By
Dr. M. S. Vairana Pillai, M.A., Ph.D.,
Author of “A Concise world History” “Hindus and Muslims,” “Are we two nations?” etc etc.Vincent Smith’s contention that the History of India is incomplete without further Investigation of the History of the South is partially fulfilled by this Volume on the History of the Chera Kings. The ancient history of the South is shrouded in darkness. Although attempts have been made to bring to light a clearer picture of South Indian History, a comprehensive and readable history of the South has not yet seen the light of day. Much has been said and written about the Pandia Chola and Chera Kings. Of these, the Chera history has received the least attention.
Scholars have often fought shy of the intricacies of the historical developments in the Chera country owing largely to its confused picture and complicated developments with practically no reliable historical data. Though confined to a corner of India, the geography of the Chera country has defied mastery; the identity of both places and persons has not easily lent itself to easy understanding; the external policies and relations of the Chera Kings and the incursions into the Chera country
