The Archaeological Survey of India is doing something unbelievable. It has embarked on a project to make normal junta aware of the history of religious places and explain the various inscriptions on temple walls
In Uthamallingeswarar temple, the inscriptions reveal that temples were used as a social centre such as bank, theatre and as Ian agricultural centre. But most of these inscriptions have been damaged.If these inscriptions have to be read, the historic structures have to be well preserved. Considering the shoddy work the ASI is doing in that area, we may even lose what we have.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. [Temples' inscriptions a rich source of history]
Comments (1)
That reminds me, I've seen great examples of how the ASI have screwd up important temple features.
In kancheepuram, the Kailasanathar Temple predates the Mahabalipuram complex. And what does the ASI do? Why, nothing more than covering up the entire structure with, first a mix of Plaster of Paris
Second, with cement and brick.
They've screwed up the pillars that have lots of writing in Pali, Tamil Brahmi and more. calligraphic writing seem to have escaped, for they are mostly hidden
and the asi doesn't even have a grassy lawn here.
Posted by Ravages | September 19, 2005 11:27 PM
Posted on September 19, 2005 23:27