Inscriptions at 3 T.N. temples copied onto paper by ASI

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NEWS ANALYSIS

· The article focuses on the epigraphical work carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at three temples in Thirukurungudi, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu.

· The Epigraphy Division of ASI has copied inscriptions using the estampage method, an important technique in epigraphy that ensures the preservation of ancient inscriptions.

· These inscriptions provide valuable insights into the socio-cultural, economic, and religious practices of the time.

· The inscriptions, dating back to the Pandya period (9th century CE) and the Vijayanagara period, reveal information about donations, land grants, and religious activities such as lighting perpetual lamps (nundha vilakku) in temples.

· This information is crucial for understanding the political economy, religious patronage, and land distribution practices in early medieval South India.

Connection with the History Syllabus of UPSC Civil Services Exam:

The topic of inscriptions and epigraphy is directly relevant to the Ancient and Medieval History syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Exam, especially under the themes of sources of Indian history, temple architecture, and South Indian dynasties.

1. Sources of Ancient and Medieval Indian History:

Epigraphy and Inscriptions are important primary sources for reconstructing Indian history. Inscriptions provide direct evidence of political, social, and economic life during different periods.
The estampage method used by the ASI is a process of transferring inscriptions from stone or metal surfaces onto paper for preservation and analysis, which is critical for the study of ancient texts, many of which may be partially damaged.
Pandya inscriptions from the 9th century and Vijayanagara period inscriptions give insights into the South Indian dynasties, their governance, and their patronage of religious institutions.

2. South Indian Dynasties and Temple Architecture:

The Pandya dynasty was a significant power in South India during the early medieval period, and their inscriptions, particularly in Vattezhuthu script, reveal the dynasty’s administrative control, their patronage of temples, and religious donations.
The Vijayanagara Empire, known for its contributions to temple architecture, also left behind inscriptions documenting land grants and temple patronage, indicating the administrative and religious role of temples in their time.
The mention of temples like Nambi Rayar Temple, Thirumalai Nambi Temple, and Aniliswarar Temple relates to the study of Dravidian architecture and temple complexes in South India, which played a crucial role in the socio-political and economic life of the region.

3. Land Grants and Religious Patronage:

Inscriptions documenting donations of land, livestock, and other resources to temples reflect the economic structure of medieval South India. Such grants, often made tax-free, were a way for rulers to ensure the prosperity of temples, which were central to both religious worship and economic activity.
The donation of sheep for lighting lamps shows the role of temples as centers of religious life and the practice of perpetual lighting (nundha vilakku), which was common in Hindu temples to ensure that religious rituals continued uninterrupted.

4. Socio-Economic Practices:

The inscriptions highlight the relationship between temples and the state. Temples acted as focal points for agricultural surplus, land ownership, and labor distribution. This is evident in the tax-free land grants for temple gardens and donations for temple activities.
The establishment of temple gardens for religious purposes shows the interaction between religious and agricultural practices, where land was granted to temples for growing plants for rituals.

5. Cultural Significance of Scripts and Languages:

The use of Vattezhuthu script in the inscriptions from the Pandya period provides insights into the evolution of scripts and languages in South India. The shift from Vattezhuthu to modern Tamil scripts reflects broader cultural changes and linguistic developments over time.

Relevance to UPSC Preparation:

1. For Prelims:

o Understanding epigraphy and inscriptions as important sources for the reconstruction of Indian history is crucial for art and culture and history sections of the exam.

o The Vijayanagara Empire and Pandya dynasty are frequently mentioned in UPSC questions related to South Indian history, including temple architecture and administration.

2. For Mains:

o In the General Studies Paper-I, the analysis of historical sources like inscriptions is directly relevant under the topics of Indian culture, history, and heritage.

o Questions can be asked about the role of temples in medieval Indian society, the economic and social significance of inscriptions, or the contribution of dynasties like the Pandyas and Vijayanagara to religious and cultural practices.

o Knowledge of scripts, languages, and the estampage method used for preserving inscriptions can be useful when discussing the preservation of Indian heritage.

Example Mains Question:

Discuss the significance of inscriptions as a source of information about the economic and social life of medieval South India, with special reference to temple grants and donations. (150 words)

( Submit your Answers at 9717724350(whatsapp) to get feedback)

Example Prelims MCQs:

1. What is the 'estampage method' used by the ASI in the preservation of inscriptions?

a) A method of engraving inscriptions on temple walls
b) A process of transferring inscriptions from stone to paper
c) A system for translating ancient texts into modern languages
d) A technique for restoring damaged temple structures

Answer: b) A process of transferring inscriptions from stone to paper

2. Which of the following dynasties is associated with the Vattezhuthu script found in inscriptions?

a) Chola
b) Pandya
c) Vijayanagara
d) Pallava

Answer: b) Pandya

3. In which of the following periods did the Vijayanagara Empire flourish, as reflected in inscriptions found in Tamil Nadu?

a) 6th - 8th centuries
b) 9th - 12th centuries
c) 14th - 17th centuries
d) 17th - 18th centuries

Answer: c) 14th - 17th centuries

4. What was the purpose of the donation of sheep mentioned in the inscription at Aniliswarar Temple?

a) To offer sacrifices to the deities
b) To feed temple workers
c) To obtain ghee for lighting perpetual lamps
d) To establish a temple garden

Answer: c) To obtain ghee for lighting perpetual lamps

5. Which of the following temples is NOT mentioned in the article as having inscriptions copied by the ASI? a) Nambi Rayar Temple
b) Aniliswarar Temple
c) Thirumalai Nambi Temple
d) Meenakshi Temple

Answer: d) Meenakshi Temple