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 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…
