Ancient inscription sheds light on Zamorin's obscure past
The inscription, according to historians and epistemologists who deciphered it, sheds new light on the early history of the Zamorins, specifically during the 12th or 13th century, a period that has remained somewhat obscure until now.
The inscription in Vattezhuthu was found on the 'Balikkallu' (sacred stone) of Kuttoth Sree Narasimha Moorthi Temple at Avala. Vattezhuthu is an ancient script used in Kerala, particularly during the medieval period.
'This find is highly significant,' said K. Krishnaraj, archaeologist in charge of the Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum, Kozhikode. 'It is one of the earliest records of the Zamorin and the second inscription to reference Manavikraman.'
The earliest known inscription referencing Manavikraman was found at the Rameswaram temple in Kollam, dated 1102 CE. According to historian MGS Narayanan, that inscription reads 'Eranadu Vazhkai Manavikramanana Poonthuraikon,' which translates to 'the illustrious Poonthuraikon of Eranadu, a renowned conqueror.'
The three-line inscription at Avala begins with 'Swasti Shri' (Hail Prosperity) and documents the temple's construction. It reveals that the ancient name of Avala was Akavala.
The inscription credits the construction of the temple to the Adhikarar of Akavala and his younger brother, a Keezhpadai Nair in the service of Manavikraman. 'It is possibly an assistant commandant in the Zamorin's militia,' said Mr. Krishnaraj, who deciphered the inscription with the help of veteran epigraphist M.R. Raghava Varier.
Another inscription discovered in the temple compound documents a temple donation. However, Dr. Varier said that much of it had been worn away due to exposure to the elements. Palaeography dates the inscription to the 12th or 13th century CE.
V.V. Haridas, professor of history at Calicut University, pointed out that the Avala inscription was particularly significant as it refers to Manavikraman as a king, and it indicated the expansion of the Zamorin rule to the north as early as the 13th century.
'Inscriptions pertaining to the Zamorin are extremely rare in the medieval period,' said Prof. Haridas. He explained that determining the chronology of the Zamorins in the medieval period was challenging because the rulers repeatedly used only three names: Manavikraman, Manavedan and Veerarajan.
Prof. Haridas said that the emergence of the Zamorin of Calicut was shrouded in mystery, except for the traditional account in the Keralolpathi. 'In this context, the Avala inscription is a valuable find that enhances our understanding of the Zamorin's early history,' he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
3 days ago
- The Hindu
Ancient inscription sheds light on Zamorin's obscure past
Archaeologists have discovered a stone inscription bearing the name of Manavikraman, one of the earliest Zamorins of Kozhikode, at a temple at Avala near Perambra in Kozhikode district. The inscription, according to historians and epistemologists who deciphered it, sheds new light on the early history of the Zamorins, specifically during the 12th or 13th century, a period that has remained somewhat obscure until now. The inscription in Vattezhuthu was found on the 'Balikkallu' (sacred stone) of Kuttoth Sree Narasimha Moorthi Temple at Avala. Vattezhuthu is an ancient script used in Kerala, particularly during the medieval period. 'This find is highly significant,' said K. Krishnaraj, archaeologist in charge of the Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum, Kozhikode. 'It is one of the earliest records of the Zamorin and the second inscription to reference Manavikraman.' The earliest known inscription referencing Manavikraman was found at the Rameswaram temple in Kollam, dated 1102 CE. According to historian MGS Narayanan, that inscription reads 'Eranadu Vazhkai Manavikramanana Poonthuraikon,' which translates to 'the illustrious Poonthuraikon of Eranadu, a renowned conqueror.' The three-line inscription at Avala begins with 'Swasti Shri' (Hail Prosperity) and documents the temple's construction. It reveals that the ancient name of Avala was Akavala. The inscription credits the construction of the temple to the Adhikarar of Akavala and his younger brother, a Keezhpadai Nair in the service of Manavikraman. 'It is possibly an assistant commandant in the Zamorin's militia,' said Mr. Krishnaraj, who deciphered the inscription with the help of veteran epigraphist M.R. Raghava Varier. Another inscription discovered in the temple compound documents a temple donation. However, Dr. Varier said that much of it had been worn away due to exposure to the elements. Palaeography dates the inscription to the 12th or 13th century CE. V.V. Haridas, professor of history at Calicut University, pointed out that the Avala inscription was particularly significant as it refers to Manavikraman as a king, and it indicated the expansion of the Zamorin rule to the north as early as the 13th century. 'Inscriptions pertaining to the Zamorin are extremely rare in the medieval period,' said Prof. Haridas. He explained that determining the chronology of the Zamorins in the medieval period was challenging because the rulers repeatedly used only three names: Manavikraman, Manavedan and Veerarajan. Prof. Haridas said that the emergence of the Zamorin of Calicut was shrouded in mystery, except for the traditional account in the Keralolpathi. 'In this context, the Avala inscription is a valuable find that enhances our understanding of the Zamorin's early history,' he said.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Time of India
