coupled with the architecture and other peculiarities, seems to point to a similarity of race, which is both curious and interesting: but how and when the connection took place I must leave it to others to determine. I do not think there is any thing in the likeness of the names, but I do place faith in the similarity of their architecture combined with that of their manners and customs” (Mr. Fergusson’s History of Indian and Eastern Architecture, p.270 and 305). The similarity of races, which Mr. Fergusson’s professional instinct told him must be a fact, is fully borne out by the direct testimony of ancient Tamil poets. The connection between Nepal and Malabar had broken off probably more than two thousand years ago. It is truly marvellous therefore that traces of this connection still linger in the language, the customs, and the style of Architecture of the latter country, after the lapse of twenty centuries!
The three Tamil tribes Maranmar, Thirayar and Vanavar founded respectively the Tamil Kingdoms subsequently known as the Pandya, Chola and Chera Kingdoms.[1] From the edicts of the great Magadha Emperor Asoka. which were engraved in the latter half of the 3rd Century B.C., we learn that the three Tami’ kingdoms were in existence in his time and were not subject to his authority.[2]
The latest of the immigrants into the Tamil country were the Kosar. It is said that they attacked Mohoor the Capital of PalayanMaran and as they were repulsed there, the “Vamba-Moriyar” or the illegitimate Mauriyas came to their assistance, and drove in
- ↑ The Puranic authors have however tried to conceal this fact by asserting that the Pandya, Chola and Chera were descendants of an Aryan king. “The Hari-vamsa and Agni Purana make Pandya, Chola, Kerala and Kola great grandsons of Dushyanta of the line of Puru, and founders of the regal dynasties named after them. The descendants of Dushyanta however as specified in the Vishnu Purana do not include these personages, and their insertion seems to have been the work of the more recent authorities. The Harivamsa with no little inconsistency places the Pandyas and Cholas amongst the Kshatriya tribes degraded by Sagara. The Padma Purana has a similar addition to the list of those tribes in the Ramayana.” Prof. H. H. Wilson’s Historical Sketch of the Pandyan Kingdom. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, Vol. III. Art IX., p. 199.
- ↑ Indian Antiquary. Vol. XX., p. 242.
“These Andhra kings appear to have maintained towards the close of their dynasty a constant intercourse with China: and we find the Chinese Government on one Occasion sending an army to assist, in putting down a rebellion in India.”—Marshman’s History of India, p. 63. Dr Bhandarkar’s Early History of the Dekkan, p. 25.
