Excavations of Archaeological sites

in Tamilnadu
[1969-1995]

110 பபதன டக்‌ லப ப்‌

Government of Tamilnadu, Chennai
2004
Excavations of Archaeological sites
in Tamilnadu
(1969-1995)

Editor

T.S.SRIDHAR, IAS,

Special Commissioner of Archaeology

Department o1 Arcnaeology

Government of Tamilnadu, Chennai

2004
First Edition : 2004

‘Publication No.: 154

No. of Copies : 500

Department of Archaeology,
Government of Tamilnadu,

Chennai - 600 113.

Price: Rs. 66/-

Front Cover : 1. A terracotta seal - Boluvampatti

2. Brick structure - the soakage rings - Korkai

Back Cover 1 . Terracotta figure - Boluvampatti

2. Inscribed potsherd - Korkai
3. Urn - Kovalanpottal
4 . Trench - Palayarai

Printed at:

Anugraha Educational & Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd.,

17/8, 8th East Street, Kamaraj Nagar,
Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai - 600 041.
li
 Page No.

Preface ஏ

Map of Tamilnadu showing excavated sites 1

1. TYIRUTTANGAL 3

2. KOVALANPOTTAL 29

3. ANAMALAI 34

4. THONDI 38
5. KORKAI 46

6. PALLAVAMEDU 57

7. BOLUVAMPATTI 60

8. PANAYAKULAM 63

66
9, KURUMBANMEDU

PALAYARAI 68
10.

11. KANNANUR 79
85
List of Archaeological Excavations

Plates
1-14

iii
 Excavated Trench - Tiruttangal
Fe eS Pr

Microlithic Tools - Tiruttangal

Grooved Tiles - Tiruttangal
Dupakalasam - Incense Burner - Tiruttangal
Urn - Kovalanpottal
Inscribed Potsherds - Kovalanpottal
Oo

Dolmen - Anamalai
Exposed view of Dolmen - Anamalai
10-11. Korkai Potteries - surface find
12-13. Graffiti Potsherds - Korkai
14. Excavated Trench - Pallavamedu
15. Jar -Closer view - Pallavamedu
16. Sandal Paste Grinding Stone - Pallavamedu
17. Excavated Antiquity - Pallavamedu
18. Inscribed Potsherds - Boluvampatti
19. Terracotta earlobes - Boluvampatti
20-21. Yaksha - Front & Back view - Boluvampatti
22. Terracotta figurines - Panayakulam
23. Terracotta Spouts - Kurumbanmedu
24. Potsherds - Palayarai
205. Heap of Terracotta Lamps - Palayarai
26. Exposed view of Sump Well - Kannanur

iv
 PREFACE

The State Department of Archaeology was started in

the year 1961 with the objectives of (a) conservation and
preservation of ancient monuments in Tamil Nadu, and
(b) to conduct excavations at historical sites. Subsequently,

its activities were expanded to include Epigraphy, setting

up of site museums, chemical preservation of art objects,
registration of antiquities etc.

The Department has identified and carried out

excavations at historically important sites. It has so far

excavated 25 sites and unearthed various artefacts.

Geological survey of the area to be excavated is also carried

out. Some of the excavated sites such as Karur, Pumpuhar,
Gangaikondacholapuram and Thirukoilur have also been
converted into site museums.

Selection of the site for excavation is made on the

basis of the study of literature, history and inscriptions to

capitals,
find out the existence of important places such as
ains.
ports and cities of ancient ruling monarchs and chieft
also the
This is done by field exploration at the site;
that occur in some places lead the
accidental finds
to locate the sites of ancient period. So far
archaeologists
reports have been published in respect of seven excavations,
namely, Vasavasamudram (1974), Alagankulam-a Preliminary

report (1992), Padavedu (1993), Thirukoilur (1996),The

Metropolis of Medieval Cholas - Gangaikondacholapuram
(1998), Mangudi (2003), and Perur (2003).

The reports of the sites excavated from 1969 to 1995

are compiled and published now as a single book. Most of

the excavations done at these sites were only minor and

trial trenches. They were laid to expose the antiquity of
the sites, and the archaeological importance of that place.

All the excavated sites namely, TIRUTTANGAL,

KOVALANPOTTAL, ANAMALAI, THONDI, KORKAIT,
PALLAVAMEDU, BOLUVAMPATTI, PANAYAKULAM,
KURUMBANMEDU, PALAYARAI, and KANNANUR have
yielded potsherds, terracotta figurines and bangle pieces.
Thondi and Korkai are the two seaports excavated; the
latter is the more important site where excellent artefacts
confirming the location of the ancient capitals, and their
trade relationship between North India and Tamilnadu have

been established.

The excavation at Korkai assumed great importance

because the charcoal (C14 DATING METHOD) found in a

vi
trench during the excavation have been dated by the
Tata
Institute of Fundamental Research to a date of 785
BCE,
thereby suggesting that the habitation at Korkai was in
existence even 2800 years ago. The inscribed potsherds
found at Korkai confirm that the Tamil Brahmi inscription
was prevalent in Tamilnadu for writing Tamil language from
378 century BCE.

The excavation at Anamalai has thrown light on burial

type and the burial antiquities. These objects are dated to
the megalithic period i.e. 300 BCE to 300 CE. Tiruttangal
excavation has yielded a good number of antiquities
pertaining to Megalithic and Microlithic periods; on the
basis of archaeological finds, the human occupation might
have existed here since 8000 BCE. Boluvampatti, once a
flourishing trade centre, had a significant find of a
terracotta seal with the royal emblem of a bow, a seated
tiger and a fish along with an inscription, which reads as
the word “Varman” of 7 century CE. Kurumbanmedu,
situated 3 kms on the western side of the Brahadeswara

temple at Thanjavur, was the capital of the imperial Cholas.

As it was assumed that the palace site of the Cholas might
be situated in this area, the excavation was carried out.

The findings from the trench include medieval period

Vii
antiquities like tiles, big bricks and terracotta lamps.
Palayarai was the capital of the later Chola kings. But the
history of Palayarai, which started with that of Megalithic

period continued up to later medieval period.

Kannanur, near Trichirappalli was the Hoysala capital

in the period 13"century CE. Water supply for the palace
was obtained from the Coleroon River through a sump-
well. The excavation has revealed the mode of construction
of the irrigation system. Panayakulam excavation has

revealed archaeologically important antiquities like

potsherds, terracotta figurines, bones, and bricks.
Terracotta figurines are assignable to 8 century CE, and
the excavation proves the continuous occupation of the
site from 6 century CE to 12 century CE. Pallavamedu
is a mound situated at the outskirts of Kanchipuram; it is
traditionally believed to contain relics of the Pallavas. The
present excavation revealed three periods of occupation.
The findings are related to the Pallava rule of this region
from 6" to 9" century CE. Thondi was a port town during
the Sangam period; but in the trial excavation potteries
like coarse red ware, belonging to later period were
collected. Kovalanpottal trench has revealed the existence
of megalithic culture at Madurai and the mode of burial

Vili
that existed in those times.

It is with a deep sense of gratification and fulfillment

that I present this collection of excavation reports to the
attention of the discerning body of archaeologists in
South
India. As can be seen from the index, the archaeological
excavations covering eleven sites have an almost equal
spread throughout the State of Tamil Nadu. It stretches
from the northern most point of Pallavamedu, in
Kanchipuram to Korkai in the deep south, and from
Palayarai near Kumbakonam in the east to Boluvampatti
in Kongunadu in the west. Chronologically, the sites have
been arranged ina descending order beginning from the
microlithic period through Sangam age down to megalithic
and medieval times. It covers the reign of the Pallavas, the
Cheras and the Cholas as well as the Hoysalas over a period
of 17 centuries i.e. from 300 BCE to 14" century CE. These
excavations were carried out over an extended period of
nearly 25 years, the earliest being Anamalai in the year
1969-70, and the latest being Thiruttangal in the year

1995. However, due to administrative reasons, the reports

on the finds were not published, except the seven reports

indicated above. Further reports relating to past

excavations are under preparation and shall be published

in due course. It is now considered appropriate that the

painstaking and dedicated efforts of a generation of

archaeologists, led by the Venerable Dr. R.Nagasamy,

Thiru Natana Kasinathan and Thiru A.Abdul Majeed - all

erstwhile Directors of the State Department of Archaeology

in Tamil Nadu - are duly rewarded through this
publication. I thank the Government of Tamil Nadu for
sanctioning adequate funds for publication of this
document.!I wish to place on record the support extended
by several officers, especially, Thiru. K.Sridaran,
Registering Officer, Tmt.S.Vasanthi, Archaeologist,
Tmt.B.Valarmathi, Steno-Typist, and the photographer
Thiru. M.T.Sridharan in the preparation of this report.

T.S.SRIDHAR, IAS,
Special Commissioner of Archaeology
Government of Tamil Nadu

07.09.2004
 MAP OF TAMILNADU
SHOWING EXCAVATED SITES

Pallavamedu
*
O ONO

Boluvampatti
Tiruttangal -
.

Panayakulam
Re

Kovalanpottal
a

Kurumbanmedu
Annamalai Palayarai
O°

Thondi Kannanur
-

Korkai
 TIRUTTANGAL

INTRODUCTION:

Tiruttangal, situated about 4 km. north of Sivakasi

town, which is known for matches, crackers and cottage
industries, is on the road from Virudhunagar to Sivakasi,
in Virudhunagar District. (Latitude of 99 28' 54' and
Longitude of 77° 48' 16' E). It is well connected by road
and rail with the neighbouring towns. Frequent bus
services from important towns like Madurai, Srivilliputhur,
Sankarankoil, Virudhunagar and Sivakasi help us reach
this village with ease.

Physiographically, Tiruttangal looks like a plain

terrain. It is mainly drained by the river ‘Arjuna” which
falls into the tributary of Vaippar. The occurrences of black
and red surface soil in the entire area are a colourful and
attractive sight to anyone who passes this village. Owing
to the presence of black and red soil, the major crops

namely cotton and chilly are extensively cultivated here.

