TIRUCHY: Former President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday paid floral tributes to ancient emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II and said historic rulers should be viewed beyond caste, creed and religion.

Also known as Suvaran Maran, Mutharaiyar II was an eighth-century monarch of the Mutharaiyar lineage who ruled parts of the Cauvery Delta region, with strongholds around Tiruchy, Thanjavur and Pudukkottai.

He was a powerful feudatory ally of Pallava king Nandivarman II and is regarded as a cultural icon by the Mutharaiyar community, which has a significant presence across central Tamil Nadu and the Delta districts.

Speaking to reporters after performing a puja, Kovind said he felt privileged and honoured to pay respects to the monarch who had ruled the region centuries ago.

"Every emperor is above community, caste, creed and religion. No one should associate any king with any religion, caste, community, region or language," Kovind said, underscoring the unifying legacy of historic leaders.

Reflecting on his tenure in office, Kovind expressed gratitude to the people of the country and said the credit for his presidency belonged to citizens across the country, including those in Tamil Nadu.

He recalled his longstanding ties with Tamil Nadu, including visits to the state with close friends during their parliamentary tenures. The former President also offered prayers at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam.