Pandyas  (Tamil, Paperback, V S Roma)

The Pandyas were one of the three rulers who ruled Tamil Nadu in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent. The Pandyan kings who ruled with Madurai as their capital have done a lot for Tamil. They have formed and nurtured the Muthamilukku Sangam of Science, Music and Drama. The Pandyan kings formed three Tamil societies, the Thalasangam, the Idaisangam and the Kadasangam. Apart from the Kadasangam, two other Sangams are believed by Tamil scholars to have been in the submerged land known as Kumarikandam, Kumari Nadu or Ilemuria. The Pandyan kings ruled Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli and the southern part of present day Kerala. The Pandyan dynasty has a very long history that no other dynasty in India has. In ancient times the Pandian capital was South Madurai. Subsequent piracy sank large parts of the sea, including Thenmadurai. ... The Pandyas ruled with Madurai as their capital. Rock tunnels and architectural temples are a significant part of Pandiyar art and architecture.