TAG: GS 1: HISTORY
THE CONTEXT: A significant archaeological discovery has been made by the Virarajendran Archaeological and Historical Research Centre near Kangayam in Tamil Nadu.
EXPLANATION:
- Two stone inscriptions, one in the 11th century ‘Grantham’ script and the other in 16th-century Tamil, were unearthed at the Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu temples in Pazhnchervazhi village.
- We will look into the details of the discoveries, shedding light on their historical and cultural significance.
Discovery at Pazhnchervazhi Village
- The Virarajendran Archaeological and Historical Research Centre made the discovery during the renovation work at Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu temples in Pazhnchervazhi village.
- Members uncovered the stone slabs bearing inscriptions.
- 11th Century ‘Grantham’ Inscription
- The 11th-century stone, with ‘Grantham’ inscriptions, was found in front of the Amman shrine inside the Siva Temple.
- It measures 220 cm in height, 50 cm in width, and 20 cm in thickness, with graffitti marks and writings on all four sides.
- Content and Symbolism
- The inscriptions include two standing lamps, ‘trishul,’ conch, and moon symbols on the front side.
- Repetition of words such as ‘hrim,’ ‘hushta,’ ‘hushra,’ ‘sham,’ and ‘lam’ suggests that the stone was used for ‘manthra’ worship, believed to cure diseases.
- 16th Century Tamil Inscription
- The 16th-century Tamil inscription was found inside the Vishnu temple.
- It measures 80 cm in height, 50 cm in width, and 20 cm in thickness, containing descriptions in 12, nine, and four lines on three sides.
- Historical Narratives
- The inscription reveals details about governance during the 18th day of Tamil month ‘Masi’ in the ‘Vilimpiya’ year.
- Sriman Kuppala Annarkal governed the village, and a potter named Kuthar Sungam donated four rupees for perpetual lamp lighting in the Vishnu temple.
- The four rupees were a tax levied for each pottery wheel, indicating the profitability of pottery-making during that era.
Historical Context and Significance
- Medieval Period Names
- Pazhanchervazhi village, known as ‘Pazhanhepali’ and ‘Pazhancherpalli’ in the medieval period, was a hub for Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism, each flourishing during different periods.
- Cultural Practices
- The ‘Grantham’ inscriptions suggest a cultural and religious practice of ‘manthra’ worship for healing, providing insights into ancient rituals.
- The 16th-century Tamil inscription showcases the economic importance of pottery-making, reflecting taxation practices and the perpetuity of temple rituals.
Conclusion
- The discoveries of stone inscriptions from the 11th and 16th centuries in Pazhnchervazhi village enrich our understanding of the region’s historical, cultural, and economic aspects.
- These inscriptions not only provide glimpses into religious practices and governance systems but also reveal the economic vitality of activities like pottery-making.
- The findings underscore the importance of continued archaeological research in unraveling the layers of Tamil Nadu’s rich history and heritage.