Trichy:

A stone pillar dating to 13th century CE, found near Gandarvakottai in Pudukkottai district, could finally unravel the mystery about the existence of ‘Meepozhi Nadu’ around Pudukkottai, says an archaeology enthusiast.

The 2.5 feet tall rectangular pillar was found while desilting the Periyakulam tank near Pichanathur. This second record, if proved correct, would certainly confirm the existence of Meepozhi Nadu.

“It was the stone inscriptions in Agatisvara temple near Varappur in Pudukkottai district which was the first finding that had the mention of Meepozhi Nadu,” says A Manikandan, a science teacher in a government school.

An archaeology enthusiast, Manikandan was the first who went along with his team to interpret the Tamil script in the pillar.

“The existence of Meepozhi Nadu, with Kovil Nallur as its capital, could be read in the stone inscriptions at the temple but there was hardly any other record until now. The fact that Gandarvakottai is known as Kovilur in the revenue records, there are chances that Kovilur would have been known as Kovil Nallur,” he said.

He further said that there could have been 15-20 villages under the Meepozhi Nadu, which could be the present Gandarvakottai.

“The inscription narrates the story on how an intruder named Sengulatharayan destroyed Kovil Nallur. The villager then approached Kadungolan, a warrior, to face Sengulatharayan,” said Manikandan.

The stone inscription is learned to have been carved in the early 13th century which was part of a temple. Two holes on both side of the pillar show that it was later also used as a sluice gate for the tank which eventually got buried.

There are chances that more such tank could have more inscriptions, further giving information on Meepozhi Nadu, added Manikandan.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Trichy / TNN / May 30th, 2016