The Cholas controlled the central and northern parts of Tamil Nadu. Their core area of rule was the Kaveri delta, later known as Cholamandalam.  

• Their capital was Uraiyur (near Thiruchirapalli town) and Puhar or Kaviripattinam was an alternative royal residence and chief port town.  
• Tiger was their emblem. Kaviripattinam attracted merchants from various regions of the Indian Ocean. 
• The Cheras controlled the central and northern parts of Kerala and the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu.  
• Vanji was their capital and the ports of the west coast, Musiri and Tondi, were under their control.  
• Vanji is identified with Karur, while some scholars identify it with Tiruvanchaikkalam in Kerala.  

• There are many other Chera coins with their bow and arrow emblem but without any writing on them. 
• The Pandyas ruled from Madurai. Korkai was their main port, located near the confluence of Thampraparani with the Bay of Bengal.  
• It was famous for pearl fishery and chank diving. Korkai is referred to in the Periplus as Kolkoi. Fish was the emblem of the Pandyas.  
• Their coins have elephant on one side and a stylised image of fish on the other. They invaded Southern Kerala and controlled the port of Nelkynda, near Kottayam. 

Source: Tamil Nadu state board.