Korkai, deep in the south, is considered the port of Pandiya kings in the State.
But on Tuesday, R. Krishnamurthy, editor of Tamil daily Dinamalar , asserted that Korkai was the capital of a different Pandiya kingdom.
Mr. Krishnamurthy, who is also president of Tamil Nadu Numismatic Society and South Indian Numismatic Society, said during the same period, Madurai was also ruled by Pandiya kings.
“But we are not sure about their relationship. The period of Korkai Pandiyas is between 3rd century BC and 9th century AD,” says Mr. Krishnanmurthy, in his book Sangakala Korkai Pandiayar Veliyitta Chezhia Chezhian Nanayangam (Coins released by Korkai Pandiyas).
Asked if Korkai Pandiyas also ruled Madurai, since Kannagi, the heroine of Silapathikaram , refers to the Pandiya King as Korkai Pandiya, Mr. Krishnamurthy said it needed further research
But in the book, he has said there are no similarities between the coins released by Korkai Pandiyas and Madurai Pandiyas.
Mr. Krishnamurthy said he collected the coins, which give a clue to the existence of Porkai Pandiyas, from a vessels shop outside Nelliyappar temple in Tirunelveli.
“They were found on the bed of River Thamirabarani, and looked like tamarind seeds. When cleaned, I saw Tamil Brahmi words Chezhiya and Chezhiyan on one side, and an elephant on the other,” he said.
The book was released by R. Nagasamy, former director of the archaeology department, and the first copy was received by M. Thirumalai, vice-chancellor of Thanjavur Tamil University.
T. Sathyamurthy, former superintending archaeologist of Archaeological Survey of India, said it is Mr. Krishnamurthy who has helped numismatics gain status in the country.
