An inscription dating back to the Renati Chola era was recently discovered in a remote village of the Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh. This discovery was made in the engraved form on a dolomite slab and shale, as part of a fragmentary pillar found in a local farmer’s field. The language used in the inscription is archaic Telugu and it is estimated to have originated from the 8th Century AD, during the reign of the Chola Maharaja of Renadu.
The Discovery of the Rare Inscription
The inscription, which was written on fragments of dolomite and shale, was unearthed in a farmer’s field. Dolomite, a sedimentary carbonate rock, is comprised mostly of calcium magnesium carbonate. Shale or mudstone, on the other hand, is a fine-grained sedimentary rock formed from the compaction of silt and tiny, clay-sized mineral particles.
Significance of the Inscription
Scholars believe the inscription might shed light on life during the Chola era. It’s thought to record a transaction – a gift of six Marttus (a unit of measurement) of land to a Brahmin Priest. Other parts suggest the high importance placed on morality during that age. The text was written in an archaic version of the Telugu language, typical of the 8th Century AD.
Previous Archaeological Uncoveries Related to Renati Cholas
In 2020, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) identified the exact location of the capital of Renati Cholas in the Kadapa district. This discovery came after the deciphering of two inscriptions belonging to the Renati Cholas from the 7th century. The first inscription spoke about their capital Erikal in the Kamalapuram region, while the second inscription recounted a battle between the Renati Cholas and Banas.
The History of Renati Cholas
Also known as Telugu Cholas of Renadu, the Renati Cholas ruled over the Renadu region, now known as Kadapa district. Nandivarman, the first of this lineage, began his rule in 500 AD. The Renati Cholas were under the larger Chola dynasty, and claimed descent from King Karikala Chola. They are credited as being the first kingdom to use Telugu in their administration and inscriptions instead of Sanskrit.
Chola Dynasty
The Chola dynasty wielded their power over the central and northern areas of Tamil Nadu from around the 8th-12th century AD. Their core domain was the Kaveri delta, eventually known as Cholamandalam. The capital cities were Uraiyur and Puhar or Kaviripattinam, an alternative royal residence and main port town. The emblem of the Cholas was a tiger, and they maintained an efficient navy. King Karikala, a renowned leader of the Sangam Cholas, is often mentioned in Sangam poems for his victory at the Battle of Venni where he vanquished the combined forces of Cheras, Pandyas, and eleven minor chieftains. His reign saw substantial growth in trade and commerce.
Recent Projects and Celebrations Related to Chola Dynasty
Lately, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has initiated ‘Project Digital Poompuhar’ to recreate the Chola Dynasty port city (Poompuhar) in Tamil Nadu. Furthermore, the Brihadisvara Temple, built by the Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I between 1003 AD and 1010 AD, recently held its consecration (Kumbhabhishekam) ceremony after a gap of 23 years in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
