Temple inscriptions are a rich source of history

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HinduThought, Srinivasan Kalyanaraman

<kalyan97@g...> wrote:

Temples' inscriptions a rich source of history

 

*Asian News International*

 

Coimbatore,, August 26, 2005 <http://The>

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has launched a drive to

make

people visiting religious places aware of their historical importance

and

make them conscious of preserving ancient inscriptions that are a

source of

history.

 

One often finds religious places being damaged or defaced with

graffiti.

 

In Uthamallingeswarar temple, the inscriptions reveal that temples

were used

as a social centre such as bank, theatre and as an agricultural

centre. But

most of these inscriptions have been damaged.

 

People have been performing religious rituals in temples like since

time

immemorial. These temples were constructed and stone inscriptions

were used

by the rulers to remind the future generation about the contributions

made

by the rulers to society.

 

"All the people regardless of their faith come here. They organise

their

religious ceremonies . But at the same time, they must know what the

rulers

had done to the temple and the society," says Dr. Ganesan, Researcher

on

inscriptions, Bharathiyar University.

 

Most of the stone inscriptions give the devotees an insight into the

social

structure during that period, especially, the agrarian and trade

sectors.

 

"This temple was constructed during 12th century. Here we find large

number

of inscriptions in and around this temple revealing details of the

ancient

history, particularly in the field of agriculture and trade. We are

maintaining this temple for the past three generation," said

Periyasamy,

Trustee of the temple.

 

"I had been to many temples all over the country. During my visit to

these

temples I used to read all the stone inscriptions on the walls of the

temples. From this Uthamallingeswarar temple, I found few

inscriptions that

give some details about the agricultural administration of the king

in those

days," says Subramaniam, a

devotee.

 

Most of the inscriptions found in South India particularly from Tamil

Nadu

are in Brahmi scripts, are also known as Tamil Brahmi.

 

It has been estimated that, so far, more than two lakh inscriptions

are

available but only 20,000 inscriptions have been published by the

Archaeological Survey of India.

 

Inscriptions have always been a very important source for

understanding the

history and culture of India. Most of the inscriptions furnish

information

about the rulers of the particular period.They also give knowledge

about the

art of construction of dams.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1473743,00470002.htm

 

 

 

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