Early Cheras
The Chera, Chola and Pandya were the three ancient Tamil rulers of southern India, called "Tamilakam". The Cheras ruled western Malabar Coast, the Cholas ruled in the eastern Coromandel Coast and the Pandyas in the south-central peninsula. There were also numerous small vassal kingdoms and city-states called "Vels".
The Cheras ruled over major part of modern Kerala, and Coimbatore and Salem districts of modern Tamil Nadu. Tamil was the language of entire region; Malayalam the language Kerala developed in a later stage only. Their capital was at Vanchi (also known as Vanchimutur). The location of the historical city Vanchi is generally considered near the ancient port city of Muziris in Kerala. However, Karur in Tamil Nadu is also pointed out as the location of the capital city of Cheras. Another view suggests the reign of Cheras from multiple capitals.
Read more about this topic: Chera Dynasty
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