Kharavela ruled in Kalinga in the first half of the second century A.D.

In the 11th year of his reign (c. 165 B.C.), Kharavela destroyed a Tamil confederacy (Tramiradelasanghatam) that had existed for 113 years and posed a threat.

Kharavela brought numerous pearls, horses, elephants, jewels, and rubies from the Pandya region to Kalinga.

The inscription mentioning Kharavela is difficult to interpret, with gaps and worn-out conditions, and provides no further details about the Tamil confederacy or Kharavela’s measures.

The Sangam literature, from the first three to four centuries A.D., reflects the first well-documented era in Tamil history, grouped in eight anthologies.

These anthologies include Nazrinal, Karundogal, Aingurunōri, Padizruppattu, Paripadal, Kalistogai, Ahandniru, Purandniru, and a ninth group Patippātju.

The collection contains 2,279 poems by 473 poets, including some women, and 102 anonymous pieces.

Tolkappiyam, a Tamil grammar work, also belongs to this period.

An inscription of the 10th century mentions the early Pandyas translating the Mahabharata into Tamil and establishing a Sangam at Madura.

The translation of the Mahabharata has been lost, though parts by Perundevanār survive, written in the 9th century.

A college (Sangam) of Tamil poets, patronized by the Pandyan kings, flourished for a time in Madura.

The earliest account of the Sangam, from the commentary on the Iralyanar Agapporul (c. A.D. 750), is legendary, claiming the Sangams lasted for 9,990 years and had 8,598 poets.

Historical evidence from inscriptions suggests the Sangam period lasted 120 to 150 years, from about A.D. 100 to 250.

Gajabāhu I of Ceylon is synchronized with Senguttuvan of the Chera dynasty, and the Silappadikaram presents the story of Kövalan and Kannagi, which is linked to the Kannagi cult.

The Silappadikaram was written no earlier than the 5th century, but it likely preserves historically accurate synchronisms.

The Sangam literature corresponds with classical writings by Strabo, Pliny, and Ptolemy on trade between the Tamil states and Yavanas (Greeks and Romans).

Archaeological evidence, such as Roman coins and a Roman factory near Pondicherry, supports the Sangam chronology.

The Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas were the three main monarchies in the Tamil land, with minor chieftains aligning with or fighting for these rulers.

Vallals (patrons) were particularly recognized for their support of literature and the arts.

The language in Sangam literature was mature Tamil, with Sanskrit influences.

Senguttuvan, a Chera monarch, is believed to have reigned around A.D. 130, and he was credited with feeding the armies of Kurukshetra, earning him the title Udiyan-jeral.

His son, Nedunjëral Adan, won a naval victory on the Malabar coast, captured Yavana traders, and fought seven crowned kings.

Nedunjëral Adan is described in poems as having conquered all of India, with poetic exaggerations linking his victories to Himalayas.