An exhibition on the archaeological treasures and excavations of Perambalur and Ariyalur districts organised by the District Central Library in Tiruchi gave the people a peek into the past.
The exhibition on artefacts, inscriptions, palm leaves, and paintings has been organised by the Department of History of Government Arts College, Ariyalur, in connection with the National Library Week celebrations.
Perambalur and Ariyalur districts had remained submerged under sea for thousands of years . Marine fauna and flora including fish, sea horses, turtles, and snails, and several trees had been fossilised over the years. These fossils were displayed at the exhibition along with the pictures of fossil tree of Sathanur and dinosaur eggs with explanations.
The stone equipment and weapons used during the Old and New Stone Age, Iron Age, and the period till 300 AD, displayed at the exhibition, gave a taste of the life of the men of a bygone era. The inscriptions on Thagadur kings, who ruled this part of the country during the third century BC, and those on King Adiyaman Neduman who gave the legendary nellikkani to Tamil poet Avvaiyar, the inscription of King Asoka on Adiyaman Neduman and the Tamil Brahmi inscriptions of Chera kings provide valuable information.
The photos of earthen pots with inscriptions and play equipment made of tusk excavated at Porunthal village near Palani by Dr. Rajan, Head, Department of History, Pondicherry University, and the excavations from Adichanallur, Azhagankulam, Woraiyur, Thandikudi, Kodumanal, Mamallapuram, displayed at the exhibition took the visitors to the past. The Vattezhutthu inscriptions of Pallava era, Rajaraja Cholan, Kulothungan, Kulasekarapandian, Tirumalainayakkar, Sokkanatha Nayakkar, Valikandapuaram inscription, and the ones on Chathirapathi Sivaji, turned out to be an added attraction. Eye-catching pictures of Thanjavur Maratha Palace and Big Temple were also on display.
Prof. L. Thiyagarajan, archaeologist and principal, Government Arts College, Ariyalur, declared the exhibition open on Tuesday in the presence of Selvakumar, vice president, readers’ forum, district central library.
The overwhelming response from the students has made the organisers extend the expo by two more days till November 24, said C. Asokan, District Library Officer.