Analysis of Archaeological Material Remains through Geoarchaeology, Geo-Micro Fossils and Literary Sources of South India (1)

Analysis of Archaeological Material Remains through Geoarchaeology, Geo-Micro Fossils and Literary Sources of South India  (1)

Research and seminar under RUSA: The Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Madras conducted a two-day seminar on how geological survey, fossil and literature studies with archaeological remains could contribute to history,, archaeology and related disciplines. The topic is Analysis of Archaeological Material Remains through Geoarchaeology, Geo-Micro Fossils and Literary Sources of South India[1]. This study is being carried out under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA)[2], a holistic scheme of development for higher education in India programme with funds received. Departments of Ancient History and Archaeology, Geography, Tamil Literature and Mathematics participated work together in this project. Thus it is a multidisciplinary research seminar organized and held on 17th and 18th of August 2023 in the University campus.

The announcement made in June 2023 about the Seminar: About this seminar, there was a news note appeared in Dinamalar, “On behalf of the Department of Ancient History and Archeology of the University of Chennai, next month, on the 13^th and 14^th,  (now dates changed to August 17^th and 18^th) research papers are invited in the international seminar on the topic ‘Geoarchaeology, Geomicroforms’. For this, comments including ‘Geo microfossils, Geoarchaeology’ should be sent to the address ‘Head of Department, Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Chennai, Chepakkam Campus, Chennai – 05’ by 30th. For more details, contact on mobile number 94456 28813 or email ‘jsrajan2013@gmail.com’.

Instructions to paper presenters: As the subject matter has been multi-disciplinary, the papers should be theme oriented by the researchers and experts.

• The papers should be specific on the theme chosen.
• Inter-disciplinary approach can be there, but, the respective experts can emphasize their field of study and research.
• The received papers would be scrutinized, processed and selected for presentation.
• The paper presenters are requested to present papers with PPT bringing out their new findings hitherto published so far.
• New, current and updated facts and figures; data and information; interpretations and results are expected.
• No generalizations may be made.
• Already known facts, details and information etc., need not be compiled and repeated.
• Papers should be based on original research of the author with primary sources.
• The final paper should not exceed 10 pages excluding foot notes and references (to be given at the end of the paper).
• 12 points can be used of any font.

The sub-themes are as follows: – considering the multidisciplinary approach and academic cooperation of different departments and experts, the following topics are also considered for the paer presentation.

• the scientific study of archaeology of the earth in all aspects
• sedimentology (study of sediments)
• stratigraphy (study of adding of rocks),
•  their part in identifying the actual qualities of the excavations,
• Comparing and differentiating geoarchaeology and archaeology in the context
• uses of geospatial technologies such as GIS
• Indian maritime contacts with ancient civilizations since c.7000 YBP.
• Palaeolithic to Neolithic cultures and their correlation with the human evolution.
• Literary evidences for the above in the Indian literature.
• Correlation, corroboration and correspondence of the above evidences.

Theme of the seminar: Though the studies on Geoarchaeology and Geo-Micro Fossil started and its mineral properties in early 19^th century, a complete and holistic understanding of Geoarchaeology and Geo-Microfossil and its formation predictions lacks till date. Most of the study on Geoarchaeology and Geo-Microfossil is centered upon dating the Geoarchaeology and Geo-Microfossil on stylistic grounds, of a particular region without taking all the available evidence. In India the Geoarchaeology and Geo-Microfossil study is usually carried on the basis of formal methods to date them.  Dating the Geoarchaeology and Geo-Micro Fossil is considered to be the most important aspect in the study of Geoarchaeology and Geo-Micro Fossil, whereas, other aspects like the meaning and message behind the Geoarchaeology and Geo-Micro Fossil along with mathematical models in predictions of its age and pigments are usually not given importance because of the lack of insight passed on directly or indirectly from those who made and used the Geoarchaeology and Geo-Micro Fossil (informed method).

