During the Sangam period, the region of modern Kerala was largely governed by which major Tamil royal dynasty known for its capital at Vanji (Karur) and control over the lucrative spice trade?

💡 Solution & Explanation

During the Sangam era, the Chera dynasty ruled over the territory encompassing modern Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu, operating their capital from Vanji and controlling profitable spice export trade. The Cholas and Pandyas held sway over the fertile river valleys of the eastern and southern portions of the Tamil region respectively. Sangam literature provides extensive historical records detailing the maritime trade between the Chera coast and the Roman Empire.