Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan on Sunday, 14 December 2025, released a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II, also known as Suvaran Maran, at the Vice-President’s Enclave in New Delhi.
According to an official press release, Radhakrishnan said Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar was among the most renowned rulers of ancient Tamil Nadu and belonged to the illustrious Mutharaiyar dynasty, which ruled the central regions of Tamil Nadu between the 7th and 9th centuries CE. He noted that the stamp release was part of efforts to bring greater public recognition to significant historical figures whose contributions had not received adequate attention in mainstream narratives.
Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman, addressing the gathering, said Emperor Mutharaiyar II was a ruler “for whom the word ‘defeat’ did not exist even in grammar,” noting that he had governed regions around present-day Tiruchirappalli with authority and distinction.
Referring to India’s 75 years of Independence and the ongoing Amrit Kaal, the Finance Minister said it was essential not only to remember well-known freedom fighters and leaders, but also to identify and honour those whose sacrifices and achievements had not received due public recognition.
“When the Prime Minister took up this effort, the focus expanded beyond familiar names. Across the country, data was collected and compiled to bring lesser-known historical figures to light,” she said, adding that Emperor Mutharaiyar’s legacy was among those efforts.
Sitharaman explained that the decision to document the emperor’s history through an e-book was deliberate. “A physical book may have limited circulation, but a digital record cannot be erased. Even after 50 or 100 years, if someone searches electronically, the data will still be available,” she said, describing digital documentation as a permanent historical record.
While a digital stamp and e-book were prepared earlier, Sitharaman said a physical postal stamp and First Day Cover were also considered essential. She revealed that the stamp had been ready for some time but was released at what she described as a moment of “destiny,” coinciding with the tenure of a Tamil Vice President.
“I deeply believe in divinity. Though everything was ready earlier, it feels as though this moment was meant to happen now, with the emotional depth it deserves,” she said, noting that the event was held at the Vice President’s residence and that the Prime Minister was closely following the occasion.
The Finance Minister credited scholars and organisers, particularly Dr Professor Srinivasan, for their sustained efforts in researching and documenting the emperor’s legacy. She also spoke personally of her connection to the Tiruchirappalli region, saying her participation in the event was especially meaningful as someone who studied and lived in the area. She said, “They say, “what’s meant to be will be,” and having studied in Trichy and lived around Trichy, from Musiri, I am grateful to all of you for giving me the opportunity to participate in this event.”
Emphasising Tamil society’s spiritual and inclusive ethos, Sitharaman said, “Tamil people are not those who reject spirituality. We are people who respect all faiths.” She urged that the story of Emperor Mutharaiyar II be taken across Tamil Nadu and shared widely.
Concluding her address, Sitharaman said initiatives such as the commemorative stamp reflected the Modi government’s broader effort to reclaim and celebrate India’s civilisational and historical heritage.
Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
