Pallava Srivatsa Sculpture and Antiquities in Sendurai Region
By M. Amirthalingam
Summary
Historical antiquities have been discovered in and around Sendurai, Tamil Nadu, spanning from pre-historic times to medieval periods. Pre-historic remains, including urns, black and redware pottery, and allied objects, were found along the banks of a stream near Tiruvallur and in areas like Thular and Palayakudi, dating between 300 B.C. and 300 A.D. Coins from the Raja Raja Chola, Vijayanagar, French, and East India Company periods, as well as a fragmentary 17th-century inscription of an Udaiyarpalayam Chief, were also discovered in Ayan Thaththanur. A significant find is a Srivatsa sculpture with a Pallava-era inscription in Grantha characters (6th century A.D.) at Veeranutthur, near Sholingar in Chengai MGR district. The damaged inscription, partially legible, suggests the temple's original name may have been Sri Veeranathiswarar koil. The Srivatsa, a form of Goddess Lakshmi, is stylistically consistent with similar Pallava sculptures found in Kaveripakkam, Kuram, Manimangalam, Ariyalur, and Enathi. Megalithic black and redware pottery (3rd century A.D.) further indicates Veeranatthur's ancient history. Additionally, a Chola inscription and a Naga sculpture, likely Pallava-period, were found in the temple courtyard. These discoveries highlight the region's rich archaeological heritage across multiple historical periods.
Conclusion
The discovery of pre-historic antiquities and ancient inscriptions in Sendurai and Veeranutthur provides significant insights into the region's rich historical timeline, spanning from 300 B.C. to the Pallava period. The findings, including black and redware pottery, coins from various dynasties, and a fragmentary 17th-century inscription, highlight the area's continuous habitation and cultural evolution. The Srivatsa sculpture, dating to the 6th-century Pallava era, offers a tangible link to early religious iconography, with its connection to the goddess Lakshmi and similar artifacts found across Tamil Nadu. The presence of megalithic pottery and Chola inscriptions further underscores the region's historical depth. These discoveries not only enrich our understanding of Tamil Nadu's ancient past but also emphasize the need for further research and preservation efforts to uncover more of its hidden archaeological treasures.