It is believed that Tiruttangal had flourished as an

important town during 2™ century CE, as references are

found in the epic Silapathikaram. Katturaikathai of the

epics refer this village Tiruttangal as a Brahmin settlement.

Besides this, there are also references about this village
in the inscription found at Sri Nindra Narayana Perumal
temple of Tiruttangal. References about poets who hailed
from this village are also traced out in the Sangam
literature namely Natrinai and Kurunthogai.

The poets are:

1. Mudakallanar, the author of the poem 217 in

Kurunthogai

2. Porkilian Vennahanar, the author of the poem

313 of Natrinai

3. Athirayan Chengannanar, the author of the poem

386 of Natrinai

The important temples located in this village are Sri

Nindra Narayana Perumal temple, Sri Irunellinathaswami
temple and Sri Subramanyaswamy temple.

INSCRIPTIONAL REFERENCES:

Like Sangam literature, inscriptions found in Sri

Nindra Narayana Perumal Temple of Tiruttangal also give
references about this village. These inscriptions are both
in Vattezhuthu and Tamil character which are datable to
Pandya period. It is deciphered from the inscriptions that
4
this village was called as Tiruttangaal, which is now
corrupted as Tiruttangal. Some of the versions of

inscriptions referring to Tiruttangal are mentioned below:

1. King Srivallabha Pandya

Script Tamil

Date 124 Century CE

Context கருநிலக்குடி நாட்டுத்‌ தேவதான

பிரம்ீமதேயம்‌ திருத்தங்கால்‌

“Karunilakkudi Nattu Devatana

Brammadeyam Tiruttangaal”

2. King Srivallabha Pandya

Script Tamil

Date 12 Century CE

Context ஸ்ரீபாண்டி நாட்டு மதுரோதய

வளநாட்டு கருநிலக்குடி நாட்டுத்‌

தேவதான பிரம்மதேயம்‌ ஹதிருத்தங்கால்‌

“Srj Pandi Nattu Madurothaya

Karunilakkudi Nattu
Valanattu

Devadhana Brammadeyam Tiruttangaal”

 3. The other two inscriptions mentioning this village
are found in Vattezhuthu character. One of these
inscriptions is assignable to Parantaka I (CE 933)
while the other inscription dated to 3° Century
CE belongs to the Pandya king Maranchadayan.
From these inscriptional evidences it is
ascertained’ that Tiruttangal had flourished as
Devadana Tiruttangaal (தேவதான HHA
Hm Brad).

TEMPLES OF TIRUTTANGAL

Sri Nindra Narayana Perumal Temple

In the northern portion of this village a hillock known

as Tangalgiri, 100 ft. tall accommodates the Sri Nindra
Narayana Perumal Temple, which faces south; climbing a
flight of steps, one may reach the spacious Kalyana
Mantapam. To the west of this Mantapam, a cave temple-
having traces of the pandyas art is noticed. Here, the
stupendous image of Pallikonda Pérumal is housed. Sridevi
and Bhudevi serve at his feet while sages Markandaya and
Bhrigu occupy a prominent place on either side. In this
sanctum sanctorum the presiding deity sri Nindra
Narayana Perumal, as the name implies, presents himself
in a standing posture and faces east.

Inscriptional remains in the temple dated 1032 CE

6
refer to the presiding deity as Ramaswamy. A lake referred
to as a Devendhra Vallaba Per-eri existed by the side of
the temple. A shrine was erected for installing the image
of the Singha Perumal (Narasimha) in the reign of
Maravarman Kulasekhara Pandya a3" Century CE).

Sri Karunellinathar temple

On the outer side of this hillock another rock-cut

temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The presiding deity in the
form of a Linga referred to as Karunellinathar. In a separate
sanctum his consort Meenakshi is housed. Subsidiary
deities like Vinayaka, Dakshinamoorthy, Chandra and

Surya are accommodated inside the temple. A single wall

separates the Shiva and Vishnu temple. Here, Shiva is
known as Irunellinathaswami as two nelli (Gooseberry)
trees are located within the temple premises. This temple
was constructed in 1233 CE in the reign of Sundara

Pandya.

EXPLORATION AND EXCAVATION (Plate - 1)

During exploration conducted by the state department

of archaeology, archaeological antiquities namely

microlithic flakes, cores, ornamented shell bangle pieces;

black and red potsherds, black polished potsherds and

russet-coated potsherds were collected in and around this

7
village. These archaeological antiquities had paved the way
to carryout the excavation. The occurrences of microlithic
and Sangam period potteries revealed that the human

settlement might have been commenced since 8000 BCE.

The excavation was conducted in the year 1994-95. Four

trenches were laid at the western side of this village.

Trench 1 (TRT-1)
Trench No.1 was laid to an extent of 4x4 metres. The

colour of the soil was brownish in the upper level and

reddish at lower level. This trench yielded black and red

potsherds, black potsherds coarse and red potsherds and

a terracotta earlobe. It was dug up to a depth of 43 cm
where country rock found.

Trench-2 (TRT-2)

Since rock formation was noticed at lower depth level

of TRT-1, Trench 2 was laid at a little distance away from
the trench-1. The area of excavation was measured to be
3x4 metres. In this trench, black and red potsherds, black
potsherds and glass & shell bangle pieces were collected.
The findings from this trench are microlithic core (jasper)
at 56 cm and a terracotta object looks like srivatsam at
34 cms. The virgin soil was noticed at a depth of 93 cms.
Trench - 3 (TRT - 3)
TRT - 3 (5x4mts) was laid south of TRT - 1, at quite a
little distance. Soil was brownish clay in upper level and
red soil with gravel at depths. It was dug up to a depth of
73 cm where virgin soil was encountered. It has revealed
two stratigraphical layers. Unlike earlier trenches, this had
not yielded valuable archaeological antiquities. Only hip-
hops were collected in large quantity.

Trench - 4 (TRT - 4)

Trench 4 was laid between TRT - 1 & 2 with an extent

of 4x4 mtrs. Interestingly, it had yielded microlithic flakes
at 65 cm and 68 cm depth. Besides this, a microlithic core
was also collected at 71 cm depth. Above 65 cm depth,
antiquities related to megalithic period namely black and
red ware potsherds were collected. The other antiquities
unearthed in this trench are grooved tiles at 21cms. It has
revealed two cultural layers. The natural soil was noticed

at 85 cm depth.

The upper stratigraphic layer — (1) was found yielding

megalithic potteries while the second layer yielded

microlithic tools, flakes and cores. Hence, the trench

TRT - 4 is considered to be important as it has revealed

cultural variations very clearly. The succession of

9
megalithic culture and microlithic culture is descending
orders as revealed by TRT - 4 strongly confirm that
microlithic culture was succeeded by megalithic in this
region.

POTTERY (Pottery Drawings pages 19-28)

This excavation had yielded varied type of potteries

namely black and red ware, black ware, red slipped ware
and coarse red ware.

Black and Red ware

The excavation conducted at Tiruttangal has only

yielded fragments of black & red ware potteries; mostly’
the shapes are bowls and dishes; a full shaped black and
red pot was found.

Types

1. Bowl, fragmentary, moderately thick rim.

2. Lid, fragmentary

3. Lid, fragmentary
4 . Lid, fragmentary

. Lid, fragmentary
ao

6. Dish, fragmentary, thin rim.

7. Lid, fragmentary

10
 8. Bowl, fragmentary, moderately thick rim

9. Bowl, fragmentary, thin rim.

10.Dish, fragmentary, moderately thick rim.

Black ware

Both interior and exterior of this ware are black in

colour, which was found associated with Black and Red

ware. These sherds were collected in considerable quantity.

Distinctive shapes observed among this ware are dish, bowl,
jar and small-mouthed pot.

Types

11. Carinated pot, thick fragmentary, thick grooved

rim.

12. . Vessel, fragmentary thick grooved rim.

13. Vessel, fragmentary, rim is moderately thick and

grooved.

14. Jar, fragméntary thick rim, grooves seen

15. Jar, fragmentary thin rim, everted, ribs are

noticed.

16. Jar, fragmentary thin rim, flanged.

Lt
Coarse Red Ware

It is entirely different from the Black and Red ware

and red-slipped ware. It is a dull Red ware made of impure
clay mixed with sand. The surface is rough and uniformly
fired. Dish, small-mouthed pot and storage jar are the
common shapes noticed among the collections.

Types

17. Storage pot, fragmentary thick rim, slightly

inverted bend.

18. Storage jar, fragmentary, rim is broad and thick.

19. Storage jar, fragmentary thick rim inverted bend.

20. Small globular pot, fragmentary, moderately thick

rim.

21. Carinated pot, fragmentary, grooved thick rim.

22. Lid, fragmentary.

23. Globular pot, fragmentary, small mouth, thin rim.

24. Jar, fragmentary, grooved thick rim.

25. Small pot, fragmentary, thick rim.

26. Bowl, fragmentary, thin rim.

27. Pot, fragmentary, thick rim.

12
Red-slipped ware

In this excavation few red-slipped ware sherds of dishes

small and large mouthed pots were recovered. The common
shapes encountered among these potteries collected in this
excavation were dish, and small and large mouthed pot.

Types

28. Pot, fragmentary, thin rim.

29. Pot, fragmentary, thick grooved rim.

30. Pot, fragmentary, thin rim.

31. Fragment, shoulder portion, with nail

impressions.

Microliths

As we all know microlithic period was characterized

by the usage of rocks in micro size for domestic purpose.

During this period man preferred to live on the riverbanks

and eke out his livelihood by taking fishing as the major

occupation. Besides this, hunting was also a part of their

life. It is understood from the collection of antiquities at

microlithic sites that minerals like CHERT, FLINT, and

JASPER were the source rocks used for making tools. In

Tamilnadu microlithic sites are well distributed in and

around Sawyerpuram area - known as Teri sites in Tuticorin

13
district. The known sites are Kattalankulam,
Meiganapuram, Kuttampuli, Kundankulam, Sawyerpuram
and Puttataruvai.

