Researchers from Tamil Nadu have deciphered an ancient inscription found in a cave on the Courtrallam Hill in Tenkasi district. The inscription, believed to be from the 9th century CE, is written in an early form of Tamil known as *Vattezhuthu*, and contains 8 lines of text.
The research team, led by V. Poonguzhali and K. Pugalendi, identified the inscription as a record of land grant made to a local Brahmin community. The inscription details a grant of land, specifically a plot named ‘Manimangalam’, to a group of Brahmins who were skilled in Vedic studies. It names the donor as a representative of the Pandya dynasty, likely a local chieftain operating under the Pandya king Varaguna Pandya II.
Crucially, the inscription provides insights into the socio-economic conditions of the time. It indicates a well-established system of land grants to support religious and scholarly pursuits. The inscription also reveals details about the administrative structure, mentioning local officials responsible for maintaining the land records and ensuring the grant’s validity.
The *Vattezhuthu* script used in the inscription is significant as it represents an early stage in the evolution of the Tamil script. Deciphering such inscriptions helps reconstruct the history of the Tamil language and its script. The researchers noted the inscription’s excellent state of preservation, despite its age and location within a cave.
The discovery and decipherment of this inscription contribute to a better understanding of the Pandya dynasty’s rule in the region and the prevalence of land grant practices during that period. Further research is planned to compare this inscription with others from the same era to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the historical context. The team intends to publish their findings in a peer-reviewed journal. The inscription is considered a valuable addition to the epigraphic record of Tamil Nadu.
