5 days ago
Stones with ancient Tamil inscriptions discovered at Pudhuppalayam village near Avinashi in Tiruppur district
An archaeology research team has discovered ancient stones with Tamil inscriptions dating back to 18th and 19th centuries at Pudhuppalayam village near Avinashi in Tiruppur district.
Director of Virarajendran Archaeological and Historical Research Centre S. Ravikumar and member K. Ponnusamy had learnt from R. Ponnusamy of Pudhuppalayam about the presence of a half-buried inscription stone on the Arulmigu Ponn Azhakunachi Amman Temple premises.
Taking the help of the villagers, they had cleared the soil and found the full stone of 55 cm width and 135 cm height with 16 lines of Tamil inscription engraved on it. The inscription, the researchers had determined, describes the happening on the auspicious 19th day of Tamil month Karthigai of Rudhragari Varsum in CE 1803. It states that when Sri Appachirayar was the 'Rayar' of the area, the 'Maniam' of Pudhuppalayam Venkita Subbaiyan, at a meeting with Sivagirippillai, Pon Thattan and Azhagappa Gounden granted two acres of land to Azhzku Nachiamman.
Another stone with Tamil Inscription was found in 'Naduvayakkattu' Thottam, a few metres away from the temple. The stone of 30 cm width and 60 cm height depict the moon and sun symbol on the top, and a 'Trishul' at the centre. A Dharmacharka and a garland was found on both sides of 'Trishul'. The three-line Tamil inscription is damaged and the last word ends with 'Maniam', indicating that a donation had been made to the temple.
Yet another 19th century Kannimar sculpture with Tamil inscription was found in Kudikinarruth Thottam in the same village.
The sculpture of 125 cm width and 45 cm height features three lines of Tamil inscription. The sculpture of 'Kannimar' deity is worshipped for fertility by the Tamil people from time immemorable, the research team said.
The inscription states that the sculpture was made on the 24th day of Markali month in Thunmathi Tamil year by Karumanda Gounden, son of Periyuanna Gounder of Palladam taluk, Mr. Ravikumar explained.