In this juncture it is worth mentioning about a

microlithic site found at Vembakottai, which is very near
to Tiruttangal. This village lying on the banks of the river
Vaippar, about 15 km from Sankarankoil near Sivakasi,
has yielded valuable archaeological antiquities namely
microlithic, shell bangle pieces and black and red potteries.
Further exploration conducted here, has led to a
remarkable discovery of fossilized elephant molar from a
mound on the north bank of the river Vaippar. The experts
of Geological Survey of India, Hyderabad identified it as a
lower left elephant molar belonging to living Indian
elephant.

The excavation at Tiruttangal has yielded a few

microlithic tools, flakes and cores. At TRT-4 trench 2
microlithic tools and 4 microlithic flakes were recovered.
The chief raw materials are chert, quartz and jasper.

Tiruttangal excavation is a good example for

demarcating the microlithic and megalithic cultures based
on antiquities unearthed.

14
Description of Microlithic Tools, Flakes and Cores
(Plate 1)

1. Probably an arrow point, chert - incomplete

2. Microlithic flake, chert

3. Microlithic tool, probably a blade, chert

4. Microlithic flake-chert

5. Microlithic flake-quartz

6. Microlithic flake-chert

7. Core material-Jasper

CULTURAL SEQUENCE

This excavation has distinctively revealed two

stratigraphical layers. The top brownish clay layer yielded

black and red potsherds assigned to period II (megalithic)

and the second layer to period - I (microlithic period).

MINOR ANTIQUITIES

1. Bead & Iron Pieces

Minor antiquities like bangle pieces, beads and iron

pieces were collected. In trench-2, a glass bead was

collected at a depth of 48 cm. It is blue in colour and

bi-hexagonal in shape with truncated edge. The length of

the bead is 1.5 cm. This excavation has yielded only one
15
iron piece, may be a portion of small knife. It was found in
TRT - 1 at 23 cm depth. It was in highly corroded stage.

2. Bangle

Three glass bangle pieces and a shell bangle was

collected in Tiruttangal excavation. The glass bangle pieces
are black in colour with simple ornamental grooved lines.

MISCELLANEOUS

Other antiquities are brought under this heading. It

includes grooved tile, Dupakalasam and a unique terracotta
object.

1. Dupakalasam (Plate -2)

TRT-2 has yielded a terracotta object, which may be

identified as Dupakalasam (Incense burner). It appears as
a dish fastened to a stand. Total height of this object is
14.5 cm. The rim of the dish portion is moderately thick.
Inner diameter and depth are 14.5 cm and 4 cm
respectively.

2. Terracotta object

A unique coarse red rectangular terracotta object was

unearthed in TRT - 2 at 34 cm depth. The length, breadth,
and height of the object are 3.5, 3.5 and 4 cm. The upper

16
surface of the object with a slight engraving of lines
resembles srivatsam.

3. Grooved Tile (Plate 2)

Few grooved tile pieces of coarse red variety found with

a hole, probably for nail insertion were unearthed.

CONCLUSION

Tiruttangal excavation has yielded a good number of

antiquities pertaining to megalithic and microlithic periods
and clearly demarcates the cultural periods. Hence, on
the basis of archaeological finds in this excavation, it is
concluded that human occupation might have existed here
since 8000 BCE.

PARTICIPANTS

1. Thiru A.Abdul Majeed, the then Deputy

Superintending Archaeologist

2. Thiru K.S. Sampath, Pre Historic Archaeologist

3. Thiru V.Vedhachalam, Curator

4. Thiru C.Santhalingam, Archaeological Officer

5. Thiru S.Sreekumar, Technical Assistant

17
 6. Thiru P.Hariparanthaman, the then Draughtsman

7. Thiru M.T.Sridhar, Photographer

8. Pottery drawings by: Thiru V.Magudeswaran, the

then Moulder

9. Thiru N.Balakrishnan, Asst. Photographer

10. Thiru N.Balachandran, Local person

Under the guidance and supervision of

Thiru Natana Kasinathan, the then Director of

Archaeology.

18
Pottery Drawings
[Tiruttangal]

19
 Pottery Drawings
[Tiruttangal]
.

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Pottery Drawings
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22
Pottery Drawings
[Tiruttangal]

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13

23
Pottery Drawings
[Tiruttangal]

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34
Pottery Drawings
[Tiruttangal]

25
Pottery Drawings
[Tiruttangal]

25

26
Pottery Drawings
[Tiruttangal]

27
Pottery Drawings
[Tiruttangal]

28
 KOVALANPOTTAL

LOCATION

Kovalanpottal is situated at Pazhanganatham, a

hamlet of Madakulam village in South Madurai. (Latitude
of 9°56' N and Longitude of 78°08' E).

The history of this place goes back about 300 BCE.

The great Tamil epic ‘Silapathikaram’ describes about
Madurai and the hero of this epic, Kovalan was beheaded

at this place. A boulder called ‘Vettu parai’ (anvil for

butchering) consecrated as temple is being still worshipped

along with a head portion of a sculpture as Kannagi. To

probe into the antiquity of this spot known as

Kovalanpottal, the excavations were conducted in the year

1980 and three trenches measuring 4 meter square were

laid.

Trench No.1

This trench was laid up to the depth of 2.5 metres,

which had five layers of occupation. A large number of

like, potsherds and pieces of bones, a small

antiquities,

quantity of iron bits, bangles made of glass and of conch,

various kinds of beads, ear-rings, things made of copper,

terracotta toys and implements belonging to the stone age

29
have been unearthed from this trench. The most significant
among the findings were the three large urns. Each urn is
of height of one meter. Of these, two are found with lids
and the other had no lid but is covered with big stones.
Around and top of the urns, earthen vessels, lids and mud
pots were found. When one urn was opened, it was found
to contain a skull, some human bones and potteries
(Plate-3).

Trench No.2

Four urns were found, worth mentioning among the

finds in this trench is a potsherd with Tamil script. Apart
from glass bangles, terracotta discs, terracotta knob, handle
of a pot’s lid, pieces of bones and fine stone implements
have been obtained. This trench was reached up to the
depth of 2.5 metres.

Trench No.3

This was laid on the western side of the Kovalanpottal.

This trench yielded potsherds, precious white stone, black
terracotta discs, shell bangle pieces, iron nail and fine
Neolithic implements. A test pit was dug up near this
trench in the northern side. A bottom portion of a broken
urn was obtained even at the sub-soil level; pieces of bones,
earthen vessels and pot lids were also found.

30
POTTERIES

In this trench, earthen vessels with different types of

rims were found; notable among them being the pots with
a long neck and wide mouth concave pots, convex plates
and pot lids. Each one of the potteries found inside the
urns in the 1° trench was ofa type different from the other.
They were mainly of the black and red colours of burial
pottery. The method of inverted firing was used in making
the pots. Burnt by this process, the interior turns black
due to radiation of heat.

Iron pieces were found in considerable quantity in all

the three trenches between 35 cm and 95 cm depth and

from above 45 cm to 65 cm depth. Small bits and sheets of

iron have been found in plenty. In the first trench, a flat

‘piece of iron resembling the head of an arrow was found

at the depth of 44 cm. Further leaf shaped iron resembling
the head of a lamp and elliptical sheets of iron at the depth
‘of 53 cm were also noticed. An ‘L’ shaped nail was found

at 95 cm depth in trench No.3

The presence of small iron pieces where the urn was

obtained adds to the belief that people belonging to this

period knew the usage of iron.

31
-Copper coin

A square copper coin with symbol of a fish on one

side was brought to surface from 45 cm depth in the 1”
trench. Only four straight lines have been used to form
the figure of the fish.

Chain

A chain made of copper wire was obtained in the 2”

trench. Only a part of the chain is available. This piece
measuring 17 cm in length was found at the depth of 43
cm.

Beads

A heart-shaped precious white stone was found at 61

cm depth. One side of this stone is flat; the other side is
in convex shape. This might have been a beautifying dollar
in a necklace. Another find is a steatite bead in cylindrical
shape.

Finger Rings

A hexagonal copper ring surrounded by small stones,

with a bigger stone lay in the center. This splendid
ornament was found at 40 cm depth in the first trench.

32
Shell bangle

Parts of two bangles made of shell have been found.

Two shell bangles pieces with a small vertical line,
decorated and some with criss-cross pattern design were
found.

Pot with Tamil Script (Plate - 4)

Two broken mud-pots with Tamil Brahmi Scripts like

‘ S&[..]s ‘and ‘& & s’ were found on the top of urn in the
274 trench.

CONCLUSION

The excavation at Kovalanpottal reveals the megalithic

culture and the mode of burial that existed in those times.

The excavation was conducted in the year 1980-81.

PARTICIPANTS

1. Thiru M.Chandramoorthy, the then Registering

Officer, Madurai

2. Thiru V.Vedhachalam, Curator

Under the guidance of

Dr. R. Nagaswamy, the then Director of Archaeology.

33
 ANAMALAI

LOCATION

The Superintending Engineer of the Parambikulam-

Aliyar project drew the attention of this department to the
existence of a dolmen at Manamboli, a village in the
Anamalai hills. (Latitude of 10°35' N and Longitude of 76°
56' E). The dolmen was on a road under formation. The
Superintending Engineer first considered it necessary to
remove the dolmen to avoid a sharp turning in the road.
This department undertook the excavation of the dolmen
to facilitate the road formation. Sri. S.R.Rao, the then
Superintendent of Archaeology, ASI, was kind enough to
depute Sri K.V.Raman, Technical Assistant and a
draftsman to assist this Department in the excavation.

The dolmen consisted of three upright slabs. The

capstone was not found. The dolmen was covered with
shrubs and anthills. These were cleared. A circular trench

was laid. The excavation revealed that treasure hunters

had robbed the dolmen earlier, probably. Nevertheless, it
threw sufficient light on the erection of the dolmen and
the mode of interment. The dolmen consisted of a single
flooring slab and four upright slabs. The front slab was
found fallen, broken into three pieces. The rear portion

34
consisted of two slabs placed in a line. At the northern
portion a ‘U’ shaped cutting about 60 cm depth and 40 cm
width was provided to facilitate depositing of the funerary
objects, after the capstone was placed. The rear slab was
sealed by another vertical slab, held in position by heavy
rubble packing. The rubble at the back was heaped and
concentrated. The rear slab was not exactly at the end of
the side slabs, but 100 cm inside. The packing at this gap
was dense. A part of the capstone was found lying inside
the dolmen, above 20 cm, over the flooring slab. In this
position the slab seems to have been roused by some,
probably for cooking, as evidenced by the presence of
carbonaceous material. This shows that, after the dolmen

had been tampered with it was used by human agencies.

