Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I

Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I (r. 1268–1308) succeeded his father Sundara Pandya as the paramount king of the Pandya realm, sharing rule with kinsmen; Marco Polo, who visited his wealthy country, called him the eldest of five brother kings. In 1279 he overthrew Rajendra III, the last Chola, ending Chola rule.

His four decades brought peace and prosperity, temple building, and flourishing port trade. Muslim chroniclers say his son Sundara Pandya killed him, opening the Pandyan civil war of 1308–1323.