Aysha Archaeologist

               The Pallava Sculptures-A VIEW The history of the Pallavas is well known to everyone, so there is no need to go into it in depth. The 200 years from the 6th century AD to the 8th century AD were a period of great artistic development. The period of Mahendravarman I, his son Narasimhavarman Mamallan and Rajasimhavarman II Narasimhavarman are the most important. The later Pallavas followed their artistic style. The history of the Pallavas can be classified into 3 periods. 1) The first period is the period of Mahendravarman-I 2) The second period is the period of Narasimhavarman-I 3) The period of Rajasimhavarman II Narasimhavarman. Mamallapuram  Although Pallava sculptures are found in Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Pudukkottai, Trichy, and some other places in Tamil Nadu, the sculptures in Mamallapuram are particularly special. Here, bas-relief sculptures are carved more than individual sculptures. Two types of sculptures can be fou...

Wild Wonders of Ancient Tamil Nadu- Animals in                           Sangam Literature   The life and economic status of ancient people were based on animals. Each of the five lands, namely Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, Neythal and Palai, has a different animal as its theme. Not only Sangam literature but also archaeological evidence confirms this. In the Keezhadi excavations, bones of animals like ox, wild boar, Nilgai, goat and deer have been found. Similarly, deer horns have been found in most of the excavations.  Its horns have been used to make artefacts and for medicine. Recently, a young archaeologist has discovered towns in Tamil Nadu named after deer. Some of the animals mentioned in Sangam literature are currently on the endangered list. Animals help people during the Sangam period in everything from food, trade, hunting, transportation, and religion. Some Highlights about Animals 1) The soun...

        The Chieftains of TamilNadu in Sangam Age During the Sangam period, the Tamil land area was divided into five types: Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, Neythal and Palai. Kurinji small tribes - Kuravar, Kanavavar, Vettuvar and Ainir Mullai small tribes - Aiyars, shepherds Marutham small tribes - Tillers Neythal small tribes - Bharatavars Palai small tribes - Kalvars It was from such five types of lands that ethnic groups emerged. Later, they became small tribes and evolved into petty kings. They were petty kings who were subordinate to the Chera, Chola and Pandya kings and some of them ruled against them. They did not issue any coins of their own. Some Chieftain Names 1) அகுதை- குறு நில மன்னன் வேளிர் குலத்தை சார்ந்தவன். பாண்டிய நாட்டை சார்ந்த கூடல் என்னும் பகுதியை ஆண்டவன். 2) அக்குரன்  3) அண்டர்- முல்லை சிறு குடியில் இருந்து வந்தவன் இடையரில் ஒரு பிரிவினர். 4) அத்தி- குறு நில தலைவன். அத்தி என்னும் மரத்தின் பெயரை கொண்டவன். 5) அதியன்- தகடூர் அரசரை போரில் வென்றவன்...

                 Ancient Ports In Coramandel Coast There were many historically important ports on the Chola coast in Tamil Nadu. Trade goods from countries like Greece, Rome, and Egypt arrived and landed here in these ports. Similarly, it can be known through archaeological and literary evidence that many goods were exported from here.  The important port on this Chola coast is Mamallapuram. It was not only the artistic city of the Pallavas but also a commercial city. It was called "Neer Peeru" in Sangam literature. In addition to the big ports, there were also small ports. 1) Marakkanam 2) Eilpattinam 3) Arikamedu 4) Cauvery Poompattinam 5) Vasavasamudram Vasuvasamuthram A Coastal village near Ancient Historical and also sub port City of Mamallapuram. which was ruled under the Pallavas from 7th Century AD and Vijayanagara period to 15th Century AD. This village was in Amoor Kottam. this village located only few kilo meter from mahabali...

         The Relationship between Sangam Tamil                                       Kings and the Poets Three dynasties ruled in Tamil Nadu during the Sangam period, namely Chera, Chola and Pandyas. Poets have praised their military victories, braveness and charity. A few great poets were ambassadors, ministers and friends of the kings. These poets did not praise the kings for mere economic reasons.  Similarly, the Tamil kings of the Sangam period also had respect and love for the poets. An example of this is the friendship between Kopperun Chola and Pisiranthayar. When Kopperun Chola died, He died without being able to bear the grief of his death. A bond between the kings and the Poet continued in historical times. Nambiyandar Nambi- Raja Rajan I Sarva Siva Pandithar- Rajendran I The relationship can be mentioned. As far as Tamil Nadu is conc...

