Chera Dynasty - Early Cheras - Rulers - King Nedum Cheralathan

King Nedum Cheralathan

Uthiyan Cheralathan was succeeded by his son "Imayavaramban" "Kudakko" Nedum Cheralathan. He ruled for 58 years as a Crown Prince first and as an absolute king later. Nedum Cheralathan probably consolidated the Chera kingdom, and literature and art developed highly during his period. Nedum Cheralathan is praised in the Second Ten of Pathirruppaththu composed by his court poet Kannanar. Nedum Cheralathan, famous for his hospitality, even gifted a part of Umbarkkattu (Anamalai) to Kannanar.

The title "Kudakko" (King of Kudanad) proves that the Cheras had by this time brought Kudanad under their sway. During the reign of Nedum Cheralathan five junior princes helped the him in the military expansions and conquests. They were Antuvan Cheral, Palayanai Sel Kelu Kuttuvan, Selva Kadumko Valiatan, Narmudi Cheral and Vel Kelu Kuttuvan. The greatest enemies of Nedum Cheralathan were Kadambas of Banavasi. He also won another victory over the "Yavanas" on the coast. The chief of the Yavanas was captured and paraded in public with hands pinioned to his back and head poured over with ghee. Later,this Yavana was released on ransom. Mamulanar refers to a sea coast township called "Mantai" and the exhibition ornaments and diamonds captured by Nedum Cheralathan there.

Nedum Cheralathan was killed in a battle with a Chola ruler. But, the Chola ruler was also killed in the battle by a spear thrown at him by Nedum Cheralathan.

Imayavaramban Nedum Cheralathan is claimed to have even conquered Bharatavarsha up to the Himalayas and to have inscribed his royal emblem on the face of the mountains.