A three mt. square was formed around the dolmen

with partly dressed stones. The outer faces were in

alignment while the inner faces were irregular in their

shapes. In between the upright slabs and the square lay

out the space was filled with only earth, no rubble was

found. Outside the square, rubble of various sizes was

found. Only a small piece of iron point, probably of a

pointed knife was found during the excavation. A few pieces

of black and red ware pottery of insignificant size and

shape were found.

35
 It is evident that first a square layout was made and

the dolmen erected in the middle. The interment was

effected after the capstone was placed in position. After

the interment the passage at the back was sealed and

packed with rubble. Finally the rubble was covered with

earth (Plate-5).

The dolmen was not completely removed, as the

engineering authorities have diverted the road, and

preserve this relic of ancient occupation insitu.

There are no dolmens in the vicinity of this hill. About

2.5 metres to the south of this site, on the hill, are found

dolmen-like structures. Two are intact, while a third had

fallen down. Those that are intact consist of a flat slab

placed over two or three short, stout slabs of irregular

shape. The whole is placed immediately over the rock and

there are no encircling stones, rubble, potsherds or bones
etc. Probably, these were made as seats by the hill dwellers.
The fallen one, appears to be a dolmen but has no

appendages.

CONCLUSION

The excavation revealed the mode of burial system

36
during the megalithic period in Kongu region. The
excavation was carried out during the year 1969.

REFERENCE

1. Damilica, Journal of the Tamil Nadu State

Department of Archaeology, December 1970

37
 THONDI

LOCATION

Early history of the Tamils reveals that Thondi, on

the shore of the Arabian Sea, (Latitude of 99°44' 20” N

and Longitude of 79°01' 13” E). was a flourishing port of

the Cheras. The Sangam classics, Ahananuru, Narrinai,
Ingurunuru, Kurunthogai, Padirruppathu and
Purananuru praise the importance of Thondi in the
west coast, in about 23 verses. Besides, “The Periplus
of the Erythrean Sea” (90 CE) and “The Geography of
Ptolemy” (140 CE) also refer to Thondi in the Chera
country”. These accounts call it as ‘Tindis’. As in the
case of the Chera country, the Pandyas too had a port,
by the name of Thondi, in the eastern coast (on the
shore of Bay of Bengal). As it is not mentioned in the
sangam works, its antiquity is not traceable. Thondi
of the Pandyas is referred only in the later works like
Silappadikaram, Pandikovai and Yapperunkalak-
karigai Urai. The post Sangam Tamil epic,
Silappadikaram describes Thondi as a place where
wind entered from the east. It states that the eastern
wind entered Madurai with the sweet smell of Ahil,
Tuhil, Aram and camphor, which had come down to
the Thondi port in the Bay of Bengal(3).
38
 “om el pu upu ler

வங்க ஈட்டதீதுக்‌ தொண்டியோர்‌ இட்ட

அகிலும்‌ துகிலும்‌ ஆரமும்‌ வாசமும்‌

தொருகருப்பூர
மும்‌ சுமந்துடன்‌ வந்த
கொண்டலோடு புகுந்து கோமகன்‌ கூடல்‌

வவங்கண்‌ நெருவேள்‌ விலீவிழா கணும்‌

பங்குனி முயகீகத்துப்‌ பனியரசு”

“Onkirum parappin

Vanga littattut Thondiyor itta

Ahilum tuhilum aramum vasamum

Torukaruppuramum sumanthudan vantha

Kondalodu puhuntu komahan kudal

Venkan neduvel vilvizha kanum

Pankuni muyakkatup paniyarasu”

Adiyarukku Nallar, in his commentary on

mentions “Thondiyor” as the Chola

_ Silappadikaram
But this identification is not feasible and
lineage.
has no further source for it. The word
Silappadikaram
only. This
-Thondiyor’ must have referred to the Pandyas
the verses of Silappadikaram, which refer
is evident from
eastern region that entered into the
to the wind of the

39
capital of the Pandyas. It may not be acceptable to presume
that the wind of the Chola country entered into the Pandya
capital. From this, one can infer that the port of Thondi,
in the east coast, must have flourished, as an important
place even during the 3" to 4 Centuries CE; there is no
evidence to believe that this port was in existence prior to
this period.

During the Sangam age there were two important ports

of the Pandyas, which had trade contacts with the
foreigners. They were Alagankulam and Korkai. The first
one was located south of Thondi at the confluence of the
river Vaigai with the sea and the second one was at the
mouth of the river Tamiraparani in Tuticorin district. When
these ports began to loose their importance, Thondi might
have become an important port in the Tiruvadani Taluk of
the present Ramanathapuram District.

The commentary on Irayanar Ahapporul alludes to one

category of literature called Pandikkovai, which speaks
about the familiar relationship of the Pandya ruler
Nedumaran, who reigned in the 7 Century CE. It is also
identifies Thondi, in the east coast, asa Pandya port’”,

40
 “மீனவன்‌ தொண்டி “1/1 ஹூ 1௦௩௮1”

நுறையாற்று...வேல்கொண்ட கோன்‌ தொண்டி

Narayarru....Velkonda kon Thondi”

மாறன்‌... தொண்டி ener” Maran....Thondi kanal”

Kalaviyarkarihai refers to “Mannan Madurakan

Thondi””’. A verse in the Yapperunkalakkarihai Urai calls
the port city as “Varagunan Thondi”. Varguna Pandya
seems to have reigned during the 9” century CE.
Nandikkalambaham praises the Pallava king Nandivarma
III for his conquest
of Thondi”.

‘Though it is an exaggerated version it provides a clue

to presume that this port might have flourished as a
‘strategic place between the age of Silappadikaram and

9% century CE. There were constant conflicts among the

Pandya, Ceylonese and the Chola rulers. During this time

Thondi became the centre of action for these rivals. It is

said that the king of Ceylon captured Thondi and then

moved towards Madurai. The Arppakkam inscription

mentions that the Chola army was able to drive out the
ல 2 (7)
Ceylonese army in the battle, which took place at Thondi””.

‘41
 During the 12t, 13 and 14 centuries CE at the time
of the later Pandya rule, Thondi seems to have had trade
contacts with the eastern countries. This is evident from
the discovery of Chinese celadon wares in this region.
During the Vijayanagara Nayak rule Thondi became a part
of the Madurai Nayak territory and subsequently came
under the control of the Setupatis of Ramnad, Zamindars
of Sivaganga and the British administration. An epigraphy,
found at Thondi, refers to the dominant position of the
Marudhu brothers of Sivaganga in that region”. At the
time of the British occupation many goods were transported
from Burma through the port of Thondi. The Nagarattar of

Nattukkottai imported Burma teak through this port. There

were passenger ship transport, with a capacity of taking

200 passengers, between Thondi and Ceylon”. Thondi

seems to have lost its significance after the emergence of
Tuticorin port and the extension of railway line to
Dhanushkodi in 1914. Today it is a small village unmindful
of its past glory.

Thondi is located on the south of Rameswaram in the

“Sethu Markkam’”. It is situated 115 kilometers east of

Madurai. Thondi means ‘Katarkali’. It lies adjacent to the
estuary and hence the name Thondi. There are references

42
 . .
4
to Thondi, in the Sangam works, as “Kanalanthondj’. It
means a place, that is cut off and separated by the sea'™
.
Later Pandya inscriptions found in the Siva temple at
Thondi and Kaikkalankulam refer to this place as Thondi
alias Pavithiramanickappatinam, which means pure and
chaste monarch, Rajaraja I {as one of his title). It is
presumed that this place seems to have gained much
-importance during the Chola rule. Kaikkalankulam (tank)
of Thondi is referred to in an inscription of Virapandya as
“Kalikanakkulam’. There is a sluice in this tank and an
inscription found here which mentions that the Marudhu
brothers in 1795 CE set up the sluice.

EXCAVATION

In 1980, the excavation was conducted to locate the

historical Thondi which was mentioned in the post Sangam
literatures with that of Thondi, the east coast. The

excavation brought to light plenty of potteries of the Middle

Ages. A trial trench with a measurement 4 x 4 meters was

made in the “Thondiyamman Koil Mound” located to the

north of the village.

43
 ‘This Trench had a depth of 1.50 metres; there are no
different types of layers found in the Trench. The layer of
sea soil alone was noticed. There was no antiquity found
beneath 1.50 metres depth. Potteries of the medieval alone
were collected from the Trench. There were no black and
red ware potteries of megalithic period found in the
excavation. A copper. cain of Rajaraja-lI, amid two copper
coins of Nayak were also collected form the Trench. A round
shaped terracotta ear ornament, a hip-hop and a coral
jewel with black and green stone beads were also found in
the trench.

The excavation at Thondi revealed that this place was

an important habitation site as well as a flourishing port
during the medieval times. The coins of Rajaraja-I and the
Nayak rulers found here indicate the continuation of the
trade activities of the people.

REFERENCES

1) Narrinai V.8, 18, 195; Ingurunuru 171, 172, 180;

Kurunthogai V-128, 210, 238, Pathirrupathu
V-88 ; Ahananuru V-10, 60, 290; Purananuru
V-17, 48.

44
 S.Vaiyapuri pillai, Nakkiyathipam (Tamil),
Pari Nilayam, Chennai, 1956, p.164

3). Silapathikaram, Kha.14.Lt. 106-112

4) Pandikkovai, Iraiyanar Ahapporulurai V.11-14.

5) Kalaviyarkarikai, p. 96, 147.

6) Nandikkalampakam V-38.

South Indian Inscriptions Vol.VI No.456.

8) S.Raju, ‘Maruthupandyar Inscriptions at Thondi

(Tamil), Avanam No.Two, April, 1992, p.16.

