A Tamil dynasty which ruled in the extreme south of India from the 3rd century bc to the 16th century ad. Little is known about their early history during an era of frequent warfare among competing south Indian dynasties. Between the 7th and 14th centuries they expanded into Sri Lanka and Kerala, and northwards into Chola and Hoysala territories. They were at the height of their power during the reign of Jatavarman Sundara (1251–68). They were already weakened by family quarrels when their capital at Madurai was invaded in 1311 by the sultan of Delhi, Ala ud-Din Khalji. Although they retained local power until the 16th century, they never again aspired to empire. Marco Polo recorded the prosperity of their realm during its peak years in the late 13th century.