Chennai: The Cholas who ruled for a long period from about the latter half of the 9th century to the beginning of the 13th century, the Chera, Pandyas and Pallavas who also dominated the Indian subcontinent establishing their economic, military and cultural supremacy besides leaving behind temples and dam (Kalanai) will soon find a prominent place in the tourism map of Tamil Nadu.
For the first time, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation has planned to map the rule and legacy of the four dynasties and offer it as cultural trail in order to enhance the tourism attractions of the state.
“While India’s history is replete with incursions by foreign forces, the four dynasties that ruled from Tamil Nadu expanded their territory annexing several countries and even travelled by sea to distant countries to establish their reign. They have left behind excellent temples and monuments highlighting their architectural skills. This could serve as a cultural or heritage trail for our visitors,” said Har Sahay Meena, Commissioner of Tourism.
The Chola dynasty originated from the fertile lands of Cauvery river and Uraiyur, now Tiruchy, was their ancient capital. “Tiruchy was also the cultural capital of the Sangam age. The temples and monuments in and around Tiruchy has been attracting numerous visitors and after Chennai, Tiruchy airport is the second busiest airport in the state,” said A.V. Barath, Business Development Manager, Cholan Tours Pvt Ltd.
Cholanadu in Tiruchy has the potential of emerging as a major tourist attraction provided appropriate measures are taken to popularise it, he said. Admitting that there were no flyers on the contribution of the four dynasties, Meena said TTDC of which he is the managing director, would soon bring out information brochures highlighting the important centres of rule.
The Cheras, Pandyas and the Cholas constituted as the main warring Iron Age Tamil kingdoms and the Cheras established their rule in the 3rd century BC and ruled till the 12th century AD.
The present Kerala, Dharmapuri and Salem are said to be the parts of the former Chera rule. The Pandyan dynasty ruled several parts of the South India until the 15th century CE and their capital was Korkai, (now Tuticorin) and later shifted to Madurai.
The rock-cut caves at Mamallapuram (also known as Mahabalipuram) are living instances of the architectural splendour of the Pallava kings who ruled from the north (of TN now) with Kancheepuram as their capital.
