The Ramanathapuram Archaeological Research Foundation (RARF) has uncovered archaeological evidence for the existence of a Sangam period town on the bank of Nayaru river, a tributary of Vaigai river, at Sholandur in this district.
A collection of scattered black and red potsherds provided ample evidence to show that a Sangam era town had existed in the area, and could have been buried, said Mr V. Rajaguru, an amateur archaeologist and president of RARF. The evidence came to light recently when students of Sholandur Government High School found the potsherds during desilting of a pond and informed their English teacher Sultan Jameer Ali. On finding that the potsherds had historical importance, he informed the foundation.
After exploration, a team of amateur archaeologists led by Mr. Rajaguru also found pieces of terracotta ring wells, white clay Chinese porcelain potsherds and pieces of an urn. Apart from the Sangam period black and red potsherds, the team also found items which were used during the medieval period.
From Chola period
The name of the village, Sholandur, suggested that it could have been under the Chola regime and a prosperous town for several centuries right from Sangam period to the medieval period, Mr. Rajaguru said.
The exploration also revealed an interesting detail that Sankaravalanallur between Ramanathapuram and Sholandur could have been a habitation site during the Sangam and medieval periods, while nearby coastal towns of Devipattinam, Singanendal and Muthusamypuram could have been the medieval period habitation sites, he said.
The team found the potsherds spread in a 50-acre area. It also found the base of a brick structure, and a brick recovered from it was 15 cm in width and six cm in height, Mr. Rajaguru said.
The structure could be a dilapidated temple, he said, adding that a 5-foot stone idol of Thirumal in sitting posture was found at the site. Local people worshipped the idol as Muneeswarar, he added. They found a ‘Lingam’ with Avudayar at the eastern side of the pond.
Sholandur is located 25 km from Azhagankulam, an important trading post between the Sangam Pandyas and the Romans.
During comprehensive excavations, the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department had unearthed about 13,000 artefacts and found archaeological evidence to show that Azhagankulam could date back to Sangam age.