                                   The Art of Expression Two types of sculptures occupy a prominent place in the history of Tamil Nadu sculpture. Clay sculptures and stone sculptures. The history of these clay sculptures begins from the Sangam period. The images of gods were made and worshipped from clay. Sculptures made from black stones are very rare during this period. One reason may be that the Sangam Tamil people considered stone as an inauspicious material. Since these stones were used to make memorial signs for the dead and to set tombstones, they may have avoided creating sculptures of gods in this way. Four elements occupy a prominent place in sculptures. They are 1) Facial expressions 2) Hand positions 3) Standing posture 4) Sitting posture These facial expressions vary in the sculptures of gods according to their incarnations, for example, in Samahara avatars, the face is angry and cruel...

            Places  named after animals in Tamil Nadu In this article, we will look at the places named after animals in Tamil Nadu. These names are mostly causal names and are related to mythology. 1) Kurukur-  A town named after the bird Crane 2) Mylapore\Mayiladuthurai\Mayilam Mylapore got its name because a peacock worshipped the Shiva temple there. 3) Mayiladuthurai The name came about because a peacock danced on a rock in that town. 4 ) Thirunaraiyur\Naraikinaru\Naraipakkam The name may have come about because a stork worshipped the Shiva temple there. 5) Kozhiyur During the Sangam period, Uraiyur was given the name “Kozhiyur”. Chola's elephant was chased away by a chicken, so it was called "Kozhiyur" 6) Vandanam The name of the Crane 7) Puliyur\Pathiri Puliyur\Erukkattam Puliyur\Perumpuliyur\Siru Puliyur\Pulivalam The ancient Tamil people admired and praised the bravery of the tiger 8) Nagapattinam\Nagar Kovil Since there is a temple for...

                            Inscriptions of Ranipet   Introduction Inscriptions are a repository of information and historical events related to the religion, culture, society, and economy of an ancient society. Research books can be written using the information found in inscriptions. Inscriptions are the primary choice of those who write history-related books or research reports. Inscriptions of the following languages ​​have been found in Ranipet district. 1) Tamil 2) Telugu 3) Kannada 4) Urdu and Arabic The writing systems found in the inscriptions (Tamil inscriptions) are mostly written in Tamil. A few Tamil inscriptions are written with Tamil characters. Tamil inscriptions written using the Vattu script have not been found in this region so far. “Tamil” inscriptions called “Tamil Brahmi” have not been found in the hills here. It is surprising that “Tamil” characters have not been found in these hilly a...

                 Potteries of Tamil Nadu-A View Pottery is a mirror that reveals the true history of a place. The history of this pottery begins from the Neolithic period. During this period, gray pottery was produced in large quantities. Initially, it was made by hand, which is called "hand made pottery". After the invention of the wheel, pottery was made using it. This is called "Wheel made" pottery. Hand-made pots have thumb impressions and are irregular in shape. Pottery can be divided into two main types. 1) Indigenous pottery 2) Foreign pottery Foreign pottery is mostly found in commercial places. These pottery can be considered as a measure of the economic status of ancient people. Some types of pottery are named after the place where they were made. For example, "Andhara ware" AZHANGAN KULAM ROULETTED WARE, "Arritine Ware. Regarding Tamil Nadu, various types of pottery have been found in excavations. In payampalli neolithic and megali...

        Paavai Worship in Sangam Age of Tamil Nadu The word "pavai" means a beautiful woman. The people of the Sangam period worshipped this pavai as a fearsome female deity. Before going to war, they would worship this pavai. It was the belief of the ancient people that if they worship this pavai and go, they would win the war. Valvil Ori, one of the Kadayeju Vallalas, worshipped the "Kollipavai". Such pavai worship in a way represents the worship of the mother goddess. The worship of the mother goddess is considered a symbol of fertility rituals. Various images of mother goddesses made of baked clay have been found in excavations in Tamil Nadu. They have worshipped not only with clay but also with gold. Kinds Of Pavai  1) வரிப்புனை பாவை  2) பொன் செய் பாவை (made on gold) 3) மா இதழ் பாவை  4) வினையாழி பாவை  5)  கை செய் பாவை (made on terracotta) 6) பலர் புகழ் பாவை  7) நன் பொன் பாவை  8)  வண்டற் பாவை  9)  தாது செய் ப...

                        What is missing from history  In this article, you will find archaeological traces that have been lost in history or are unknown to anyone. There are many such little-known historical and archaeological traces in Tamil Nadu and it is the duty of an archaeologist to study them and uncover the history. Because all these can disappear over time. Puzhal:   Puzhal, a town near Chennai, has many archaeological traces. Its cultural period can be divided into 3 types. 1) Iron Age 2) Early Historical Period 3) Historical Period In Puzhal, which was the capital of the Kurumba tribe, ancient pottery with bones has been found. Also, black and red pottery, Russet coated Painted ware, All Black ware, Brown ware, red ware matrum Arritine ware have been found. In this, "arritine ware" is a special pottery found only in trade areas. Therefore, it can also be considered a place where trade took place. Black and ...

