ASI Documents Rock, Temple Inscriptions in T.N.’s Pudukkottai

22.04.2025

ASI Documents Rock, Temple Inscriptions in T.N.’s Pudukkottai

Why in the news?                        

The Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) Epigraphy Division recently documented inscriptions from Malayadipatti and Ponnamaravathi in Tamil Nadu’s Pudukkottai district using the estampage method on maplitho paper.

Key facts about the Malayadipatti:

• It is located near Kumbeswarar Temple and is a 16th-century inscription, though partially damaged, it records a land partition agreement between Sundara Chozhapuram and Sevvalur villages for excavating a pond (oorani).
  • Near a spring (sunai), another inscription mentions King Raja Rajan Sundarapandyan and credits Udaiyan Perumal of Sevalur for his contribution to the creation of the waterbody.

Key facts about the Ponnamaravathi

• It is an inscription on the western side of the sanctum dates to the 8th regnal year of Maravarman Kulasekara Pandiyan.
• It refers to the temple as Chozheeswarar Udaiya Nayanar Temple, under Uzhavalai Nadu, and records a donation of 40 panam for lighting five temple lamps.
  • Earlier inscriptions from the same temple, copied by ASI in 1909 and 2000, include one from the 6th regnal year of Raja Raja III, placing the temple under Rajendra Chola Vala Nadu.

Importance :

These inscriptions offer valuable insights into regional governance, religious patronage, and community contributions to water management in historical Tamil Nadu.

                                                           Source: The Hindu

 Consider the following statements:

1. Malayadipatti is located near Kumbeswarar Temple and is a 16th-century inscription.

2. Ponnamaravathi is an inscription on the western side of the sanctum dates to the 8th regnal year of Maravarman Kulasekara Pandiyan.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only

B.2 only

C.Both 1 and 2

D.Neither 1 nor 2

 Answer C