Ay Andiran (fl. 2nd century AD [1] ) was a velir ruler of the Ay dynasty who ruled the Pothigai Hills (Pothiyilmalai) and the surrounding regions, including the south-western Malabar Coast, of the Tamil country (the Tamilakam) in southern India, during the Sangam or early historic period. [2] [3] [4] He is extolled in early Tamil literature (Sangam Literature) for his benevolence toward poets, musicians, and dancing girls [2] and is mentioned as one of the Kadai Ezhu Vallal (the Last Seven Great Patrons).
Andiran was an elder contemporary of the Chera ruler Anthuvan Cheral (dated to c. 140 CE). [1] According to Puram 128 and Kurunthokai, Quatrain 84, he ruled the Pothigai Hills ("the Lord of the Pothiyl Hills") and the surrounding regions located at the southern tip of the Tamil country. [4] [2] His headquarters was located at Aykudi in the Western Ghats. [5]
In Sangam or early Tamil literature, Ay Andiran is described as a well-built individual who was fluent in multiple languages. [5] Since he ruled a hilly region surrounded by forests (the Western Ghats), his land had an abundance of elephants. [2] He domesticated and trained these wild elephants, using them extensively. Bulls were deployed in battles, while cows were used to transport people and goods. [3] The luxurious palace of Ay Andiran is also described in Puram 127. [2]
Several poems praising Andiran were composed by the poet Uraiyur Eniseri Mudamosiyar (Puram 127-135 and 241). [6] He is also praised by poets such as Paranar (Aham 152 and 198), Mosi Kiran (Kurun 84), Kavirippumpattinam Karikkannar (Natrinai 237), Umathur Kizhar Parangotranar (Aham 69), Thuraiyur Odai Kizhar (Puram 136) and in Sirupanatruppadai (lines 96-99). [7] [2] In Aham 15, his name occurs with the names of other minor Tamil rulers - Nannan, Nalli, Pindan and Thitthan Veliyan. [2]
Early Tamil literature (Puram 129-30) also recounts battles he fought against the rulers of the Kongu country (western Tamilakam). The Kongars are said to have launched an attack on Andiran’s territory with a large force of spearmen. [8] However, Andiran skillfully employed his elephant corps, defeated the invaders, and drove them back toward the "western sea". [2] [9]
Ay Andiran is mentioned as one of the Kadai Ezhu Vallal (the Last Seven Great Patrons) in Sangam collections such as Sirupanaatruppadai, and Purananuru. [10] [11] [12] Poetess Avvaiyar also lists him as one of the great patrons in one of her poems. [13] He patronized many poets, and singers in his court, and lavishly gifted them with elephants, horses, and chariots. [3] [2] Mosiyar's songs describe the riches of Andiran's land and his generous acts of donations. [6]
On one occasion, a Blue Naga visited Ay Andiran and gifted him a very fine cloth. The Naga explained that he had earned the cloth through penance and that whoever wore it would be blessed with prosperity and long life. [2] [14] However, Andiran believed it would be improper for a mortal to retain such a divine gift. Out of respect for the Naga, he accepted the cloth— but later donated it to Lord Shiva, presenting it at a temple as an act of devotion. [15] [2]
The death of Andiran is mentioned by the poet Mosiyar in Puram 241. The poet Kuttuvan Kiranar, in Puram 240, also records the death of Ay Andiran and mentions that the wives of the Ay immolated themselves on his funeral pyre. [2]