Commemorative Postage Stamp Issued in Honour of Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II

Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II, also known as Suvaran Maran and Shatrubhayankara, was a powerful South Indian ruler of the 8th century (c. 705–745 CE).
He belonged to the Mutharaiyar dynasty, which initially served as feudatories of the Pallavas but later emerged as an independent and influential power as Pallava authority weakened.
A commemorative postage stamp was issued in his honour by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a ruler endowed with vision, wisdom, and strategic brilliance, and encouraged the youth to learn about his remarkable life.

Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar: A Powerful Administrator and Warrior

According to historical records, Suvaran Maran fought bravely in several battles alongside Pallava king Nandivarman.
Over time, he established control over large parts of Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, and the Cauvery river basin.
Due to his strong administrative capabilities and military prowess, he earned the title “Shatrubhayankara” (one who inspires fear among enemies).

During the Pallava period, Hinduism was witnessing a revival amid strong Jain and Buddhist influences.
The Mutharaiyar rulers played an important role in this transitional phase.
Historical accounts mention that Jain acharya Vimalachandra engaged in philosophical debates at Suvaran Maran’s court with Shaiva, Buddhist, Pashupata, and Kapalika scholars.
This reflects that his reign was open to religious dialogue and intellectual debate.
Historian D. G. Mahajan notes that Vimalachandra’s debates in the court of Suvaran Maran (Shatrubhayankara) highlight the vibrant intellectual and ideological activity of the time.

The Mutharaiyar dynasty occupies a significant place in the development of South Indian temple architecture.
According to Prof. K. V. Soundara Rajan (Studies in Indian Temple Architecture, 1975), the Mutharaiyars:
- Constructed early cave temples and structural temples,
- Whose architectural features later influenced Chola temple architecture.
Scholars argue that even before the rise of the Cholas, the Mutharaiyars had already initiated the tradition of complex stone temples.
Later, Vijayalaya Chola captured Thanjavur, defeating the Mutharaiyars.

Issuing a postage stamp in honour of Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II:

Represents an effort to provide national recognition to lesser-known or forgotten rulers of Tamil Nadu.
Highlights Tamil cultural heritage and the administrative and architectural contributions of early South Indian dynasties.
Serves as an important step toward raising awareness among the youth about regional historical heroes and their legacy.