History & Culture
Leiden Plates: History and Legacy
- Context: The celebrated Leiden Plates (Anaimangalam copper plates) are expected to return to India.The plates have renewed interest in the fate of the Chola-era Buddhist monastery and its tax-free lands.
The Leiden Plates and Chudamani Vihara: A Historical Timeline
Foundation and Chola Patronage
- 1005 CE: Monastery founded by Chudamani Varman of Kadaram (Sri Vijaya Kingdom).
- Construction completion: Finished by his son, Maravijayottunggavarman, to honour his father.
- Initial land grant: Rajaraja Chola I donated Anaimangalam village and surrounding lands.
- Timeline of grant: Land bestowed during the 21st year of Rajaraja Chola I’s reign.
- Classification: Classified as Pallichchandham, meaning tax-free land for non-Hindu religious institutions.
- 1035 CE: Rajendra Chola I recorded boundaries on 21 copper plates after Rajaraja’s death.
- 1090 CE: Sri Vijaya ruler sent envoys to Kulothunga Chola I to renew the grant.
- Renewal charter: Kulothunga Chola I issued a fresh charter on three additional copper plates.
Academic Discovery and Decipherment
- European preservation: The copper plates were moved to Europe and kept at Leiden University, Netherlands.
- Research publication: Findings documented in Menon’s paper, Copper Plates to Silver Plates: Cholas, Dutch and Buddhism.
Evolution of Names and Land Control
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- Cross-era tracing: Menon tracked land records across Chola, Nayak, Maratha, and Dutch documents.
- Name change: The original name “Anaimangalam” was later replaced by “Sangamangalam” in records.
- Buddhist link: Research suggests the new name stemmed from its association with the Buddhist Sangha.
- Monastery decline: Buddhism disappeared from the Coromandel Coast by the 19th century.
- Land repurposing: Lands were eventually granted to the Portuguese with similar tax-free rights.
The Architecture and Demolition of the Vihara
- Maritime landmark: Structure ruins were locally called b, serving as a guide for ships.
- Design description: Noted as a four-sided, three-storeyed brick tower featuring an open top.
- Construction method: Built using tightly fitted bricks without cement, featuring corniced mouldings.
- Access points: Designed with a central door or window opening on each side.
Ancient Iron Smelting Furnace Discovered at Keeladi
- Context: An iron smelting furnace, showcasing the skills of ancient Tamils, was discovered during the ongoing 11th phase of excavations at Keeladi in Sivaganga district.
11th Phase Excavation Activities
- The 11th phase of excavation at Keeladi has been underway since March 18.
- Currently, excavation is being conducted across an area of approximately one and a half acres, with nine trenches dug.
Findings from Previous Excavations
- Numerous iron artifacts and structures indicating the presence of an industrial site were discovered during earlier excavations.
Discovery of the Iron Smelting Furnace
- An ancient iron smelting furnace was discovered during the ongoing 11th phase of excavation at Keeladi.
- This furnace was used to smelt iron ore. Archaeologists believe that during the Sangam era, this furnace may have been used to manufacture iron implements such as knives, sickles, and agricultural tools.
- The discovery of this furnace confirms that the Keeladi region was not merely a residential area but likely served as a significant industrial hub.
Iron Production and Metalworking Industry
- Comparing this furnace with iron artifacts found in previous excavations reveals that iron production and metalworking were carried out in a highly advanced manner at Keeladi.
