12thC epigraph charts out ancient irrigation system
Trichy
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Stone inscriptions dating back to 12th century CE provide vital information on irrigation system, canals and processes of land measurement carried out during those days. The inscriptions were found during an explorative study carried out at Somisvarar temple in Alagarai on Musiri-Thottiyam road.
Earlier, R Akila, a History professor of Arignar Anna government Art College at Musiri, spotted four stone inscriptions during an explorative study at Somisvarar temple.
A detailed study on the inscription was later carried out by a team led by R Kalaikkovan, director of Dr M Rajamanikkanar Centre for Historical Research, and M Nalini, head of the department of history, Seethalakshimi Ramasamy College.
“One of the inscriptions was in Telugu and two others were from the Kulottunga Chola III (CE 1178-1218) period. It provided key information about the builder of the temple. A mutilated inscription believed to be copied from the pillars of Nandi mandapa of the temple throws light on gifts made to the temple,“ the research team said.
“The inscriptions narrate a series of events on how a local chief from Thiruttavatturai, Seman thayilum nallan, also named as Kuladipa Nadalvan, constructed a stone temple on his name in Lalgudi area in Semisvaram temple,“ Kalaikkovan said. Seman purchased other plots for workers' quarters, a foyer and a garden of the temple. He also gifted a part of an arable patch as the temple's endowment, he said.
“The inscriptions are nearly 800 years old and provide information on the drainage system to irrigate farmland during those ancient times. It also throws light on various kinds of units used to measure land,“ Akila said.
