Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II Commemorative Stamp Released by Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan highlights the legacy of the 8th-century Tamil ruler. Key facts and historical insights for competitive exams.
Vice‑President Releases Commemorative Stamp Honouring Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II
Introduction
On 14 December 2025, the Vice‑President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, released a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II (also known as Suvaran Maran) at the Vice‑President’s Enclave, New Delhi. This event marked a significant recognition of a historically important ruler from ancient South India, whose contributions spanned administration, culture, and military strategy.
Event Highlight: The Stamp Release Ceremony
The release ceremony was attended by distinguished dignitaries including Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh, and Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Dr L Murugan. The choice to commemorate Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II reflects the Government of India’s emphasis on recognising historical figures who shaped regional and cultural identities but have not always received mainstream appreciation.
Objectives Behind the Initiative
According to Vice‑President Radhakrishnan, the stamp is part of a broader effort by the government to promote cultural history and heritage, particularly of Tamil culture and language. The event highlighted initiatives such as the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and other ongoing measures to honour historical leaders from diverse regions and communities across India.
Who Was Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II?
Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II, also known as Suvaran Maran, was a ruler of the Mutharaiyar dynasty during the 8th century CE, ruling parts of present‑day Tamil Nadu such as Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Pudukkottai and Perambalur. He was known for his strong administrative skills, military involvement, and support for temple endowments and irrigation works
Government’s Cultural Recognition Efforts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the release of this commemorative stamp, describing the emperor as a formidable administrator with visionary leadership attributes. He encouraged students and youth to explore India’s rich history and learn from great historical figures whose legacies contribute to national pride and cultural integration.
Significance of the Stamp in Cultural Education
The issuance of this stamp holds educational value, promoting awareness about a key figure in early Tamil history beyond state borders. The recognition aims to bridge cultural knowledge gaps and inspire heritage appreciation among students and citizens, especially in the context of India’s diverse historical narrative.
Why This News Is Important
Enhancing Cultural Awareness Among Aspirants
This development is significant for students preparing for competitive government exams, as questions on cultural heritage, national identity, and historical figures frequently appear in General Studies papers, History, and Current Affairs sections. Understanding the context and contributions of lesser‑known rulers like Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II helps build depth in sections related to Indian culture and history.
Government Policies on Heritage Promotion
The release also reflects governmental policy to recognise and honour unsung heroes, which is crucial for UPSC and other exams under topics such as National initiatives for cultural preservation and Art and Culture. Being aware of such events supports answers in descriptive questions as well as interview discussions.
Broader Impact on National Integration
Through initiatives like commemorative stamps, the government fosters unity in diversity, highlighting contributions from regional histories into the national mainstream. This aligns with national schemes that celebrate cultural plurality — an important theme in civil services and public sector leadership examinations.
Historical Context
Mutharaiyar Dynasty and Its Legacy
The Mutharaiyar dynasty was a significant South Indian regime that ruled parts of Tamil Nadu between the 7th and 9th centuries CE, often serving as feudatories under larger dynasties like the Pallavas.
Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II — A Powerful Monarch
Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II (c. 705–745 CE) was among the most notable kings of this lineage. Known as Suvaran Maran and sometimes referenced using the honorific ‘Perarasar’, he commanded respect for his military prowess, frequently engaging in battles against rival dynasties while contributing to temple patronage and administrative growth.
Recognition and Cultural Revival
Despite his historical prominence, Mutharaiyar’s legacy did not always receive widespread attention in mainstream school curricula. The recent initiative for the postage stamp emerged after advocacy from the Tamil Nadu government, which highlighted his contribution to art, culture, agriculture and regional prosperity.
Key Takeaways from Commemorative Stamp Honouring Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II
| S.No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Vice‑President of India released a commemorative postage stamp honouring Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II on 14 Dec 2025 in New Delhi. |
| 2 | The stamp recognises the historical legacy of an 8th‑century Tamil ruler known for administration and cultural patronage. |
| 3 | The event underscores government efforts to promote cultural heritage and regional history at the national level. |
| 4 | Prime Minister Modi encouraged youth to learn about India’s historical figures and their contributions. |
| 5 | The Mutharaiyar dynasty played a significant role in early medieval South Indian history. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which sources can students refer to for more information on Mutharaiyar II?
Reliable sources include Indian Express, Newsonair, DesiTalk, Wikipedia (Mutharaiyar dynasty), and PM India news portal.
Who released the commemorative stamp honoring Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II?
The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, released the commemorative stamp on 14 December 2025.
When was the commemorative stamp for Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II released?
It was released on 14 December 2025 at the Vice-President’s Enclave in New Delhi.
Who was Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II?
Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II, also known as Suvaran Maran, was an 8th-century ruler of the Mutharaiyar dynasty in present-day Tamil Nadu, known for his administration, military skills, and cultural contributions.
Which areas did the Mutharaiyar dynasty rule?
The Mutharaiyar dynasty ruled parts of Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Pudukkottai, and Perambalur in Tamil Nadu during the 7th–9th centuries CE.
Why is the commemorative stamp important for students preparing for government exams?
It highlights cultural heritage, historical figures, and regional history, which are common topics in General Studies, History, and Current Affairs sections of exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and Railways.
Which government initiatives were mentioned during the stamp release?
Initiatives like Kashi Tamil Sangamam and other cultural heritage programs were highlighted as efforts to honour historical figures from different regions.
What is the significance of commemorative stamps in India?
They promote awareness of historical personalities, national achievements, and cultural heritage, making them educational tools for students and citizens.
Did the Prime Minister comment on the release?
Yes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the initiative, encouraging youth to study historical figures and understand their contributions to India’s cultural heritage.
What was Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II’s contribution to culture and administration?
He supported temple endowments, irrigation projects, and governance reforms, and was known for his military and administrative skills.
Some Important Current Affairs Links
