Discovery of Ancient Inscriptions
Copper Plates Unearthed at Sirkazhi Temple: The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) has started a detailed study of 483 copper plates recently unearthed at the Thoniappar (Sattainathar) Temple in Sirkazhi, located in Mayiladuthurai district. These plates are engraved with sacred Thevaram hymns, representing a significant archaeological and spiritual discovery in Tamil Nadu.
Each copper plate contains 10 to 12 lines of Tamil hymns, inscribed on both sides by various scribes. The inscriptions do not follow a specific sequence, indicating that they may have been recorded over an extended period by multiple temple scholars.
Static GK fact: The use of copper plates for recording grants and religious texts was common in South India during the Chola and Pandya periods, as the metal was durable and symbolically linked with divine preservation.
Significance of Thevaram Hymns
The Thevaram hymns form a vital part of Shaiva Siddhanta literature, which glorifies Lord Shiva. These hymns were composed by the Nayanmar saints—Thirunavukkarasar (Appar), Thirugnanasambandhar, and Sundarar—during the 7th to 9th centuries CE. Their devotional works were instrumental in the Bhakti movement of Tamil Nadu, transforming temple worship and spiritual expression.
The Sirkazhi discovery is particularly significant because these hymns are believed to have originated in the same region. Thirugnanasambandhar, one of the principal Nayanmars, was born in Sirkazhi, making this find deeply connected to Tamil Shaivite heritage.
Static GK Tip: The Thevaram forms the first seven volumes of the Tirumurai, the twelve-volume collection of Shaivite devotional hymns revered in Tamil literature.
Archaeological and Cultural Value
Alongside the copper plates, archaeologists also found 23 Panchaloha idols, adding to the temple’s historical significance. The idols, made of five metals—gold, silver, copper, zinc, and iron—are typical of ancient South Indian temple traditions.
Experts suggest that these findings could date back to the Chola dynasty, known for its temple construction and patronage of Shaivaite traditions. The Cholas (9th–13th century CE) often used copper plates to document royal donations, temple rituals, and land grants, which makes these inscriptions a valuable resource for historians studying the administrative and religious practices of that era.
Static GK fact: The TNSDA, established in 1961, is responsible for preserving archaeological monuments, inscriptions, and heritage sites across Tamil Nadu.
Preservation and Research Efforts
The TNSDA is currently conducting a scientific preservation and documentation project to analyze the script, linguistic style, and metallurgical composition of the plates. Advanced imaging techniques are being used to decipher worn-out sections.
Once the transcription and translation are complete, the department plans to publish the texts for scholarly study and public access. This discovery is expected to contribute to the understanding of early Tamil devotional culture, epigraphy, and the evolution of Tamil script.
Static GK Tip: Epigraphy, the study of inscriptions, helps trace ancient governance, language evolution, and cultural exchanges.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Copper Plates Unearthed at Sirkazhi Temple:
| Topic | Detail |
| Location of discovery | Thoniappar (Sattainathar) Temple, Sirkazhi, Mayiladuthurai district |
| Number of copper plates | 483 |
| Type of inscriptions | Thevaram hymns engraved on both sides |
| Associated Saints | Thirunavukkarasar, Thirugnanasambandhar, Sundarar |
| Period of composition | 7th–9th century CE |
| Additional findings | 23 Panchaloha idols |
| Responsible authority | Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) |
| Likely historical period | Chola dynasty era |
| Literary collection | Thevaram, part of Tirumurai |
| Cultural importance | Reflects Tamil Shaiva Bhakti heritage and early devotional literature |
