Ancient and Medieval Indian Rulers

Malavikagnimitram is a play by Kalidasa that depicts the love story of King Agnimitra of the Sunga dynasty, providing historical context for that period.

Tanka, the silver coin and Jital, the copper coins were used during the Delhi Sultanate rule. They were introduced by Iltutmish. The Silver Tanka issued by Iltutmish was weighing 175 grains. The new system served as the basis for coinage for much of the Sultanate period and even beyond.

Maharana Kumbha was one of the famous rulers of Mewar. He was born in1417. He ascended the throne of Mewar in 1433. There are different sources that tell us about his life and achievement. We can get information about him through Prashasthis which were composed by his court poet. Famous Prashastis - Kumbhalgarh Prashasti, Rankapur Prashasti, Kirti Stambh etc. We can also get information about him "Eklinga Mahtamaya". Eklinga Mahatamaya tells us that he was well versed in Vedas, Smritis, and Upanishads.

On 27th May 1498, a Portuguese sailor, Vasco da Gama crossed the Cape of Good Hope and reached Calicut in India. He was given a warm reception by the Hindu ruler, King Zamorin of Calicut. 

Francisco de Almeida was the first Viceroy of the Portuguese possessions in India. During his period, the Portuguese defeated the Arab traders. His policy was to increase the Portuguese naval power so that they would become the masters of the Indian Ocean. 

Tharangambadi or Tranquebar, is a town in the Nagapattinam district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu on the Coromandel Coast. Tranquebar was the first Danish trading post in India established in 1620. King Christian IV had sent his envoy Ove Gjedde who established contact with Raghunatha Nayak of Tanjore. The Nayak turned out to be interested in trading opportunities and negotiated a treaty granting them the village of Tranquebar.

The Kudis were the families of occupational groups engaged in agriculture. Many Kudis constituted the Ur. The chief of Ur was called Uralar.

The Kudis were the families of occupational groups engaged in agriculture. The chief of Kudi was Kudipathi.

Kerala was a part of the ancient Tamilakam, ruled by the Moovendars. A kingdom based at Mahodayapuram was established by the 9th century CE. The rulers of the kingdom were known as Perumals.  The present Kodungallur and the surrounding areas in Kerala were known as Mahodayapuram in those days. The Perumals were also known as Cheras and Cheramans. Some of these rulers adopted the title Kulasekara. Most regions in present Kerala were under the rule of the Perumals.

The Nadus were under the Perumals who ruled Kerala with their capital at Mahodayapuram. Sthanu Ravi was a Perumal who controlled all Nadus of Kerala.

The Swaroopams had their own military. Arisippadijanam of Venadu, Padamalanayanmar of Kolathu Nadu and Lokaru of Nediyiruppu were such armies.

The Perumals ruled Kerala during 800-1122 CE with their capital at Mahodayapuram. They levied taxes from the Nadus, Nagaras (towns), Brahmin Gramas, temples, etc.

Owners of devaswam land were called Ooralar . The rulers, Brahmins or the people of the temple did not directly cultivate in this land. They used to give the land for cultivation to middle men called, Karalar . Accordingly a power hierarchy was formed with Naduvazhis at the top, and Ooralars and Karalars below them.

The Tarisappalli plate is written in the Vattezhuthu script which was prevalent in Kerala during the medieval period. From this document, we get the information about land donation to Tarisappali of Kollam town by the ruler of Venadu, Ayyanadikal Thiruvadikal during the fifth regnal year of Sthanu Ravi, the Perumal who controlled all Nadus of Kerala.