Ay Andiran
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| Ay Andiran | |
|---|---|
| Ruler of the Ays | |
| Reign | fl. 2nd century AD[1] |
| House | Ay dynasty |
| Religion | Hinduism |
Ay Andiran (fl. 2nd century AD[1]) was a velir or hill chieftain of the Ay dynasty who ruled over the Pothigai Hills and the surrounding regions, including the south-western Malabar Coast, of the Tamil country in southern India during the early historic period.[2][3][4] He was an elder contemporary of the Chera ruler Anthuvan Cheral (dated to c. 140 CE).[1]
In the Sangam Literature (the early historic Tamil corpus), particularly in Purananuru (quatrain 128) and Kurunthokai (quatrain 84), he is mentioned as the Lord of the Pothigai Hills (or the Pothiyil-malai) in the Western Ghats.[2][3][4] His headquarters was probably located at Aykudi in the Western Ghats.[5] He is extolled in Sangam poetry for his benevolence toward poets, musicians, and dancing girls[2] and is counted among the Last Seven Great Patrons (Kadai Ezhu Vallal) .[6][2]
Battle against the Kongu rulers
In Sangam Literature, Ay Andiran is portrayed as a ruler who held dominion over the Pothigai Hills in the southern stretches of the Western Ghats — densely forested and rich in elephants — which he employed extensively in warfare.[5][2][3] The luxurious "palace" of Ay Andiran is also described in Purananuru (quatrain 127).[2]
Poems praising Andiran, composed by the poet Uraiyur Eniseri Mudamosiyar, feature in Purananuru (quatrain 127-135 and 241).[7] He is also mentioned by poets such as Paranar (Akananuru 152 and 198), Mosi Kiran (Kurunthokai 84), Kavirippumpattinam Karikkannar (Natrinai 237), Umathur Kizhar Parangotranar (Akananuru 69), Thuraiyur Odai Kizhar (Purananuru 136), and in Sirupanatruppadai (lines 96-99).[8][2] In Akananuru (quatrain 15), his name appears alongside other minor Tamil rulers such as Nannan, Nalli, Pindan, and Thitthan Veliyan.[2]
Purananuru (quatrain 129-130) mentions the battles Andiran fought against the rulers of the Kongu country (present-day western Tamil Nadu). The Kongars (the people of the Kongu country) are described as launching an attack on Andiran's territory with a large force of spearmen.[9] The poems recount that Andiran deployed his elephant corps, defeated the invaders, and drove them back toward "the western sea".[2][10]