Cheran Chenkuttuvan ( ; ) (c. 2nd century CE), literally 'the Alluring Kuttuvan Chera', identified with Katal Pirakottiya Vel Kezhu Kuttuvan (കടൽ പിറകോട്ടിയ വേൽക്കുഴുക്കുട്ടുവൻ), was the most celebrated Chera dynasty ruler of the early land of Kerala in early historic South India. The Kuttuvan is eulogized by Paranar in the fifth decad of Patitrupattu of the Ettutokai anthology (early Sangham texts). The Kuttuvan successfully intervened in a succession dispute in the Chola country and established his relative on the Chola throne. The Kadambas ― helped by the Yavanas (perhaps Greek or Roman mariners) ― attacked the kuttuvan by sea, but the Chera ruler destroyed their fleet. He is said to have defeated the Kongu people and a warrior called Mokur Mannan. Under his reign, the Chera territory included Kollimalai in the east and Vanchi, Karur, Tondi and Mantai on the western coast (Kerala). Kuttanadu in Kerala is after his name, which was one of his major capitals. The base of major ancient temples in land of Kerala was established by Cenguttuvan. He is being credited as the Creator of modern land of Kerala, on his actions on joining the various lands including western coast and southern parts of Western ghats speaking a common language and have similar lifestyle, culture and customs. Military achievements of Cenkuttavan are described, albeit in an exaggerated manner, in the medieval Sangham epic poem Chilappatikaram. A method, known as Gajabahu Synchronism/Triple Synchronism, based on text proper, canto 30:160 of the epic, is used by scholars to date Cenkuttavan Chera to c. 2nd century CE. Early texts The kuttuvan is eulogized by Paranar in the fifth decad of Patitrupattu of the Ettutokai anthology. Purananuru 343 refers to the hill products and sea products, mainly pearls, of Cenkuttuvan and to the Yavana gold that reached ashore by boats, in exchange. The kuttuvan's mastery over the sea might have led to the often used title Katal Pirakottiya, which translates as "One who Lagged the Sea Behind". Paranar praised the kuttuvan for his naval powers - Paranar also praised kuttuvan's military prowess - Kuttuvan was the son of the Cera ruler Nedum Cheralathan and Nalconai (of the Cholas of Uraiyur). The wife of Cenkuttuvan was Illanko Venmal (the daughter of a Velir chief). Cenkuttuvan ruled the Cera country for 55 years (Patitrupattu). Warriors of the Kuttuvan used bull-hide shields to protect themselves from the enemy darts (Patitrupattu, 45). Kuttuvan successfully