Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Sambuvarayar period stone inscription found

By Our Staff Reporter

VELLORE April 6. A stone inscription carved during the reign of Ethirili Chola Sambuvarayar, dating back to the 12th century A.D. has been discovered in a fort on the top of a hill in Pallalakuppam village in Gudiyatham taluk in Vellore district by the government museum here recently.

According to M. Gandhi, curator of the museum, the inscription has been recorded on the western gate of the fort built by Ethirili Chola Sambuvarayar, a vassal under Rajadhiraja Chola II and Kulothunga Chola III who ruled the northern part of Thondaimandalam, now comprising the districts of Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur.

Ethirili Chola Sambuvarayar, hailing from the Sengeni family was the son of Sengeni Ammaiyappan Kannudaiya Peruman Vikrama Chola Sambuvarayar. His titles were Virasani, Viruchola and Pallavandan.

Studies made by the museum revealed that the vassal had constructed the hill fort to watch and control the movements of the northern enemies. The fort has four gates in four directions. The northern gate was now called as Santhagate. The other gates were damaged. While the eastern gate was in a dilapidated condition, the western gate on which was found the inscription has been completely damaged. This gate was named after Puvandai alias Cholakon. He was one of the Mudalis in the military service of Ethirilichola Sambuvarayar. One hero stone has been erected on the plains, north of the Santhagate.

The fort was constructed with granite with a perimeter extending to two km. This fort once had residences and `pandals' for warriors who were posted for duties. Holes had been made on the rock surface in such a way as to erect round tents. One could see nine tent areas on the top of the hill. Besides, four water tanks had been created to provide drinking water. Two natural water ponds were also available in the fort.

Near the big tank a mortar with one foot depth and one foot diameter was dug and used.

The area also revealed clear traces of a Siva and Pillaiyar temples. Stone blocks, bricks each measuring 10 inches x 7 inches, lime mortar and sand were used in the construction of the fort walls.

On the basis of information provided by Gajendran, president, Irulas Society of Thulukkankuttai, R.Kannan, Commissioner of Museums and Archaeology permitted Mr.Gandhi and P.Venkatesan, post-graduate assistant, Government Higher Secondary School, Kaveripakkam to study the inscription.

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