Athiyaman (Sathiyaputhra)

Athiyaman, also known as Athiyan, Adhiyaman, Adigaman, or as Sathiyaputhra in Indo-Aryan, were a line of rulers based in Thagadur, present day Dharmapuri, in northern Tamil country, dating back to at least the 3rd century BCE. They were one of the four major powers of the Tamilakam (the Tamil country) during the second half of the first millennium BCE, bordered by the Cheras to the southwest and the Pandyas and Cholas to the south.

The Athiyamans are mentioned in early historic Tamil literature (the Sangam Literature), as well as in inscriptions such as the edicts of the Maurya emperor Asoka (3rd century BCE) and a Tamil-Brahmi cave record from Jambai. The Tamil-Brahmi inscription at Jambai, Tirukkoyilur, provide details of their sovereignty in the 1st century CE. The most well-known ruler of this dynasty was Athiyaman Neduman Anchi, who is listed as one of the kadai ezhu vallal (the last seven great patrons) in early historic Tamil literature.

Their rule is mentioned in the Gummireddipura plates, with the added title "Sathyaputhra" — meaning "Members of the Fraternity of Truth" — a term synonymous with the Chera dynasty. Vidukathazhagiya Perumal, a late 12th century AD century ruler of this family, is described as the descendant of a certain Ezhini, an Adigaman of the Chera (Sanskrit: Kerala) family.