A large Shiva lingam believed to date back to the Pallava period and a Pandya-era copper coin have been discovered near Boothalur in Thanjavur district, shedding light on the region’s historical and religious past, as reported in Dinamani.
The discoveries were made at Sengkanmedu Thidal, located between Ilangadu and Niyamam villages near Boothalur.
The ancient coin was reportedly found by Kannan of Ilangadu while digging a pit at the site. Following information provided by Gopi, Executive Officer of Vishnampettai temple, a team of historians visited the location and examined the findings.
The team comprised Mani. Maran, Tamil scholar at the Saraswathi Mahal Library in Thanjavur and a historical researcher; S. Kannadasan, retired Assistant Professor of the Rajah Serfoji’s College; and K. Thillai Govindarajan, a retired school headmaster and historian.
According to the researchers, a Shiva lingam that had remained buried near Sengkanmedu was unearthed a few years ago and is currently worshipped at the site.
During their latest inspection, the team also identified a large Shiva lingam with an avudaiyar, believed to belong to the Pallava period, in a grove located some distance away.
The researchers said a detailed archaeological and historical survey of the surrounding area could potentially lead to the discovery of more ancient idols and artefacts.
Pandya-Era Coin
The coin found at Sengkanmedu was examined by numismatist Arumuga Seetharaman. According to him, the coin dates to the reign of Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan I, who ruled from AD 1250 to 1284.
The copper coin weighs 3.30 grams. It features a human figure on one side, while the reverse depicts a vertically positioned fish between two traditional oil lamps.
The Tamil inscription “Ellam Thalaiyanan” appears around the edge of the coin.
Researchers noted that coins issued during the reign of Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan carried the ruler’s regnal year in Tamil numerals. The presence of the Tamil numeral corresponding to one (க) on this coin indicates that it was issued during the king’s first regnal year, around AD 1251.
Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan I issued several varieties of coins during his reign. The title “Ellam Thalaiyanan” was among his distinctive titles, and copper coins bearing the title have been found at several locations.
Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan’s Legacy
Historical records describe Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan I as a powerful Pandya ruler who expanded his influence through military victories and patronage of temples.
He was also known by titles including “Emmandalamum Kondaruliy” and “Anaithulagamum Kondaruliy”, reflecting his conquests.
According to historians, the Tiruppoonturutti inscription provides details of his victories, achievements and charitable contributions.
The king is also associated with major contributions to temples. He is said to have performed Tulabharam several times at the Chidambaram Nataraja temple and made gold offerings to the temple.
He also established a garden in Madurai in memory of his elder brother Vikrama Pandyan, and the town of Bhuvanagiri near Chidambaram was reportedly established under the name Bhuvaneka Veerampattinam, after another of his titles.
His contributions to the Srirangam and Chidambaram temples earned him the title “Pon Veyndha Mahipathi”, while his victory over the Cheras brought him the title “Keralanai Vendran”.
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