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. 23/10/2024 3:40 PM
A significant archaeological find has emerged from Mappedu village in the Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, where two copper plate inscriptions dating back to the 16th century CE were discovered at the Sri Singeeswarar temple. This remarkable discovery occurred during a routine inspection of the temple's lockers, managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department.
The copper plates are linked by a ring bearing the seal of the Vijayanagara Kingdom, underscoring their historical significance. T.R. Prakash, the Executive Officer overseeing the temple, promptly reported the discovery to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Engraved in 1513 CE during the reign of King Krishnadevaraya, the inscriptions are written in Sanskrit using the Nandinagari script.
The Vijayanagara Empire, founded in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka, rose from servitude under the Kakatiya rulers of Warangal to become a dominant power in South India. It witnessed a golden age during the reign of King Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529), noted for territorial expansion, cultural achievements, and contributions to Telugu literature. The inscriptions document a royal gift wherein King Krishnadevaraya donated the village of Vasalabattaka, later renamed Krishnarayapura, to several Brahmins. This act exemplifies the king's patronage of Brahminical communities, detailing the boundaries of the donated village, which fell under the jurisdiction of the Raja of Chandragiri, now part of the Tirupati district in Andhra Pradesh.
These copper plate inscriptions provide invaluable insights into the administrative practices and socio-political landscape of the Vijayanagara Empire. They serve as crucial historical records, helping historians and archaeologists reconstruct the history of that period. The use of copper plates for documenting royal orders, land grants, and important events was a common practice in ancient and medieval India, and the association with the Vijayanagara Kingdom further emphasizes their importance.
The ASI and the State Archaeology Department play vital roles in safeguarding these historical artifacts, ensuring that such discoveries are documented, studied, and preserved for future generations. This recent find at the Sri Singeeswarar temple not only enriches our understanding of the Vijayanagara Empire and its cultural heritage but also highlights the enduring legacy of its rulers.
The Nandinagari script, a variant of the Nagari script, was primarily used in South India between the 8th and 19th centuries for writing manuscripts and inscriptions. Written from left to right, it is significant for understanding the linguistic and cultural practices of the region during the Vijayanagara period.
The discovery of these copper plates enhances our knowledge of South India's rich history, serving as a reminder of the treasures that lie beneath our feet, waiting to be uncovered. This archaeological find at the Sri Singeeswarar temple is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire and its contributions to the cultural landscape of South India.
