Valvil Ori


Valvil Ori was a Tamil king and skilled archer, who ruled Kolli Hills region in present day Tamil Nadu. He is named as one of the kadai ezhu vallal in Sangam literature. Politically he aligned with the Cholas and fought against the Cheras and Malaiyaman Thirumudi Kari. Legend claims that he was defeated and killed by Kari of the beautiful spear, the lord of Mullur, who then gave Kolli hills to the Cheras. Kari was later killed by the Chola king Killivalavan. Sangam poetry states that he shot an elephant, a tiger, a deer, a wild boar, and a monitor Lizard in a single shot. Regional variations include other animals, like sparrows and finches.