Varagunavarman II succeeded his father Srimar and ruled the Pandyan empire from 862 to 880 A.D. He made attempts to raise the prestige of Pandyan dynasty by invading the Chola territory.
Pandyas acknowledged the overlordship of the Cholas for about 30 years. Prantaka Viranayana was also defeated by Krishna III who was the Rashtrakuta King, in the battle of Takkolam in 949 A.D.
The third Sangam was held at the present Madurai in Tamil Nadu. The third sangam had 449 poets and the important ones among them include Nakkirar, Iraiyanar, Kapilar, Paranar, Sattanar, Auvikyar etc.
The narrative texts of the Sangam literature are called Melkannakku. These are 18 major works consisting of eight anthologies and ten idylls. They are considered the works of heroic poetry in which heroes are glorified and perpetual wars and cattle raids during that time are frequently mentioned.
According to the Chera poets, Senguttuvan was their greatest king. He is also known as the Red or Good Chera. He led many successful military expeditions. He has also been mentioned in the post-Sangam text, Silappadikaram.
EXAMIANS