9) Tamilnadu District Gazetteers - Ramanathapuram

District, pp 992 - 993.

10) Ilakkiyathipam, p .165

PARTICIPANTS

I. Thiru M.Chandramoorthy, the then Registering

officer, Madurai,

ee ‘Thiru V.Vedhachalam; Curator, Madurai

Under the guidance of |

Dr.R.Nagaswamy, the then Director of Archaeology

45
 and the capital of the Pandya ruler of Vetrivel cheliyan.
The Pandya rulers are frequently referred to as the lords
of Korkai (Korkai Koman) and the ruler of Korkai
(Korkaivendu). Ptolemy refers to the place as the “country
of the Kareoi”; “in the Kolkhic gulf, where there is pearl
fishery, Sosi Kourai, Kolhoi, an emporium and mouth of
the river Solen”. The following reference is seen in the
Periplus: “From Comari towards the south this region
extends to Colchi (Korkai) where the pearl fisheries are;
(they are worked by condemned criminals) and belongs to
the Pandyan Kingdom.”

PREVIOUS EXCAVATION

It was Rev. Dr. Caldwell, who identified the present

village with ancient Korkai and drew the attention of

scholars to its importance to South Indian history.

Dr. Caldwell conducted some excavations in 1876 and

published his findings in Indian Antiquary in 1877. He

was more struck by the geology of the place than its

antiquities. He found a number of urns of which one was

eleven feet in circumference and contained an entire set

bones including a perfect skull. The site has

of human
also attracted the attention of Sir Mortimer Wheeler while
the Director General of Archaeology in India.
he was

47
EXCAVATION (Plate-6)

The present excavation (1968 - 69) was undertaken

with a view to assess the archaeological potentialities of
the site and its cultural sequence.

CULTURAL SEQUENCE

The present excavation at Korkai has revealed

consecutive periods of occupation of three main periods:
period I dating back to the urn burial period, period II the
Pandya period and period III the post Pandya period.
Period I is characterised by the occurrence of urns of
megalithic variety and its associated black and red ware,
black ware and red ware, shell bangle pieces, cornelian
beads and bone ornaments. Period II is marked by the
occurrence of red ware, red slipped ware, black ware and
brown ware, sawed conches, terracotta objects like beads,
spouted potsherds etc. Period III is characterised by the
occurrence of red wares and black wares of coarse variety.

Period I : 3" Century BCE - 4” Century CE

Period II : 4" Century CE - 10" Century CE

Period III : 10% Century CE - 14 Century CE

48
THE CUTTINGS

In the first season seven trenches were laid and in

the second season KRK - 8,9,10,11 and 12 were laid.

KRK I

It was laid at the western end of the present Korkai.

The trench measuring 3.65 x 2.75 metre was excavated up
to the soil. A medieval copper coin of Rajaraja I was found
in the upper layers. An urn, completely crushed was found
at a depth of 2.54 m. In the same level of this urn was

found the N.B.P. type ware. The trench also yielded a finely
facetted crystal bead.

KRK 2
To the south of the village road, near the Vanni tree,

the trench measuring 2.5 m. square was laid. According

to local tradition, the area near the vanni tree contained

fabulous treasure buried deep into the earth. A burial urn

of black and red ware, small in size was encountered ata

depth of 1.62 m. The urn contained no bones or other

interment.

KRK 3
midst of Korkai
At the southern end of the village in the
Almost at the
tank , a trench of 5.70 m square was laid.

49
surface level was found the foundation of a rectangular
structure. The foundation at the southern end consisted
of a row of dressed granite laid over river sand. At the
western end it consisted of three courses of bricks of
irregular shape laid in lime mortar over pieces of grid stone
and river sand. The inner side of the structure was paved
with pieces of grid stone of irregular shapes, lying over a
spread of river sand. The foundation is obviously of a late
medieval structure.

KRK 4

Immediately to the north of the village road, near the

Panchayat Office, a trench 2.5 m.square was laid. This area
was completely covered with thorny bushes before
excavation. A brick structure lying east west, with steps
from the north at the western end was noticed. The
structure consisted of two rows of bricks in nine courses
of headers. The bricks were laid in mud plaster immediately
below the steps at the northern end. A heap of shells were
found stored. Below the structure three large sized rings,
placed one over the other (probably soakage jars) were
noticed. For placing the rings a pit has been dug and the
rings have been placed in position. The contents of the
rings could not be ascertained as the brick structure
immediately overlies the rings. The rings have been held
50
in position by broken potsherds, conches, grindstones
and
other stray objects.. The broken potsherds found inside
the ring well belong to the medieval period coarse variety.
Both the brick structure and the soakage rings seem to be
contemporary. The purpose of their construction is not
clear. However, the same trench yielded in other layers a
number of inscribed potsherds bearing Brahmi characters
assignable from 3rd Century BCE to 2"! Century CE. At
the lowest level excavated (2.69 metre) a hearth of clay
was found. Charcoal samples collected from this hearth
are datable to 785 BCE.

KRK 6 and 7
These were the extension of excavation of KRK 4 in

the west and northern direction to find out whether the

structure extended further. The extension on the southern

side showed a large heap of shell in the layer immediately

below the structure. Nothing significant was found in both

the trenches.

KRK 5

A trench of 2.5 m. square was laid in the west of the

village. The excavation revealed seven layers. Two rows of

soakage jars, placed side by side were found with four jars
placed one over the other in the east and two in the west.
51
They contained a few bone pieces and black and red ware
potsherds. A few inscribed potsherds were also found in
this trench.

KRK 8

This trench with 3 m. square was laid, which yielded

graffiti potsherds bearing ladder symbol and few sawed
conches at the depth of 1.30 m. and 2.13 m. respectively.

KRK 9

In the square Trench covering an area of 3 m, good

number of shell bangle pieces and sawed conches were
found.

KRK 10

The 3 m. square Trench yielded graffiti potsherds

bearing Trisula and Triangle symbols, sawed conches,
terracotta gamesman, shell bangle pieces, and a central
portion of a conch which is worked for making ornament.

KRK 11

Trench 11 which also measured 3 m. square has

yielded sawed conches, graffiti potsherds and decorated
shell bangle pieces.

52
KRK 12

In the 3 m. square trench, graffiti potsherds, ring

stand, and sawed conches were recovered.

Potsherds with inscriptions

Potsherds with inscriptions of 3 century BCE to

2 century CE have been found in the excavated Trenches.
Inscriptions were found in black ware, red-slipped ware
and black and red ware. All the inscriptions are
fragmentary. The letters are in Brahmi characters. These
letters are commonly found in various caves of Tamilnadu
and on potsherds from excavated sites like Arikkamedu,
Uraiyur, Kodumanal, Alagarai, Kanchipuram, Karur,
Vallam, Alagankulam, Teriruveli, Maligaimedu, and
Mangudi.

Generally all letters are in early forms. However one

sherd bearing two letters is in square form, resembling

late Amaravati characters. In one potsherd the inscription

is found in two lines. The readings are given below:

53
S.No. Trench Depth Reading

1. KRK-4 1.30 m. taOgs @

2. “ 1.44 * (ca?) na ta na -(en?)B தந

3. ூ 1.50 “ ma ti ௨1௧ -மா திபல-

4. “. 2.44“ sa ta- oo ©
Bix KRK-5 1.05“ ki da (bha?) (ne)- gn un op

6. “ 1.23 “ va na-an Bb
tiyana-S wu pb

7. “ 2.06 “ Sa ye
- oon ow

8. KRK-6 0.43 “ tane taa- Ln Om Ut &

GRAFFITI MARKS (Plate - 7)

A large number of potsherds with graffiti marks were
found. The symbols on potsherds like swastika, trisulam,
sun, Star, triangles, ladder, boat, bow and arrow, leaf and
fish are noteworthy. The graffiti marks range from simple
to complex strokes, curves and lines. The graffiti marks
are mostly thin, incised after firing, and commonly found
in the ancient sites of Tamilnadu.

SAWED CONCHES

The conches were sawed in between the top and

54
bottom portion in order to make bangles; they were found
in all the Trenches. The centre portion of the conch is
sawed in such a way as to prepare a core for making rings.
The literary evidence about shell bangle making was proved
by the occurrence of shell bangle pieces, rings, sawed
conches and pearl oysters. The regular appearance of
conches and sawed conches, and shell bangle pieces in
the trenches of all periods of this site confirm the
continuous existence of the conch bangle making industry
and ‘pearl fishery at Korkai.

MINOR ANTIQUITIES

Apart from conch bangle pieces, glass bangle pieces,

beads of sheli, semi precious stones, steatite, paste,
copper, terracotta were,also unearthed from Korkai. Iron
nails, terracotta ear ornaments and bone arrowheads were

the other minor antiquities found in the excavation.

CONCLUSION

The excavation yielded two burial urns, one of them

completely crushed and the other in fairly good state of

preservation. A brick structure was found superimposed

on a ring well (or soakage jar). Inscribed potsherds with

Brahmi characters assignable to the second century BCE

55
to second century CE were found in considerable number.
One particular sherd with high black polish deserves
special mention. Some scholars opine that it is a Northern
Black Polished (NBP) ware while others hold that it is a
special variety of rouletted ware. Since it is a solitary
specimen, future excavations may throw further light. If
the suggestion that it is an N.B.P. is accepted, then it is
for the first time that an N.B.P. ware is found in Tamilnadu
proper - that too in the extreme south. Large quantity of
pearl oysters found during the excavation, testify that it
was an important centre of pearl fishery. The Carbon-14
date of Korkai was 2755 + 95 years that is about 785 BCE.

PARTICIPANTS
1. Thiru Natana Kasinathan, the then Epigraphist
2. Thiru K.Damodaran, the then Epigraphist
3. Thiru A.Abdul Majeed, the then Epigraphist
4. Thiru M.Chandramoorthy, the then Archaeologist

Under the guidance of

Dr. R.Nagasamy, the then Director of Archaeology.