Faheema seeks 1-crore compensation from CU
Kozhikode: Faheema P, the student whose academic life was derailed for nearly a decade due to the delay on the part of Calicut University (CU) in publishing her result, has sought a compensation of Rs 1 crore from the university. In a letter to CU vice-chancellor P Raveendran, she said that she would approach the high court, UGC and state human rights commission if her demand is not addressed. She said that her aspirations for higher studies and a career were severely affected because of CU's delay in publishing her results. The Idimuzhikkal native, who enrolled for BSc Chemistry at Unity College in Manjeri in 2011-12, had to take a break after one year due to childbirth. She rejoined in 2013–14 in third semester. Though she completed the course in 2016, the results of her third and fourth semesters remained unpublished for 10 years due to some unknown reasons, stalling her academic future. The result was published in June. "I lost 10 precious years of my life that I will never get back. I missed numerous opportunities for higher education, employment and competitive exams. Despite clearing Cochin University's postgraduate entrance exam, I couldn't join the course as the results were pending," she wrote. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola "Finally, when university authorities informed me that my answer papers of the third and fourth semesters were lost, I was shattered. Still, when the varsity authorities asked me to appear for re-examination, I agreed. But that too didn't materialize," she said. Faheema wrote in the letter that following the intervention of the current VC, her answer sheets, which were earlier considered lost, were retrieved somehow and CU issued her a provisional certificate and consolidated grade card on June 20. "I faced ridicule from many people and the university's negligence impacted my life, career, mental well-being and dignity. Although I fulfilled all my academic responsibilities, I was let down by administrative failure and procedural discrimination. While lakhs of other students received their results on time, I was subjected to institutional neglect," said Faheema. Acknowledging her ordeal, CU gave her postgraduate admission by creating an extra seat in the MSc Chemistry department. VC Raveendran used his special powers to issue the order and ensure her admission.
The Hindu
14-07-2025
- The Hindu
Chera stone inscription found in Manjeri temple
A stone inscription belonging to Kotha Ravi Perumal, the third Chera king, was unearthed from a temple compound near Manjeri. Experts in epigraphy have confirmed that this discovery marks Kotha Ravi Perumal's 10th known inscription found in Kerala. The Chera dynasty had ruled over the region, now known as Kerala, from the 9th to the 12th century with Mahodayapuram (modern-day Kodungalloor) as their capital. The inscription discovered from the Meledath Mahasiva Vettakkorumakan temple at Thrikkalangode, Manjeri, can throw more light on the Chera rule in the Malabar region. The inscription is carved on a stone paved on the circumambulatory path in front of the circular sanctum sanctorum of the temple. 'The letters have worn off significantly due to years of foot traffic on the path,' said K. Krishnaraj, epigraphist and officer in charge of the Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum, Kozhikode. Mr. Krishnaraj, who created an estampage of the epigraph, said that the name of the Chera king was legible, but the date was unclear. Given that Kotha Ravi Perumal assumed power in 883, the inscription likely dates back to the last two decades of the 9th century. The inscription in Vattezhuthu, an ancient script used in Kerala, begins with the auspicious phrase Swasti Sree (meaning Hail Prosperity). It refers to a specific arrangement made at the temple during Kotha Ravi Perumal's reign. The inscription has a postscript that clearly mentions that anyone violating this arrangement would be considered as transgressing the Moozhikkala system, a land management or administrative system that existed during the Chera rule. 10th known record Veteran epigraphist M.R. Raghava Varier, who studied the inscription, said that the worn-off letters made it difficult to create a precise and full transcript. However, from the decipherable lines, he pointed out that the inscription included typical details commonly found in the Chera Perumal inscriptions. 'This inscription is the 10th known record of Kotha Ravi Perumal. We have already found nine of his inscriptions from other parts of Kerala,' said Dr. Varier. According to historian Keshavan Veluthat, the Moozhikkala system was first mentioned in the Chokoor inscription from the 15th year of Kotha Ravi Perumal's reign. 'If the Thrikkalangode inscription predates it, then this could be the earliest record referring to the Moozhikkala system,' he said. However, Dr. Veluthat cautioned that without a clear regnal year, it would be near impossible to make a definite judgement. E. Dinesan, director of the State Department of Archaeology, said that the department would continue searching for inscriptions and records to shed light on Kerala's ancient rulers. Excavation assistant V.A. Vimal Kumar, temple secretary Dipesh Meledath, patrons Mohanlal and Jayaprakash Babu, president Sajeev Kumar, and tantri Kakkat Subramanian Namboothiri helped Mr. Krishnaraj in unearthing and reading the inscription.
