On January 1, the Epigraphy Division of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) successfully deciphered an inscription from the Chola period, discovered at Pilippatti village in Illuppur taluk, Pudukkottai district.
Based on information provided by Rajendran, a local archaeology enthusiast, ASI experts conducted a survey in the village and uncovered a notable merchant guild inscription in an agricultural field.
The team replicated the inscription on maplitho paper using the estampage technique. According to officials, the merchant guild inscription references trade groups from various territorial divisions, including the Ainurruvars of Mangala Nadu, Puramalai Nadu, Poongundra Nadu, Manalur Nadu, and Virapattinam of Kodumbalur.
The inscription, dating back to the 10th century, was likely commissioned during the reign of either Parantaka Chola or Uttama Chola. It features several symbols, including the Ankush (a sharp-pointed hook used to control elephants), a Trishul, and lamps.
Experts assert that trade was a crucial aspect of the Tamil landscape in ancient and medieval times, with several trade guilds thriving during the Chola period. Members of these guilds held meetings to make important decisions, which were then recorded as inscriptions and displayed in public areas.
The ASI team has also documented approximately 10 inscriptions from the walls of the Pilavaneswarar temple in Virachilai, located in Tirumayam taluk. These 11th-century inscriptions, attributed to Sundarapandiyan and Veerapandiyan, record donations made to the temple.
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