Reference
Damilica - Journal of the Tamilnadu State Department
of Archaeology, December 1970

56
 PALLAVAMEDU

LOCATION

Palavamedu is situated in Kanchipuram District

(Latitude of 12°50' N and Longitude of 79°43' E). A mound
on the outskirts of Kanchipuram, is traditionally believed
to contain relics of the Pallavas. The trial excavation was
conducted by the southern circle of the Archaeological
Survey of India in the year 1953-54. The excavation
revealed four successive structural periods, the lowest of
which contained some fragmentary ring wells, and coeval
with what purported to be an urn-internment. The upper
three phases could be distinguished from one another only
on the basis of the superimposition of structures, there
being no difference in pottery. Bangles made of shell were
found in profusion in different stages of manufacture
proving that the site itself might have been a factory for
their production. The excavation was carried out in the.
year 1970-71 which revealed three periods of occupation.

EXCAVATION

Period - I

It was characterized by the occurrence of red wares in

varying colour, a terracotta human figurine, and shell

57
bangles. In the lowest level, the strata indicated that the
river Vegavathi was flowing very near the site during the
period of the Pallavas (6% to 9 century CE). The present
course of the river flows about 2% kilometres away.
A storage jar, found at a depth of 5.85 m below the surface
on the sandy bank was probably used for washing cloths
(Plate - 8).

Period - II

It was marked by two structural phases represented

by a mud platform and flooring. In the upper flooring were
found two hearths showing traces of burning. Notable finds
include potsherds with graffiti marks, red and black wares
and beads of crystal and glass.

Period - III (Plate - 9)

It was distinguished by the occurrence of glass beads;

stucco pieces, a tiny linga and pottery of the same class as
that of the earlier period. The structural remains of the
period consisted of a big dump extending to 20 meters.
This phenomenon obviously represents the debris of a
building towards the end of the Pallava rule in circa
9 century CE.

58
CONCLUSION

The excavation revealed that this site has link with

Pallava rule to a limited extent from 6" to 9" century CE.

PARTICIPANTS

1. Thiru K.Damodaran, the then Epigraphist

2. Thiru A.Abdul Majeed, the then Epigraphist

Under the guidance of

Dr.R.Nagasamy, the then Director of Archaeology.

REFERENCE

1. Indian Archaeology - A Review - 1953-54

2. Indian Archaeology - A Review - 1970- 71

59
 BOLUVAMPATTI

Boluvampatti at the foothills of Western Ghats is

situated 22 kms from Coimbatore city in Coimbatore
District (Latitude of 10°57' 54” N and Longitude of 76°47’
54” E). It is on the western banks of the river Noyyal. It is
now a hamlet adjoining the Siva temple Nageswara of
Muttam. The excavation was conducted at Kottaikadu 3
kms from Boluvampatti village situated on the west bank
of river Kanchi popularly known as Kanchiaru. The surface
exploration yielded a large number of beautiful terracotta
figurines of 5" - 6™ centuries CE. The inscriptions found
in the Nageswara temple dating back to 11"- 12" centuries
CE, referred to Boluvampatti as a Brahmin settlement
called as Amarapujanga Chaturvedimangalam. Some
terracotta figurines were collected, and they look like Jain
or Buddhist Yaksha figurines (Plate - 11); on the basis of
which the excavation was carried out in the year
1979-1980.

CUTTINGS

Excavations were conducted at three places — the first

trench - BLP 1 was laid out on plain ground, while the other
two trenches BLP - 2 and 3 were on small disturbed mound.

60
BLP - 1

There were no antiquities and potteries found in the

trench BLP - 1.

BLP - 2

Five layers were noticed in BLP - 2. This trench yielded

about 50 semi-precious stone beads of various sizes and
also large number of terracotta earlobes. The trench also
yielded iron objects, shell bangle pieces, an important
terracotta seal obtained from the bottom portion of a pit
filled by terracotta lids and cups. Most probably the pit
might have been used as kiln for firing the pots (Plate- 10).

An interesting find of this trench was a terracotta seal.

It depicts a bow and a seated tiger with an inscription of
7tt century CE characters. It bears the emblems of Chera,
Chola and Pandya kings namely, bow and arrow, tiger and
fish with grantha inscription running along the border.
The letters are illegible, but a few can be made out ending
with the word “Varman”. The seal appears to have been

used on the bales of cotton or cloth by the merchants.

Such a practice is referred to in ‘Silappathikaram’ as

“Manpori”. Large amount of charcoal bits were also collected
from this trench showing fibres of burnt bamboo.

61
 A Brahmi potsherd with letters “pear Oangg ” and
another potsherd with Vatteluthu character read as H#@ எனப
விற்றி குழி” 76 1௦1100. Two punch marked coins dated to
4 century CE were also unearthed from this trench (Plate-10).

BLP-3

It is laid very near to the trench BLP-2. This trench

yielded about 200 semi-precious stone beads, 10 terracotta
beads, shell bangle pieces, and animal bones. Post-holes
also noticed in this trench.

CONCLUSION

A thick deposit of about four feet of ash in the mound

suggest that the commercial settlement on the banks of
river Kanchi might be destroyed by fire.

PARTICIPANTS
1. Thiru R.Poongundran, the then Registering
Officer, Coimbatore

2. Thiru R.Selvaraj, Archaeological Officer

Under the guidance of

Dr.R.Nagasamy, the then Director of Archaeology.

Reference
Excavations at Perur, Department. of Archaeology
Publication, 2003 pp 8-9.
62
 PANAYAKULAM

LOCATION

Panayakulam, a small village situated in Dharmapuri

district, lies on the way from Papparapatti to Palakodu,
about 4 kilometres from Papparapatti (Latitude of12°
13' N and Longitude of 78°03-' E).

EXPLORATION

An archaeologically important mound is noticed on

the way to Panayakulam where antiquities like potsherds,
terracotta figurines, bones, and bricks (38x20x7 cm) were
collected. A large number of terracotta figurines assignable
to 8 century CE was also collected (Plate - 12).

Epigraphs

Panayakulam was in continuous occupation from 6"

century CE to 12 century CE that was proved by the
epigraphs found in this mound. Two hero stones dated to
16" century CE, noticed by this department and are kept

at Dharmapuri site Museum. Another fragmentary hero

stone of the 7” century CE in vatteluthu characters was

found on the bund of the lake.

The inscriptions refer to the existence of Jain or

Buddhist monastery, which was referred in the epigraphs

63
as Palli at Panayakulam village: ‘Phe records of nearby
villages also mention the existence of Palli at Panayakulam.
A hero stone at Kantharapatti belonging to Rajaraja-I in
his 27" regnal year records the death of a person named
Puliyakamundan son of Visvakamundan who is mentioned
as an ascetic from Panayakulam Palli in Tagadur Nadu in
Ganganadu situated in Nigarilicholomandalam.

A stone inscription found in a sluice near the

Panayakulam lake, of Rajendra -I in his 22" regal year
mentions that a person called Velkaliyan cholavarman alais
Madurantakavelan made this sluice.

EXCAVATION

Trial excavation was carried out in the mound, which

is disturbed due to cultivation. At the depth of 50 cm coarse
red ware potsherds were found and in some places bone
pieces were also collected. The soil was clayey, at a depth
of 3 m. where some brick pieces were found. Few black
and red ware potteries with rough surface, red slipped ware,
black ware, thick-mouthed potteries and hip-hops were
the other varieties of potteries found.

64
CONCLUSION

The excavation proves that this mound was in

continuous occupation from 6" century CE to 12t*
century CE.

PARTICIPANTS

1. Thiru K.Sridharan, the then Archaeologist

2. Thiru C.Santhalingam, the then Archaeological

Officer, Dharmapuri

Under the guidance of

Dr.R.Nagasamy, the then Director of Archaeology.

REFERENCE

1. Historic terracottas from Dharmapuri: -

R.Poongundran, South Indian studies Vol.1
Dr.R.Nagasamy - Page 173 - 178. (Ed.)

2. Dharmapuri District Inscriptions Vol.II

65
 KURUMBANMEDU

LOCATION

A small mound called Kurumbanmedu is situated in the

western side and about 3 kms from Brahadeeswara temple at
- Thanjavur (Latitude of 10°47' N and Longitude of 79° 08' E). This
mound is 3 metres height and it is very near to another
archaeologically important mound Chekadimedu.

EXCAVATION

Imperial cholas ruled and administered entire Tamil

Nadu from Thanjavur as their capital. The mound at
Kurumbanmedu was intended to excavate to find out the
ruined remains of the imperial Cholas.

KRM-1
Two trenches were laid in Kurumbanmedu. This trench
was laid from east to west with 5x4 metres extent. The natural
soil was reached at the depth of 100 cm. This site was marked
with three layers and yielded iron objects, terracotta lids,
and British porcelain ware. From 1" layer to 3" layer medieval
tiles were found. The potsherds collected from this trench
were coarse red war and red ware pieces. Some brickbats
and pebbles were also collected. The potsherd seems to be
eroded by water erosion.

66
KRM-2

This trench was laid about 100 m. distance from

KRM 1, in the western side. The excavation was carried
out to the extent of 5x4 metres. The excavation was carried
up to the level of 105 cms and four layers were noticed.
The antiquities found were iron objects, decorated
potsherds, iron nails, glass bangles, terracotta spouts,
terracotta beads, and porcelain ware. The potteries were coarse
variety of brown slipped ware, and red ware (plate-12).

CHRONOLOGY

The layers 4% and 3 marked as period I, and layers

2™° and 1" were marked as period II.

Period I - 10% century CE to 14" century CE

Period II - 14% century CE onwards

‘PARTICIPANTS

1. Thiru S.Selvaraj, Archaeological Officer

2. Thiru C.Santhalingam, Archaeological Officer,

3. Thiru M.Kalaivanan, Curator

Under the guidance of

Dr.R.Nagasamy, the then Director of Archaeology.

