Muttollayiram

Muttollayiram is a Tamil poetic work believed to have been composed in the 9th or 10th century CE. It is an epic poem that describes the legendary exploits of the Chera kings and their battles against the Chola and Pandya kingdoms. The title "Muttollayiram" translates to "three thousand by nine," possibly referring to the intended length of the poem, with each of the three main dynasties having a thousand verses dedicated to them. However, only a fraction of the original work is extant today, with about 108 songs surviving.

The poem is renowned for its vivid descriptions of warfare, its portrayal of the heroism of the Chera kings, and its lyrical beauty. It offers valuable insights into the political landscape, social customs, and military strategies of the period. The language used is classical Tamil, characterized by its elegance and richness. Muttollayiram is considered a significant contribution to Tamil literature and a crucial historical source for understanding the early medieval South India. It is often studied alongside other Sangam and post-Sangam Tamil literature for its historical and literary merit.