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Author - Virarajendra

The Antiquity of the Tamil - Chera, Chola and Paandiyan kingdoms of South India

Historically from the ancient times there existed in South India, three main Tamil Kingdoms known as the Chera Naadu, Chola Naadu, and Paandiya Naadu (Naadu=Country), and were collectively known as "Muth Thamil Naadu" (three Tamil Countries).

Though we know that these Tamil Countries existed from ancient times, to what period does the term "ancient" refer to ???

As far as it can be seen many Scholars from India say the great Epics - the Sanskrit Ramaayana of sage Vaalmiki and the Sanskrit Mahaabharatha of sage Viyaasa dates to more that 12,012 years ago and among the oldest Literatures of India.

If we accept the conclusions of these Scholars of the modern period, then we are also compelled to accept the fact that the three great Tamil kingdoms of then Tamil Nadu - namely the Chera, Chola & Paandiya Naadus are equally old as these two great Epics of India. Their antiquity in the Indian History too can be positively traced back beyond 10,000 years B.C., as these three Tamil - dynasties and their kingdoms are mentioned in both the original Sanskrit Epics - the Raamaayana of sage Vaalmiki & Mahaabharatha of sage Viyaasa as existing during the period of their composition.

If these Scholars say the antiquity of the Tamil - Chera, Chola and Paandiyan kingdoms of South India are not so old as over 12,012 years, then the fact remains that these two original Sanskrit Epics - the Ramaayana of sage Vaalmiki and the Mahaabharatha of sage Viyaasa too cannot be that old.

Healthy and illuminating discussions are welcome.