67
 PALAYARAI

INTRODUCTION

Palayarai, now in the Kumbakonam taluk of the

Thanjavur District, (Latitude of 10°55' N and Longitude of

79° 21' E) was the secondary capital city of medieval Cholas.
Once a flourishing city, now it is a small village with the

name Kilpalayarai. It is situated about 7 km away to the

south of Kumbakonam, the names of some hamlets around

Kilpalayarai such as Nulaiyur (entrance of the city), Chola-

maligai (palace of Cholas), Rajendranpettai (named after

Rajendrachola) etc. They show that they might have been

the parts of the royal city during Chola times. Four villages
have the suffix ‘Padaiyur’ (army station) to their names,

LB, Pampapadaiyur, Arya-padaiyur, Mamma-Padaiyur, and

Pudup-Padaiyur. It is evidently presumed that the ancient

city Palayarai had four army stations, on its four sides.
and it might have been extended from Darasuram in the
north to Nandanmedu in the south.

This place was called as ‘Nandipuri’ or ‘Nandipuram’

during the Pallava period. It was the regional headquarters
of Nandivarman II and was referred to as Palayarai in
Devaram hymns. Palayarai was called by various names in

68
different periods. During the period of Rajaraja I, it was
called as Palayarai alias Nandipuram and after as
Mudikondacholapuram after the surname of Rajendra I.
Still later inscriptions mention it as Agavamalla
Kulakalapuram. Rajaraja II (1146 CE) made Palayarai as
one of his capital cities and named it as Rajarajapuram.

Chola inscriptions give valuable information about the

existence of massive palaces and quarters of the city of
Palayarai. In the inscriptions of Rajendra I, the palace at
Palayarai is referred to as Madurantagan Tirumaligai
(5.1.[.701. VII, No. 125); some other inscriptions refer to
some parts of the palace such as Adibhumi i.e. ground
floor (S.I.I.Vol. XXIII No. 257), Rajendracholan mandapam
(ARE. 168 of 1910).

EXPLORATION
Explorations were undertaken at Nandanmedu and

Cholan-maligai in the year 1964-65 and some megalithic

urns and brick structures of the chola period were

discovered by the Department of Ancient History and

Archeology, University of Madras (IAR. 1964-65 p.24)

Surface exploration carried out at Nandanmedu,

Nathankoil, Kil-Palayarai and Cholan-maligai, revealed

69
good number of antiquities belonging to medieval chola
period.

EXCAVATION

To assess the archaeological potentialities of the site

and to bring out the remains of the Chola palace,
systematic excavations were undertaken at Kil-Palayarai
in the year 1984.

CULTURAL SEQUENCE

Three trenches were laid at Kil-Palayarai to study the

stratigraphy of the habitational deposits of the place and
to determine their cultural sequence. Based on the
occurrence of pottery types, two successive occupational
periods were determined.

Period I represents the early medieval culture

characterized by the occurrence of the crude variety of
black and red ware, red ware and painted sherds.

Period II represent the late medieval culture and is

distinguished by the occurrence of coarse red ware, black
ware, decorated sherds, porcelain sherds and rectangular
roofing tiles.

70
CHRONOLOGY

On the basis of the occurrence of the pottery types

and other associated antiquities, a relative chronology is
fixed for the above two periods.

Period I : 400 CE to 800 CE

Period II : 800 CE to 1400 CE

CUTTINGS

Totally three trenches were laid and numbered as

PRI- 1,2 &3.

PRI - 1
The first trench was laid on the plain surface of the
mound at southeastern side of Somanathasami temple. In
this trench, three layers were met with. Layer 1 consisted
of loose brownish earth mixed with large number of
potsherds, roofing tile pieces and brick-bats. There was a
clayey patch within this layer varied from 50 to 60 cms;
Layer 2 was of loose ashy soil mixed with brick-bats, pot
sherds and tile pieces. The thickness of the stratum

differed from 30 to 50 cm. Layer 3 was almost uniform

throughout the trench and consisted of loose clayey soil

mixed with potsherds and brick-bats. There was a pit at

71
western side within this layer containing large number of
potsherds.

The first two layers revealed medieval coarse red ware,

black ware, decorated sherds, rectangular roofing tiles and
porcelain sherds. The third layer yielded large number of
coarse red ware, painted sherds and less number of black
and red ware.

PRI
- 2

This trench, measuring 5 x 3 m was laid at the highest

point of the mound, which is to the south of the road from
Kil-palayarai to Nathankoil. The excavation yielded
medieval roofing tiles and coarse variety of potsherds. Very
hard clayey soil without any potsherds and brickbats
appeared at the depth of 60 cms.

PRI
- 3

It was a rectangular trench, covering an area of

5 x 3m, and laid to the north of the trench PRI - 2. A brick
wall with five courses of bricks, running east-west direction
was unearthed at the depth of 85 cms from the surface
level. The measurements of the bricks are 25 x 12 x 4cm.
The eastern and western sections clearly showed that the
brick wall was robbed at a later period. Header and

72
Stretcher method was adopted for the construction of this
wall. This method of construction was also noticed in the
Gangaikondacholapuram excavations. Two layers appeared
and yielded medieval coarse red ware, black ware sherds
and decorated sherds, rectangular roofing tiles, terracotta

lamps and spouted knobs, etc.

Decorated potsherds
The trenches PRI - 1 and PRI - 3 yielded some
decorated red polished potsherds. The thickness of the

sherds is 1 cm. It is inferred that the decorations were

made with the help of metal seals and sticks before firing.
A dot within single or double circles and vertical or

horizontal dotted or plain lines were the major decorated

motifs (page 78).

Painted Potsherds

Fragments with paintings also occurred in the

excavations, vertical or horizontal or criss-cross lines in

kaolin were made on red ware sherds. Red ochre line

decorations are seen on black ware.

Iron objects
‘Considerable numbers of iron nails varying from 2 cm
were
to 5 cm, in height were recovered. These iron nails

73
used for fixing the wooden reapers in the roof of the
building for placing the rectangular tiles. Some copper
nails and knob of a small copper vessel were also collected
from the excavations.

‘Bangle Pieces

Twenty bangle pieces of medieval period were

recovered from the cuttings. Glass bangle pieces, which
constitute the majority in the collection, totaling 18 in
number, appear to have been popular during the period. |
Only three of shell bangle pieces were recovered from the
excavation. The glass bangle pieces are in black, blue and
yellow colours both transparent and opaque in nature with
circular and semi-circular cross sections.

Terracotta lamps

A few broken portions of terracotta lamps occurred

from the 1st and 3” trench yielded a heap of more than
hundred full lamps. These lamps are of two types, the first
type is small and very similar to the modern oil lamps with
one wick being used by the village people; another type is
big sized circular lamp with provision for burning four wicks
{page 77). The center of the lamp is having the elevation
for keeping the long wick (Plate - 13).

74
Terracotta spouted knobs

From the occurrence of terracotta spouted knobs from

the medieval layers of all excavations in Tamilnadu, it is
inferred that the spouted vessels (Utensils like kettles)
were widely used in medieval period. A full globular pot of
coarse red with a spout at the shoulder was recovered from
Gangaikondacholapuram. Palayarai excavation also yielded
five types of spouted knobs with decorations.

Terracotta votive object

A full shaped Kalasa like terracotta object with round

base and tapering top, was collected from the excavation.

It might have been used as a votive object.

CONCLUSION

Palayarai, once the secondary capital of the Chola

kings, was established by the occurrence of the antiquities

and brick structures found in the excavation.

PARTICIPANTS

1. Thiru D.Thulasiraman, Exploration cum

excavation Archaeologist.

2. Thiru M. Senthil Selvakumaran, Archaeological

Officer.

75
 3. Thiru M.Ramakrishnan, the then Curator,
Thanjavur

Under the guidance of

Thiru Natana Kasinathan, the then Director of

Archaeology.

REFERENCE

‘A preliminary report on Palayarai excavations’ -Tamil

Civilization vol. 5 No. 1 & 2 (1987) Quarterly Research

journal of the Tamil University, Thanjavur.

76
Terracotta lamp with four wicks (Period IT)

77
Decorated Potsherds
Palayarai

sa
2772777774
64௨6௦6௧௦௦௦
 KANNANUR

Kannanur was the capital of Hoysala Kings in the

12" century CE, who ruled some parts of Tamil Nadu, and
constructed Hoysaleswara Temple at Kannanur in
Tiruchirapalli District (Latitude of 10°56' N and Longitude
of 78°45’ E). At present leaving the Hoysaleswara Temple,
no other remains found in this area.

LOCATION
Kannanur is located near Samayapuram in Lalgudi
Taluk. At the northern side of Kannanur, the Chennai-
Tirichirapalli trunk road cuts through a highly elevated
mound. About 20 years, when the Pullambadi channel was

dug for irrigation purpose, a small water channel covered

with stone slabs was noticed. The depth of channel from

ground level is 20 feet. The channel was disturbed. To trace

the existence of the water channel, systematic

archaeological investigations were undertaken at the

northern bank of the Pullambadi canal in the year

1983-84. At first, thorough study was made about both

sections of the canal bank. At a depth of 4 m a natural

rock formation was noticed. This rock formation has been

cut for the construction of water channel.

79
KNR -I

The trial trench KNR I was laid out on the northern side
of the Pullambadi canal. This place had already been
disturbed. After removing the debris over this place, some
brick structures were brought out. In the centre of this trench
one control pit was laid out in order to trace out the water
channel. At the depth of 10 metres from ground level, the
stone slabs covering the water channel were noticed.

KNR - II

In order to trace out the continuation of the water

channel, the trench KNR II was laid out at the northern
side of KNR I. A sump well and a stone alignment were
brought out. This suggests that the sump well had been
utilized for the purpose of taking water from the water
channel.

KNR - Ill

KNR II was laid out at the northern side of the trench

KNR IJ in order to trace out the cutting edges of the rock
formation. The cutting edges were noticed at a depth of
6.10 metres. The width between the two cutting edges
measure 3.10 metres.

80
SUMP WELL (Plate - 14)

The sump well was noticed in the trench KNR Il ata

depth of 2.30 m. from the surface level, the inner
measurement of which is 50x50 cm. The width of the sump
well decreases gradually towards the bottom like a funnel,
and the total depth is 4.30 m. The over all alignment shows
that the sump well was constructed over the water channel.
The funnel like construction indicates the difficulty of
taking water from the channel through this sump well.
Hence, this well might have been used as an air hose for

the free flow of water through the channel (page 83).