    The Birudhas of Chola Kings and their meaning As far as titles are concerned, each Chola king adopted various titles. Although this practice began in the history of the Cholas of the Sangam period, there are differences between them. The Cholas of the Sangam period did not have their titles or real names engraved on the coins they issued, except for symbols.  The early and middle Cholas, compared to the Cholas of the Sangam period, adopted more titles. In particular, they adopted titles like "Parakesari" and "Rajakesari". These types of titles decreased during the Vengi Chalukya-Chola period. 1) Aditha Chola-Kothandaraman 2) Paranthakan I-Mathirai Kondan 3) Aditha Karikalan-Veera Pandyan Thalai Kondavan 4) Rajathiyan-The deva who died on an elephant 5) Uttama Chola-Mathuranthaka Parakesari-Parakesari means one who has a lion for his enemies. Rajakesari- Rajakesari is like a lion among kings. The first Raja Rajan and his son Rajendranath I also had many titles. T...

                 Shepherds and Their Duties in Ancient                                   Temples  of TamilNadu  References to the shepherds and the priests are found in the Sangam literature. Their main occupation was herding cattle. These shepherds evolved into "Manradis" during the Pallavas and Cholas. "Manradis" means those who look after the cattle donated to the temple by kings, officials and the common people. Not only shepherds, but also priests were responsible for this.  They lit lamps with ghee and other products obtained from the donated cattle. In some inscriptions, they are called "Kotta Manradis". The kings and nobles gave them many gifts. Shepherds in the maintenance of lights The responsibility of lighting lamps, not only in the temples, but also in the temples, was vested in the “Idaiyar” (or “Ayar”). They were c...

        Animals and birds on ancient coins and seals In Tamil Nadu, images of animals and birds are engraved on coins from the Sangam period to the Nayaka period. Not only coins, but also seals etc. have images of animals engraved on them. Pallava coins 1) Lion 2) Tiger 3) Fish 4) Bull 5) Varaha 6) Deer 7) Peacock 8) Snake 9) Crab Chola coins 1) Elephant 2) Ox 3) Fish 4) Tiger 5) Chicken 6) Horse 7) Varaha There is a story behind the fact that the image of “Kozhi” is engraved on these Chola coins and the Cholas considered “Kozhi” as sacred. A Chola king was riding an elephant in Uraiyur when a chicken attacked the elephant. He considered it to be attacked by some divine power and worshipped it. After that, Uraiyur came to be known as “Kozhiyur”. Thanjavur Nayak Coins • Bull • Famous Bird • Elephant • Crane • Swan • Deer • Goat • Horse • Varaham • Scorpion • Lion • Garuda • Hanuman • Peacock • Cancer • Cow and calf • Three-headed Deer • Three-headed Fish • Three-heade...

          Musical Instruments in Ancient Tamil Nadu   Music is a great source of refreshment for the mind and body. We know from literature that Tamil people gave great importance to music during the Sangam period. Various types of musical instruments like murasu, yazh, parai, pullang gujal are clearly mentioned in Sangam literature. Those who made singing and playing their professions were called "panaras" and "viraliyars". References to them can be found in the Perumpanatrupadai and Sirupanatru padai. Musical instruments can be classified as follows. Leather instruments- Udukkai, murasu. Tavil, parai, mattalam String instruments- yazh and veena Wind instruments- gujal and conch There are many types of parai. Thadari parai Murasu is played during the arrival of kings and during wars. Literature and inscriptions are important evidence to know about musical instruments. You may have heard that the middle stone was taken from the Maravas.  However, ...

                              Animals in Religious Beliefs Animals occupy a very important place in human religious beliefs. Animals and birds are the vehicles of the gods and their incarnations. As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, the following animals and birds are considered sacred animals. Peacock: According to Hindu mythology, the peacock is one of the birds chosen by Indra, who brings rain to the earth. When it rains, the peacock spreads its wings and dances. In the Ramayana, there is a reference that Sita was born from a peacock's egg. Some towns in Tamil Nadu are named after the peacock. The Pallava king Nandivarman III is called "Mayilai Kavalan". Crow: The crow is considered to be associated with the eldest goddess. Cow: The cow is considered to be the most sacred animal. The incarnation of the cow is Kama Tenu. Buffalo: It is considered to be the god of death. The female buffalo is considered to be ...