Cherar Kottai , meaning "Fortress of Chera Kings" is a Tamil language historical novel in two volumes written by Gokul Seshadri. The story is based on the first military conquest of the great Chola King Rajaraja Chola in Kerala[1] at a place known as Kanthalur Salai.[2] Though it is a work of fiction, it is based on extensive historic research and delves deep into present day Kalaripayattu and Varma Sastra.