POTTERIES
The excavation yielded a large number of coarse red

ware besides a few celadon ware.

TILES

A large number of medieval roof tiles of various types

were unearthed from this site.

ANTIQUITIES
, glass
This excavation also yielded few terracotta beads
stud, a broken portion of a knife, and a
bangle pieces,
large number of iron nails.

81
CHRONOLOGY

On the basis of the occurrence of the medieval potsherds

such as coarse red ware and coarse black ware, rectangular
roofing tiles and other antiquities like glass bangle pieces,

iron nails and terracotta spouted knobs etc., | the date for

the brick structures and the water channel is tentatively

fixed from about 11“ century CE to 14™ century CE.

PARTICIPANTS

1. Thiru D.Thulasiraman, Archaeologist

2. Thiru S.Selvaraj, Archaeological Officer.

3. Thiru Pon.Arasu, the then Assistant Under Sea

Archaeologist

4. Thiru K.S.Sampath, Pre Historic Archaeologist,

5. Thiru P.Hari Paranthaman, the then

Draughtsman |

6. Thiru M.T.Sridharan, Photographer

Under the guidance of

Thiru Natana Kasinathan, the then Deputy Director.

82:
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 LIST OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS
Conducted by the State Department of Archaeology
(in chronological order)
S.No. Place District Excavated year

1. Anamalai Coimbatore 1969

2. Panchalankurichi Tirunelveli 1968-1969
3. Korkai Tuticorin 1969
4. Vasavasamudram Kanchipuram 1969-1970
5. Pallavamedu Kanchipuram 1970-1971
6. Karur Karur 1973-1979
1994-1995
7. Panayakulam Dharmapuri 1979-1980
8. Kovalanpottal Madurai 1980
9. Thondi Ramanathapuram 1980
10. Boluvampatti Coimbatore 1980-1981
11. Gangaikonda Cholapuram § Perambalur 1980-1981
1986-1987
12. Kannanur Tiruchirappalli 1982-1983
13. Palayarai Thanjavur 1984
14. Kurumbanmedu Thanjavur 1984
15. Alagankulam Ramanathapuram 1986-1987
1990-1998
16. Kodumanal Erode 1992-1993
1996-1998
17. Thirukkovilur Villupuram 1992-1993
16. Padavedu Tiruvannamalai 1992-1993
19. Sendamangalam Villupuram 1992-1993
1994-1995
20. Tiruttangal Virudhunagar 1994-1995
21. Poompuhar Nagapatinam.. 1994-1995
1997-1998
22. Teriruveli Ramanathapuram 1999-2000
23. Maligaimedu Cuddalore 1999-2000
24. Perur Coimbatore 2001-2002
25. Mangudi Tirunelveli 2001-2002
84
 DEPARTMENTAL PUBLICATIONS (FOR SALE)
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vi Padavedu Excavation Report 22.00
2¢ Tirukoilur Excavations 134.00
3. Metropolis of the Medieval cholas 1.50
4¢ Excavation at Mangudi 76.00
5. “Excavation at Perur 64.00
6. Vasavasamudram 10.00
7, “A pretiminary report - Alagankulam 18.00
8. Seminar on Marine Archaeology 40.00
9. Neolithic cultures of India (Bibliography) 15.00
10. Tarangampadi (Tranquebar)
Excavation and Conservation Reports 31.00

11. INSCRIPTIONS
/ கல்வெட்டுகள்‌
1. தர்மபுரி கல்வெட்டுகள்‌ - முதல்‌ தொகுதி 9.50
2. திருத்துறைப்பூண்டி கல்வெட்டுகள்‌ 16.00
3. கன்னியாகுமரி கல்வெட்டுகள்‌ - தொகுதி 1 7.50
4... கன்னியாகுமரி கல்வெட்டுகள்‌ - தொகுதி 2 6.50
5. கன்னியாகுமரி கல்வெட்டுகள்‌ - தொகுதி 3 8.50
6. கன்னியாகுமரி கல்வெட்டுகள்‌ - தொகுதி 4 7.50
7. கன்னியாகுமரி கல்வெட்டுகள்‌ - தொகுதி 5 7.50
8. நன்னிலம்‌ கல்வெட்டுகள்‌ - தொகுதி 1 15.00
9. நன்னிலம்‌ கல்வெட்டுகள்‌ - தொகுதி 2 15.00
10. நன்னிலம்‌ கல்வெட்டுகள்‌ - தொகுதி 3 15.00
11. திருவீழிமிழலை கல்வெட்டுகள்‌ 116.00
12. தாமரைப்பாக்கம்‌ கல்வெட்டுகள்‌ 30 00
13. திருவலஞ்சுழி கல்வெட்டுகள்‌ 96.00
14. பெருமுக்கல்‌ கல்வெட்டுகள்‌ 48.00
15. திருக்கோடிகா கல்வெட்டுகள்‌ 27.00
16. குடந்தை கல்வெட்டுகள்‌ 40.00
17. செங்கம்‌ நடுகற்கள்‌ 5.15
18. சென்னை மாநகரக்‌ கல்வெட்டுகள்‌ 18.65
19. கல்வெட்டு காலாண்டிதழ்‌ - 22, 35, 39, 43,44
45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 52, 55, 56, 57 1.50
20 கல்வெட்டு காலாண்டிதழ்‌ - 59 2.00
21. கல்வெட்டு காலாண்டிதழ்‌ - 60 & 61 400
22. கல்வெட்டு காலாண்டிதழ்‌ - 62, 63 5.00

11. DISTRICT பபோ௦₹8 (மாவட்ட கையேடுகள்‌

1. Fort St. George Madras 5.00
2. நெல்லை மாவட்ட கையேடு 27.00
3. திருவாரூர்‌ மாவட்ட தொல்லியல்‌ வரலாறு 155 00
4. விருதுநகர்‌ மாவட்ட வரலாறு 128.00
5. விழுப்புரம்‌ இராமசாமி படையாச்சியார்‌
மாவட்ட வரலாறு 100.00

lV. ART/&e@

1. Newlight on Tamil art and culture 15.00

2. Art Panorama of Tamils 100.00
3. Ranjendra Vinnagar - Temple study 25.00

se

85
 Namakkal Caves 1.50
ராக்‌

வரலாறும்‌ கலையும்‌ 30,00

தமிழர்‌ நாகரிகம்‌ 221.00
முரு

இராசராசேச்சுரம்‌ 2.25
கும்பகோணமும்‌ மகாமகப்‌ பெருவிழாவும்‌ 8.00
இராமலிங்கவிலாசம்‌ - ஏவியக்குறிப்புகள்‌ 8.00
ன

0. திருப்பத்தூர்‌. §.25

008௬ ஈடகா₹6 - 0011/8/ செப்பேடுகள்‌-காசுகள்‌

1. Tiruthani Velancheri Copper plates 30.00
2. Tamil Coins 50.00
3. திருமலை நாயக்கர்‌ செப்பேடுகள்‌ 52.00

Vi. 11170ட ஈட6௩௧௭௦4/ வரலாற்று ஆய்வு

Tamilnadu Archaeology Perspectives 44.00
Studies in Ancient Township of Pudukottai 80.00
Collected papers - R. Tirumatai IAS - (Retd.) 200.00
Collected Paper - Natana. Kasinathan 50.00
Studies in Ancient Law and Society 40.00
Pandyan Townships Part ! 521.00
Pandyan Townships Part li 533.00
ஆய்வில்‌ பூத்த மலர்கள்‌ 80.00
தொல்லியல்‌ நோக்கில்‌ தமிழகம்‌ 80 00
0. அருண்மொழி 21.00
1. களப்பிரர்‌ வரலாறு 3.75

vu. LITERATURE / இலக்கியம்‌

தக்கை இராமாயணம்‌ - தொகுதி 1 36.00
=

தக்கை இராமாயணம்‌ - தொகுதி 2 26.00

ON

சுசீலவள்ளல்‌ அம்மானை 8.25

சங்கரமூர்த்தி கோவை 6.00
Dah

முத்தானந்தர்‌ ஞானக்குறவஞ்சி 4.50

வானர வீர மதுரை புராணம்‌ 10.50
திருக்கீழ்வேளூர்‌ உலா 4.50
OaAnN

தமிழ்‌ கீர்த்தனைகள்‌ 37.00

திருக்குறள்‌ பழைய உரை 43.50
குருபரம்பரை புராணம்‌ - தொகுதி 2 60 00
திருவேங்கடநாதன்‌ வண்டு விடு தூது 6.00
காதல்‌ கொத்து 4.50
பாளையப்பட்டுக்களின்‌ வம்சாவளி - தொகுதி 1 6.75
பாளையப்பட்டுக்களின்‌ வம்சாவளி - தொகுதி 2 9.75
பாளையப்பட்டுக்களின்‌ வம்சாவளி - தொகுதி 3 3.00

Vill. MUSEUM GUIDES / அகழ்வைப்பகக்‌ கையேடுகள்‌

Tirumalai Naicker Palace (Guide) 1.25
24

திருமலை நாயக்கர்‌ அரண்மனை துணை மடல்‌ 5.00

Oat
wn

இராமலிங்கவிலாச அகழ்வைப்பகக்‌ கையேடு 3.00

திருமலை மன்னர்‌ கையேடு 4.80
தர்மபுரியும்‌ அகழ்வைப்பகமும்‌ 7.00
இராசராச சோழன்‌ வரலாற்றுக்கூடம்‌ 2.50
ஆற்காடும்‌ அகழ்வைப்பகமும்‌ 11.00
ON

இராசேந்திர சோழன்‌ அகழ்வைப்பகம்‌ 10.00

3

86
ools-Tiruttanga—l
=
 Dupakalasam -
Incense burner -_
Tiruttangal
 Potteries
'— - Surface find
்‌ ட்‌ + Korkai
ட
 _Excavated trench
- Pallavamedu >
2

Jar - Closer view _

- Pallavamedu —
 Sandal Paste Grinding Stone - Pallavamed u—
sf ல்‌ ன

,_ Excavated Antiquity - Pallavamedu

rae

3 3
t He oe 343
Moe x ala