Battle of Venni

Battle of Venni (c. 190 BCE^[2][1]) was a military engagement fought by the early historic Chola ruler Karikala against a confederacy led by the Pandya and Chera rulers.^[1][2] Venni is generally identified with present day Kovil Venni east of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.^[2]

Battle of Venni
Date c. 190 CE[1][2] Location Venni[1][2] Result Decisive victory for Karikala
Belligerents
Cholas	Pandyas Cheras Minor Velir chieftains
Commanders and leaders
Karikala	Pandya ruler Chera ruler (Perum Cheralathan) Velir chieftains

A confederacy of eleven rulers, led by the Chera and Pandya, including several minor velir chieftains, were defeated at Venni.^[2]

The Chera ruler, named "Cheraman Perum Cheralathan", was wounded on the back while leading the warriors (pierced by a shaft). Not being able to bear the disgrace, he committed suicide by slow starvation ("sitting by facing the north"). It is said that some of his companions also committed suicide unwilling to part with him.^[2]

The Chera ruler generally is identified with Adu Kottu Pattu Cheralathan.^[1][3]