A statue of Rani Mangamma, a Nayak queen of the 17th century who undertook major irrigation and flood management projects and was well known for her administrative acumen has been found near a temple built in that era, a statement of a research body said.

The idol with a crown is seen with folded-hands, carrying a sword in her hip and a saree covering the ankles, a press release from the Pandiyan Historical Research Centre said.

The statue found chiselled onto a pillar opposite the temple.

The Centre’s secretary S Santhalingam said stone inscriptions in the temple revealed the queen had built it in 1693 in memory of her late father.

The athitana (standing place) mandapam of the temple was found damaged. The temple’s name was mentioned as “Hanuman, Azhwar”.

Though the inscription mentioned a temple of Lord Ganesha near the area, it could not be traced, the release said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by PTI – Madurai / October 20th, 2013