28-07-2025
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.
