The Archaeological Survey of India – ART &
CULTURE
News: The
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently undertaken the task of
copying significant stone inscriptions from various temples in Tamil Nadu to
preserve and study these historical records.
What’s
in the news?
Key
details of the project:
Locations
and Temples Involved:
- Tiruchi District:
- Mattrurai Varadeswarar Temple at
Thiruvasi, Manachanallur taluk.
- Agneeswarar Temple at
Periya Karuppur village, Srirangam taluk.
- Theni District:
- Mayapandieswarar Temple and Varadharaja
Perumal Temple at Melmangalam, Periyakulam taluk.
- Madurai District:
- Moolanathaswamy Temple in
Sholavandan taluk.
- Methodology: Inscriptions
are copied onto maplitho papers to create accurate reproductions. These
copies are then used for detailed study. The process involves tracing the
inscriptions to preserve the exact details for further research.
Major
inscriptions identified:
- Thiruvasi Temple Inscriptions:
Believed to date back to the Kulothunga Chola period; exact
dates are pending further analysis.
- Periya Karuppur Temple Inscriptions:
Date back to the 14th Century during the Vijayanagara
Kingdom, with references to donations made to temples.
- Theni Temples Inscriptions:
From the 12th Century, with references to the Pandiya king
Sundarapandiyan and Devadana (land donated to
temples).
- Madurai Temples Inscriptions:
Found on nearly 30 pillars at Moolanathaswamy Temple.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- ASI, under the Ministry of
Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological
research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
- It administers more than 3650 ancient
monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national importance.
- Its activities include carrying out
surveys of antiquarian remains, exploration and excavation of
archaeological sites, conservation and maintenance of
protected monuments etc.
- It was founded in 1861 by Alexander
Cunningham- the first Director-General of ASI. Alexander
Cunningham is also known as the “Father of Indian Archaeology”.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/asi-copying-old-stone-inscriptions-on-temple-walls-in-tiruchi-district/article68593754.ece