Nedum Cheralathan
Nedum Cheralathan was a Chera ruler from early historic south India, noted for his interactions with the Yavanas on the Malabar Coast. He likely belonged to the Muchiri-Karur branch of the Chera dynasty.
Background
Nedum Cheralathan is praised in the Second Ten of Pathitruppathu Collection, composed by poet Kannanar. In return for his work, the poet was generously rewarded with 500 settlements in a region called "Umbar Kadu" and a share of the revenue from the thennadu for 38 years. According to these poems, Nedum Cheralathan ruled the Chera country for 58 years.Nedum Cheralathan was born to his predecessor, Uthiyan Cheralathan, and his wife Venmal Nallini, the daughter of Veliyan—who is possibly also identified as the father of the Ay chieftain Eyinan. He had three sons: "Kalankayakkanni" Narmudi Cheral, Chenkuttuvan — also known as "Kadalottiya" Vel Kezhu Kuttuvan — and "Adu Kottu Pattu" Cheralathan. Narmudi Cheral and Adu Kottu Pattu Cheralathan were born to Vel Avi Koman Paduman Devi, while Chenkuttuvan was born to Manakilli, a royal princess of the Chola dynasty.
Military achievements
Nedum Cheralathan is praised in the early Tamil literature for subduing "seven kings" and carving the Chera bow emblem on the Himalayas, symbolizing his conquest from the northern mountains all the way down to Comorin. He is also said to have won the prestigious title "adhiraja.One of his notable campaigns was against the Kadambu clan, likely the Kadambas, who were based on an "island" on the Malabar Coast. Their sacred kadambu tree, which served as a symbol of their clan and was worshipped as a guardian spirit, was uprooted by Nedum Cheralathan after he crossed the sea to defeat them.
Nedum Cheralathan is also credited with a victory over the Yavanas — probably Graeco-Roman navigators — on the Kerala coast. He captured several of them and, as punishment, poured hot ghee on their heads. However, he later released them in exchange for a heavy ransom that included diamonds, other precious stones, and intricately crafted vessels.