Mutharaiyar King Honoured with Commemorative Stamp

Why in News?

Recently, the Vice President of India released a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II, also known as Suvaran Maran, recognising his historical contributions as a prominent ruler and administrator of early medieval South India.

Background and Historical Context

• Early medieval South India (7th–9th century CE) was marked by the dominance of imperial dynasties like the Pallavas, Chalukyas, and later the Cholas, alongside powerful regional chiefs and feudatories.
• Among these, the Mutharaiyars emerged as influential rulers in the Cauvery delta region, playing a crucial role in governance, military affairs, temple construction, and cultural patronage.
• Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II stands out as one of the most illustrious rulers of this lineage, symbolising the transition of feudatories into semi-independent regional powers.

Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II: Life and Reign

Identity and Titles

• Name: Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II
• Period: c. 705 CE – 745 CE
• Other names:
  • Suvaran Maran (indicating prosperity and royal authority)
  • Shatrubhayankar (meaning “one who strikes fear in enemies”)

Political Role

• He belonged to the Mutharaiyar lineage, which initially served as feudatories of the Pallava dynasty.
• During his reign, Pallava power was gradually weakening, allowing chiefs like the Mutharaiyars to assert greater autonomy.
• Though nominally under Pallava overlordship, Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar exercised independent authority over his territories.

Military Contributions

• He fought several battles alongside Pallava king Nandivarman II (Nandivarman Pallavamalla).
• His military support was crucial in stabilising Pallava power against rival claimants and external threats.
• His epithet Shatrubhayankar reflects his reputation as a formidable warrior.

Administration and Governance

• Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar is remembered as a capable administrator, ensuring:
  • Effective local governance
  • Revenue collection from fertile Cauvery regions
  • Maintenance of irrigation systems essential for agrarian prosperity
• His reign contributed to political stability in central Tamil Nadu during a period of dynastic flux.

Religious and Cultural Patronage

Religious Tolerance

• Though he patronised Shaivism, his court reflected religious pluralism.
• The Jain monk Vimalachandra is known to have visited his court, highlighting tolerance toward Jainism.
• This coexistence of Shaiva and Jain traditions was characteristic of early medieval Tamil society.

Temple and Cultural Contributions

• As Pallava feudatories, the Mutharaiyars were active temple builders.
• They were deeply involved in:
  • Rock-cut cave temples
  • Early structural temple architecture
• Their architectural activity continued up to the early 9th century, laying foundations later inherited and expanded by the Cholas.

Who Were the Mutharaiyars?

• A powerful regional clan of early medieval Tamil Nadu.
• Initially served as feudatories of the Pallavas.
• With Pallava decline, they rose as independent or semi-independent rulers.
• Core areas under their control included:
  • Thanjavur
  • Pudukkottai
  • Perambalur
  • Tiruchirappalli
  • Regions along the Cauvery River
• Known for:
  • Military strength
  • Administrative efficiency
  • Temple-building activities
• Their political legacy significantly influenced the rise of the Cholas, who later absorbed these regions.

Significance of the Commemorative Stamp

• Recognises the historical importance of regional dynasties often overshadowed by imperial powers.
• Highlights India’s effort to:
  • Preserve local and regional history
  • Promote awareness of lesser-known rulers
• Reinforces the role of cultural memory in national heritage.