The Epigraphy Division of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently documented a set of inscriptions from Malayadipatti and Ponnamaravathi in Pudukkottai district. Using the estampage method, the inscriptions were copied onto maplitho paper for preservation and further study.
According to J. Veera Manikandan, Assistant Epigraphist, the ASI was alerted by locals in Malayadipatti who discovered a rock inscription near the Kudambeeswarar Temple, located on a nearby hillock. Preliminary readings date the inscription to the 16th century. Though partially damaged, it records a land partition agreement between the villages of Sundara Chozhapuram and Sevvalur, undertaken for the purpose of excavating an oorani (a water storage pond).
The rock inscription near the Kudambeeswarar Temple at Malaiyadipatti in Pudukkottai district. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Another inscription, found near a sunai (spring), refers to King Raja Rajan Sundarapandyan. It records that a man named Udaiyan Perumal from Sevvalur contributed to the creation of this waterbody.
He also said at Chozheeswarar Temple in Ponnamaravathi, one of the inscriptions located on the western side of the sanctum sanctorum, dates back to the 8th regnal year of Maravarman Kulasekara Pandiyan. It mentions that this temple is known as the Chozheeswarar Udaiya Nayanar Temple which falls under the Uzhavalai Nadu division. It also mentions the donation of 40 panam for lighting of five lamps at specific locations within the temple.
Mr. Manikandan said earlier, the ASI had copied few other inscriptions from the same temple in 1909 and in 2000. Another inscription found on the eastern wall dates back to the sixth regnal year of Raja Raja III and talks about the location of the temple as a place under the jurisdiction of Rajendra Chola Vala Nadu. Further the inscription talks in detail about the ceremonial offerings including rice, ghee and milk.
Published - April 20, 2025 06:30 pm IST
