Land measure found in temple

13th century inscription discovered

A land measure, believed to have been inscribed in the 13th century C.E., has been found at Sri Vishamangaleswarar Temple at Thudaiyur, near here, by research scholars.

The inscription was discovered by R.Akila, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Arignar Anna Government Arts College, Musiri, during an explorative study at the temple recently. She was assisted by A. Selvi of Srirangam during the field work.

According to R. Kalaikkovan, Director, Dr. M. Rajamanikkanar Centre for Historical Research, who examined the measure, several such land measures, some with names and some without any labels, have been found in many temples in and around Tiruchi in the past.

The land measure found on the northern basement of the mukha mandapa of the Thudaiyur temple is marked between two deeply cut plus marks and measures 1.81m in length. A label engraved in 13th century paleography in large sized letters in between the marks read as ‘iluvai’. And this is probably the name of the measure.

‘Iluvai’

It is interesting to note that a land measure found by scholars of the centre on the slopes of Moranimalai at Sadaivelanpatti, near Thuvarankurichi, in 2008 has the same name ‘iluvai’ inscribed near the measure. That too belongs to the 13th century C. E., but differs in length.

The temple at Thudaiyur was an early Chola creation with excellent sculptural details possessing a rich treasure of dance heritage of early Chola society. Rare large size sculptures of Saraswathi and a Chola queen adorn its niches. The icon of Vinadhara Dakshinamurthi is also unique in presentation and a masterpiece of its kind, Dr.Kalaikkovan said in a press release.