Uncommon 13th century inscription tells of tiger, trader and warrior

Madurai: Archaeologists have identified a 13th-century inscription in Sivaganga district that records a tiger-related incident involving a warrior and a merchant, offering insights into trade, protection and social support practices in medieval Tamil society.

The inscription was found at Cholapuram near Sivaganga after local resident Balasundaram informed the local archaeologists and about an unusual stone located in the Etticheri tank. A field study was subsequently conducted by K Kaaliraja.

According to Kaaliraja, the inscription belongs to the uncommon “Aasiriyam” category, which is associated with protection, assistance and support rather than land grants or temple endowments commonly found in medieval inscriptions.

The stone stands about three feet tall and 1.25 feet wide and is located near a sluice pillar in the inner section of the tank. A carved tiger with one raised leg appears at the top of the inscription. The text begins with the phrase “Swasthi Sri” and concludes with engravings of a bow and arrow flanked by two traditional lamps.

The inscription records that a person named Eriyan, who held the title “Etti” associated with merchants, granted an Aasiriyam to a warrior identified as Pulikkutti Veeran. Sivagangai Archaeology Group, a local team comprising of archaeological experts and amateurs, said the word “Etti” was a title conferred on merchants and is referenced in the ancient Tamil epic Silappatikaram.

The group’s secretary, R Narasimman said, “The inscription informs us that Eriyan, bearing the merchant title ‘Etti’, granted an Aasiriyam to a warrior who killed a tiger in Seyangonda Cholapuram,” Kaalirasa said. He said the warrior may have been part of a merchant caravan and fought the animal while protecting traders travelling through the region.

He also said that it can be inferred that the warrior who fought and killed the tiger while accompanying merchant groups may also have lost his life in the encounter. “Further, It is possible that this tank was established to provide support to his descendants. Even today, the waterbody continues to be known as Etticheri tank,” he added.

An earlier inscription of Maravarman Sundarapandiyan found in the village refers to the settlement as Mudikonda Cholapuram, while the newly documented inscription identifies it as Seyangonda Cholapuram. Based on the script style, researchers have dated the inscription to the 13th century.