Return of the Chola-era Anaimangalam Plates to India Context: The Chola-era copper plates, known as the Anaimangalam Plates, have been returned to India from the Netherlands. The plates were in the possession of Leiden University since 1862. The return ceremony took place in The Hague. The Anaimangalam Copper Plates - A Testament to Chola Glory and Religious Harmony. Historical Importance The plates are important royal charters from the Chola period. They provide key information about relations between the Chola Empire and the Srivijaya Empire. Historical Importance of the Plates The plates belong to the reign of Rajendra Chola I. They contain a royal order originally issued by Raja Raja Chola I. The inscription granted the village of Anaimangalam as Pallichchandam to support: The Chudamani Vihara, a Buddhist monastery in Nagapattinam. They document royal grants issued during the reigns of: Raja Raja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I, Kulottunga Chola I They provide evidence of: Chola administration, Maritime diplomacy, Religious harmony, Links between Tamil Nadu and Southeast Asia. Raja Raja Chola I and the Buddhist Vihara The plates record Raja Raja Chola I’s grant of land at Anaimangalam village to support a Buddhist monastery in Nagapattinam. During the 21st regnal year of the Great Emperor Rajaraja Chola I (corresponding to 1005 CE), the village of Anaimangalam—spanning an area of 97 velis (a traditional land measure) was granted verbally as Pallichchandam (a land endowment bestowed upon religious institutions). The vihara was constructed by: Sri Mara Vijayotunga Varman of Java the King of the Srivijaya-Kedah Empire. This land grant was bestowed upon the Buddhist monastery known as the 'Chudamani Varma Vihara,' situated in Nagapattinam. The vihara was also known as: Raja Raja Cholan Perumpalli during Rajendra Chola I’s reign. Delayed Formal Documentation Although the announcement regarding this land grant was made during Rajaraja Chola's…
