Chera Perumals of Makotai

Cheraman Perumal dynasty, also known as the Perumal dynasty of Kerala, or Chera Perumals of Makotai, (fl. c. 844 CE–1124 CE) were a ruling dynasty in present-day Kerala, South India. Mahodayapuram, or Makotai, the seat of the Cheraman Perumals, is identified with present-day Kodungallur in central Kerala. Initially, their influence appeared limited to the area between present-day Quilon and Quilandy, but later extended to up to Chandragiri river in north Kerala and to Nagercoil in the south.

The medieval Cheras claimed that they were descended from the Cheras who flourished in pre-Pallava (early historic) south India. The exact relationship between the medieval Chera rulers of present-day Kerala and that of western Tamil country is not known to scholars. The Chera Perumals are often described as the members of Surya Vamsa (the Solar Race). The Chera dynasty had multiple branches, one of which was known as the Chera Perumals, who ruled from the city of Makotai (modern-day Kodungallur) in Kerala. The Chera Perumals, like other Chera rulers, are often associated with the Tamil language and culture. They are mentioned in ancient Tamil texts and inscriptions.

The Chera Perumal kingdom derived most of its wealth from maritime trade relations (the spice trade) with the Middle East. The port of Kollam, in the kingdom, was a major point in overseas India trade to the West and the East Asia. [ settlements of agriculturally rich areas (fertile wet land) were another major source of support to Mahodayapuram kingdom in the Periyar Valley. The Cheraman Perumals are known for employing a single script (Vattezhuthu with Grantha characters) and language (early form of Malayalam) in all of their records in Kerala.