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Glossaries
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Kulasekhara | The Kulasekhara Chera were a major South Indian dynasty ruling Kerala from the 9th to the 12th century, with their capital at Mahodayapuram. The Kulasekhara Chera dynasty, descended from the ancient Chera, governed a significant portion of India’s southwestern coast—present-day Kerala—between circa 800 and 1102 CE. From their capital Mahodayapuram (modern Kodungallur), they controlled key maritime routes connecting India to Arabia, East Africa, and China. Their centralized authority coexisted with local power structures involving Brahmin elites and clan chiefs. The dynasty fostered commercial growth through the spice trade and encouraged cultural and religious life. The development of Malayalam literature and Vaishnava and Shaiva Hinduism thrived under their patronage. Despite being Hindus, the rulers tolerated other faiths, including Jainism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, particularly in coastal towns. The Kulasekhara period marked the transition from classical to medieval South Indian history, establishing a social and political model centered on temples, caste systems, and oceanic trade networks. |
