Feature Image Credits: Hindu Tamil
A rare 15th century oil press stone has been found near Vinnamangalam village near Uthiramerur in Kanchipuram district.
A team of researchers headed by Kottravai Aadhan, were carrying out field studies in the region. At that time they found a oil press stone hidden behind a thorny bush on a mound. There were reportedly three lines of inscription on the stone.
Oil has been an important part of people’s lives in the region. Not just for cooking, it was used for lighting lamps in temples. In those days, one oil press met the oil necessities for a group of villages. The government also levied tax in the production of oil.
Rulers build oil presses or sometimes philanthropists donated them as part of fulfilling their prayers. In many of the stone oil presses, the date on which it was donated along with the name of the donor is etched.
This oil press that was found by Kottravai Aadhan and team was donated by one Kalaivaanigan in the Kurodhana year during the reign of Bukkanaraayar, indicating that the stone dates back to the period of Vijayanagar empire. Even today, this region is called as Chekkamedu (Chekku in Tamil means oil press).
This is the only oil press inscription found in the Uttiramerur area. Although it was documented by the government in 1923, the villagers have been unaware of the existence of this rare ancient stone.
At present it is half buried in the earth amidst the bushes. Only a small part of it is visible on the outside. Kottravai Aadhan has urged the Tamil Nadu Department of Archeology to take action to preserve this rare treasure.
(With inputs from Hindu Tamil)
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