Rama Kulasekhara

11th century ruler of Kerala, India

Inscriptions related to Rama Kulasekhara can be found at Panthalayani Kollam near Quilandy, Thiruvaloor (on Periyar), Perunna near Changanassery, Nedumpuram Thali (Wadakkanchery) and at Kollam. Weakened authority of the Chera Perumal is evident in some of the inscriptions of Rama Kulasekhara. In 1099 AD, the leader of the Nair warriors of Nedumpurayur Nadu is seen handling the affairs of the Nedumpuram Thali, a state sponsored temple. In 1102 AD, Rama Kulasekhara publicly atoned for the wrongs committed by him against the Brahmin community. There is a tradition that Vira Kerala, a ruler of Kollam in early 12th century, was a son of the last Chera king.

Vasubhatta, a famous Yamaka poet of medieval Kerala, names his patron king as "Rama". A later commentary on a poem by Vasubhatta says that "Kulasekhara" was the regnal title of king Rama. Scholars generally consider this a result of confusion on the part of the commentators (between Sthanu Ravi Kulasekhara and Rama Rajasekhara) who were separated in time from Vasubhatta. This view is generally found unacceptable on several counts.

Rama Kulasekhara was believed to have disappeared under strange circumstances in 1122 A. D. which prevented the nomination of another leader, in consequence of which the kingdom broke into pieces. Other accounts say, Rama Varma Kulasekhara divided his empire among his own and his sister's children, and among other relatives. He then embraced Islam. On some account, Rama Kulasekhara denounced his throne and went to Arabia in the company of some Muslim traders. He is said to have become a convert to Islam and died at a place called Sapher in Arabia. The fact that the old Madayi Mosque was built in 1124 A. D., only two only two years after the disappearance of the Perumal, makes his conversion and emigration to Arabia quite possible, although there are differences of opinion.