The Cheras rulded over the Malabar coast in the South Western India. This is the modern day Kerala State in the Indian Union. The other two major dynasties were Cholas in the eastern Coramandal coast and Pandyas in the south central peninsula. These dynasties came into existence in the later centuries BCE and were in constant conflict with one another. Despite this (or because of it) in this period Tamil language, arts and literature prospered.

The Chera capital was Vanchi. Its exact location is still a matter of conjecture. Possibilities range form Karur, near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, to areas closer to Kochi. Twenty five Cheran Kings, with details of their reigns and accomplishments, are recorded. They secured and maintained large armies. They fought neighboring kingdoms to acquire or expand their domain. They confronted and crushed piracy on the high seas. In an tempt to restore harmony they sometimes married women of warring neighbors.

Throughout the reign of the Cheras, Trade continued to bring prosperity to Kerala with spices, ivory, timber and gems being exported to the Middle East and southern Europe.

Belief systems as well as products were exchanged. Early beliefs and religious practices generally has a naturist or animist basis people housed the elements of the cosmos as well as the trees and animals, believing that such entities embodied the spirits of deities. It seem that ancestor worth was also practiced the early stone monuments being indicative of this custom. Cheras kings prayed to a goddess whom they honored with chanting, drumming and rice offerings. Around the 3rd to 2nd centuries BCE, both Buddhism and Jainism came to Kerala. Trade with the Middle East may have established early contact with Judaism. In fact some accounts relate King Solomons court as receiving spices, ivory and peacocks form Kerala. Fleeing the ravages of Jerusalem, Jewish settlers may have arrived as early as 70 CE.