Why in News?
- The Prime Minister of India welcomed the release of a commemorative postage stamp honouring Emperor PerumbidugMutharaiyar II, highlighting his administrative excellence and patronage of Tamil culture.
Who Was He?
- PerumbidugMutharaiyar II, also known as:
- Suvaran Maran
- Shatrubhayankar
- Ruled during c. 705–745 CE.
- A prominent ruler of the Mutharaiyar dynasty, an important early medieval Tamil lineage.
Dynastic & Political Background
- The Mutharaiyars were:
- Powerful regional rulers in central Tamil Nadu.
- Feudatories of the Pallavas, especially under Pallava king Nandivarman II.
- They played a crucial role in:
- Maintaining political stability during phases of Pallava decline.
- Acting as a bridge between Pallava rule and the rise of the Cholas.
Territorial Extent & Capital
- Controlled the central Cauvery basin, including:
- Thanjavur
- Tiruchirappalli
- Pudukkottai
- Perambalur and adjoining regions
- Ruled primarily from Tiruchirappalli.
- Exercised authority for nearly four decades, indicating political stability.
Key Contributions
1. Administrative & Military Achievements
- Recognised as:
- A capable administrator with long-term governance stability.
- A military ally of the Pallavas, participating in several campaigns.
- Helped:
- Maintain regional order.
- Check fragmentation during transitional political phases.
2. Temple Building & Architecture
- The Mutharaiyars were:
- Among the earliest temple builders in Tamil Nadu.
- Contributions included:
- Rock-cut temples
- Early structural temples
- Their architectural style:
- Laid the foundation for the early Chola temple tradition.
- Preceded the rise of Vijayalaya Chola, often considered the Chola founder.
3. Cultural & Religious Patronage
- A patron of Shaivism.
- Demonstrated religious pluralism:
- Hosted philosophical debates involving Jain scholars, notably Acharya Vimalachandra.
- Supported:
- Tamil language
- Religious institutions
- Scholarly traditions
4. Public Works & Economy
- Inscriptions reveal:
- Temple endowments
- Development of irrigation systems
- Strengthening of agrarian infrastructure
- These measures:
- Enhanced agricultural productivity.
Consolidated the Cauvery delta economy, later central to Chola prosperity
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
