In ancient Tamil literature, the term Muventar (the three crowned rulers) collectively refers to which three South Indian dynasties?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to early South Indian political and cultural history. The term Muventar in Tamil literally means 'three crowned rulers' and is used in Sangam literature to refer to the three major ruling dynasties of ancient Tamilakam. Knowing which dynasties these were helps you understand the political map of early South India and is frequently tested in competitive exams that cover regional history and culture.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks which dynasties are known collectively as Muventar.
• Options combine Pandya, Chola, Chera and Pallava in different groupings.
• We assume standard interpretations of Sangam age political structure.
• We focus on the three ancient Tamil dynasties ruling different regions of Tamilakam.

Concept / Approach:
In Sangam literature and early Tamil traditions, Muventar refers specifically to the three crowned dynasties of the Tamil land: the Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas. Each ruled a distinct geographic region: the Cheras in the western coastal region (roughly Kerala), the Cholas in the Kaveri delta and Coromandel coast, and the Pandyas in the southern parts around Madurai. The Pallavas rose to prominence later and were not part of this original triad. Therefore, any combination that replaces the Cheras or includes the Pallavas is incorrect in the classical Muventar context.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Muventar literally means 'three great kings' or 'three crowned rulers' of ancient Tamilakam.Step 2: Identify the three: Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas, who are repeatedly named in Sangam poems as the main dynasty trio.Step 3: Examine the options: only option (a) lists Pandya, Chola and Chera together without including Pallava.Step 4: Recognise that the Pallavas, although important in a later period, are not counted among the original three crowned rulers.Step 5: Therefore, select 'Pandya, Chola and Chera' as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
South Indian history textbooks and culture guides clearly describe the Chera, Chola and Pandya dynasties as the three crowned kings of the Tamil country, using the term Muventar. Many exam questions ask about this term and consistently give the trio Pandya–Chola–Chera as the correct combination. The Pallavas are instead presented as a later power based around Kanchipuram, which further confirms our selection.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pallava, Chola and Pandya: Includes Pallava but leaves out Chera, so it does not match the classical Muventar trio.Pallava, Chera and Pandya: Again, includes Pallava and excludes Chola, which is incorrect.Pallava, Chola and Chera: Leaves out the Pandyas, one of the core three dynasties, and wrongly includes the Pallavas.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes add the Pallavas into any list of important South Indian dynasties without checking whether the term used (here, Muventar) refers to an earlier Sangam-age concept. Another pitfall is forgetting the Cheras because their territory corresponds mostly to present-day Kerala and is less prominent in some textbooks. To avoid confusion, remember the classical trio clearly: Chera (west), Chola (east), Pandya (south) – collectively Muventar.

Final Answer:
The term Muventar refers to the three crowned dynasties of ancient Tamilakam: the Pandya, Chola and Chera rulers.