Early Tamil King Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II gets long-overdue recognition

Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II, in whose honour a commemorative postage stamp was released here on Sunday, is remembered as one of the most significant yet lesser-known rulers of early medieval Tamil history, whose reign played a key role in shaping the political and cultural foundations of the region.

Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II belonged to the Mutharaiyar dynasty, which ruled large parts of present-day central Tamil Nadu, particularly the fertile Cauvery delta, between the 7th and 9th centuries CE. The dynasty held sway over areas that later became the heartland of the Imperial Chola Empire, making the Mutharaiyars crucial precursors to one of India’s most powerful dynasties.

Historians note that Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II was a strong and capable ruler, known for his military successes against rival chieftains and neighbouring powers. These victories helped consolidate territorial control and ensure political stability during a period marked by frequent conflicts in South India.

His reign is often seen as a transition phase between Pallava dominance and the emergence of the Cholas. Administrative practices, military organisation and temple patronage under the Mutharaiyars are believed to have influenced later Chola governance.

Inscriptions from the period indicate that Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II supported temple construction, land grants and local administration, contributing to the cultural and economic life of the Tamil region. Despite these contributions, his role remained largely absent from mainstream historical narratives for decades.

Speaking at the stamp release ceremony, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said recognising such “unsung heroes” was essential to restoring India’s cultural pride and strengthening national identity as the country moves towards becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’. He also lauded efforts to honour Tamil kings, leaders and freedom fighters who had not received due recognition earlier.

The event, attended by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan, marked a symbolic step towards bringing lesser-known figures like Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II into the national consciousness.