Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II: VP releases stamp, PM Modi hails ancient ruler

• Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released a commemorative stamp for King Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II on December 14.
• Mutharaiyar II, also known as Suvaran Maran, was a prominent ruler between the 7th and 9th centuries CE, governing Tiruchirappalli for four decades.
• He was known for administrative stability, regional expansion, cultural preservation, military prowess, and patronizing Shaivism.
• The Mutharaiyar dynasty were significant temple builders, and their architectural style influenced later Chola architecture.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Suvaran Maran as a "formidable administrator blessed with foresight and strategic genius."

Why It Matters: It recognizes Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II's historical impact and his community's political sway.