 1710 – 19 July 1759), from Kattalankulam in Thoothukudi District, was an Indian polygar who revolted against the East India Company, British presence. In Tamil Nadu he waged a war against the Presidency a ...

Chinna Alagumuthu kone Chinna may refer to: * Earl "Chinna" Smith (born 1955), Jamaican guitarist * Chinna, Dalmatia, an ancient Illyrian settlement * ''Chinna'' (1994 film), a 1994 Kannada film * ''Chinna'' (2005 film), a 2005 Tamil-language film * Chinna (Telugu act ...

Other Tamil monarchs

* Emperor

Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar (705 AD-745 AD), also known as Suvaran Maran and Perarasar Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar he belonged to Muthuraja community.He was a king of Thanjavur. He ruled over Thanjavur, Trichy, Pudukkottai, Perambalur and Thiruvarur ...

(aka Suvaran Maran) of ''

Mutharaiyar dynasty The Mutharaiyar dynasty was a royal south Indian dynasty that governed the Thanjavur, Trichy and Pudukottai regions between 600 and 850 CE. Origin The origin of the Mutharaiyar is shrouded in mystery. Historian T. A. Gopinatha Rao equates the ...

'' *

Bhuvanaikabahu VI of Kotte Bhuvanekabahu VI of Kotte (, ), also known as Sapumal Kumaraya and Chempaka Perumal, was an adopted son of Parakramabahu VI, whose principal achievement was the conquest of Jaffna Kingdom in 1447 or 1450.Gnanaprakasar, S ''A critical history of ...

(aka Chempaha Perumal) * Kadava dynasty * Alagakkonara *

Sambuvaraya The Sambuvarayar(Tamil: சம்புவராயர்) chieftains once ruled the Tondaimandalam region of South India. Among them was ''Edirili Chola Sambhuvaraya'', a vassal under Rajadhiraja Chola II and Kulotunga Chola III, who ruled the ...

* Akkarayan * Magadai Mandalam *

Valvil Ori Valvil Ori was a king and a skilled archer, who ruled Kolli Hills region in present day Tamil Nadu. He was one of the Tamil ''Kadai ezhu vallal'' (Transl. 'Last Seven Patrons'). Politically he aligned with the Cholas and fought against the Ch ...

Sena and Guttika Sena and Guttika were two Tamils, Tamil horse traders thought to be from South India who killed and usurped the throne of the reigning Anuradhapura Kingdom, Anuradhapura king Suratissa of Anuradhapura, Suratissa. They reigned for 22 years from 237 ...

* The Five Dravidians *

The Six Dravidians The Six Dravidians were six Tamil rulers apparently from the Pandyan Dynasty who ruled the Anuradhapura Kingdom from 436 to 452 CE. They are said to be Buddhist, taking Buddhist epithets such as the 'servant of Buddha' and are known to ha ...

* Valai Vannan (A Nakar king, who was mentioned in

Manimekalai ''Maṇimēkalai'' ( ta, மணிமேகலை, ), also spelled ''Manimekhalai'' or ''Manimekalai'', is a Tamil-Buddhist epic composed by Kulavāṇikaṉ Seethalai Sataṉar probably around the 6th century. It is an "anti-love story", a s ...

). *

Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan was a commander of the Chola Army. He was one among the famous chieftains of the Chola emperors Rajaraja I and Rajendra I and chief of the Samanthas of North Arcot and also the husband of Rajaraja's elder sister Kunt ...

was a vassal and brother-in-law of

Tamil speaking monarchs

The following is a list of Tamil speaking but ethnically Telugu dynasties or monarchs.

Nayaka dynasties

Nayaks, Nayakas or Nayakars were a Telugu-origin dynasty that established themselves after the fall of the

Vijayanagara Empire The Vijayanagara Empire, also called the Karnata Kingdom, was a Hinduism, Hindu empire based in the region of South India, which consisted the modern states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa and some parts of Telangana an ...

as sovereign rulers of Tamil territories and replaced the indigenous Tamil dynasties like Cholas and Pandyans.

Nayaks Kingdom of Gingee (1509–1649 CE)

*Krishnappa Nayaka (1509–1521), first ruler *Chennappa Nayaka *Gangama Nayaka *Venkata Krishnappa Nayaka *Venkata Rama Bhupaala Nayaka *Thriyambamka Krishnappa Nayaka *Varadappa Nayaka *Ramalinga Nayani vaaru *Venkata Perumal Naidu *Periya Ramabhadra Naidu *Ramakrishnappa Naidu (d. 1649), last ruler

Madurai Nayak Kingdom (1529–1736 CE)

*Nagama Nayaka, first ruler *Viswanatha Nayaka *Vitthala Raja Nayaka (1546–1558) *Kumara Krishnappa Nayaka (1563–1573) *Muttu Krishnappa Nayaka (1602–1609) *Muttu Virappa Nayaka (1609–1623) *Tirumalai Nayaka (1623–1659) *Muttu Alakadri Nayaka (1659–1662) *Chokkanatha Nayaka (1662–1682) *Rangakrishna Muthu Virappa Nayaka (1682–1689) *

Mangammal Rani Mangammal (Mangamma)(died 1705) was a queen regent of the Madurai Nayak kingdom (in present-day Madurai, India) during the minority of her grandson Vijaya Ranga Chokkanatha in 1689—1704. She was a popular administrator and is still wide ...

(1689–1704) *Vijaya Ranga Chokkanatha Nayaka (1704–1731) *Queen Meenakshi, and the End of the Nayakas (1731–1736), last ruler

Thanjavur Nayak kingdom (1532–1673 CE)

Sevappa Nayak Sevappa Nayak was a governor of Thanjavur under the Vijayanagar Empire who later proclaimed his independence and founded the Thanjavur Nayak kingdom. He reigned from 1532 to 1560. Ancestry and personal life Sevappa was the successor of his fat ...

(1532–1580), first ruler *

Achuthappa Nayak Achuthappa Nayak was the Thanjavur Nayak king who ruled from 1560 to 1614. From 1560 to 1580, he was co-monarch along with his father and from 1580 to 1614, he ruled on his own. His reign is generally regarded as one of peace and stability. Pe ...

(1560–1614) *

Raghunatha Nayak Raghunatha Nayak was the most powerful king of the Thanjavur Nayak Dynasty. He was the third ruler of Thanjavur, southern India, from the Nayak dynasty. He ruled from 1600 to 1634 and is noted for the attainments of Thanjavur in literature, art, ...

(1600–1634) *

Vijaya Raghava Nayak Vijaya Raghava Nayak (also Vijayarāghava Nāyaka, 1590s-1673) was the fourth and last king of Sevappa Nayak's line. He ruled from 1634 to 1673. In 1673, Vijaya Raghava Nayak was defeated in battle by the Madurai Nayak king Chokkanatha Nayak who ...

(1634–1673), last ruler

Kingdom of Kandy (1739–1815 CE)

* Sri Vijaya Rajasinha (reigned 1739–1747), first ruler * Kirti Sri Rajasinha * Sri Rajadhi Rajasinha * Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, last ruler

References

{{reflist Tamil history Hindu dynasties T T