Micro-fossil studies in India: Till date, all the reported Geoarchaeology and Geo-Micro Fossil from the district is dated back to the prehistoric times on stylistic grounds, other associated finds in and around the Geoarchaeology and Geo-Micro Fossil site has been overlooked. Microorganisms are known to impact aquifers by modifying their rates of dissolution. In the karstic Edwards Aquifer, microbes colonizing the aquifer surfaces enhance the dissolution rates of the host rock. In the oceanic crustal aquifer, the largest aquifer on Earth, microbial communities can impact ocean productivity, seawater chemistry as well as geochemical cycling throughout the geosphere.  The mineral make-up of the rocks affects the composition and abundance of these sub-sea-floor microbial communities present. Through bioremediation, some microbes can aid in decontaminating freshwater resources in aquifers contaminated by waste products.

Archaeological investigations and Chronology: The detailed biological and palaeontological analysis of microfossils in such contexts may be an important source of archaeological data.  By critically reviewing a range of specialized cross-disciplinary analyses, it is shown how microfossils can be used to provenance inorganic artifacts, reconstruct aspects of their manufacturing technology, and infer their function. In Tamilnadu, excavations have been carried on at different sites and our archaeologists have been getting very important evidences. The script has been dated to c.6th cent.BCE and iron usage go back to c.1200 BCE. Thus, the historical chronology changes with the findings. The Poompuhar underwater excavations might reveal new results that might change the existing position also. Here, the geoarchaeology, micro-fossils and other scientific studies could bring results correlating, corroborating and corresponding with the Sangam Tamil literature. In this way, I hope all the concerned departments come together in this seminar to proceed further.

Updating of subjects is necessary: The updating of any subject has been making it current / recent and bringing to the usage with progressed, developed and advanced information and innovation. As the “goods and services” that are used now, get updated, such old “goods and services” get “outdated” and therefore, “update or perish” would come into play. If “publish or perish” has been common among the researchers, “update or perish” has been an axiom among the science and technology users, as the gadgets, instruments, tools, and machinery get outdated day by day. The exact position and condition would come to the academician, syllabus and the subjects. If Indians continue to read old subjects, that too, without any updating, they themselves better understand what would happen. History writers have not thought about progressed, advanced and developed stages of man, society, and nation in spite of many developments have taken place. Therefore, this multidisciplinary approach would pave way for new findings and interpretations.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

20-08-2023

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[1]  Seminar brochure – https://www.unom.ac.in/webportal/uploads/seminar_conference/archaeology_seminar_20230609115934_95211.pdf

[2] The Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan is the central government’s contribution to further the promise held by the rich expanse of India’s state universities. The country’s future lies in empowering these campuses with all that it takes to enhance learning, better research and promote innovation. A centrally sponsored scheme, RUSA understands that sometimes the most important lessons of life are learnt outside the classroom. So whether it is upgrading libraries or computer laboratories, promoting autonomous colleges or clubbing them to consolidate their strength and forming cluster universities, this programme realizes that every institution holds the power to enrich lives through top-class education. With universities, to prepare universe-ready scholars. http://rusa.nic.in/

From Khambat to Kaveripumpattinam to Poompuhar – The excavation, exploration and underwater exploration and excavation!

From Khambat to Kaveripumpattinam to Poompuhar – The excavation, exploration and underwater exploration and excavation!

From S. R. Rao NIO to Ramaswamy and NIOT: S. R. Rao, NIO conducted excavations at the Tranqubar-Poompuhar coastal area during 1960s[1]. He also preliminary underwater exploration and excavation carried on during 1980s[2] and at that time, the TN Government was not so interested in pursuing further under the pretext of funds and other reasons. In fact, the then, CM off TN reportedly and sarcastically remarked, “You are going to prove that the city was submerged and the evidences are excavated, but, our literary evidences already say that.” However, the TN archaeologists, historians, Dravidologists and “myth-makers” always talk glory about submerged cities off Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean off the south. The “Kumarik kandam” has always been favourite topic for them. Anybody, who does not support or talks against it would be dubbed and branded as “the enemy of the Tamils,” “traitor, renegade” and so on. The report of S. R. Rao with all details can be be read from this book[3]. Now SM Ramasamy has brought out details dating the city back to 15,000 YBP, relying upon Grahm Hancock[4].

The Sangam Cholas capital and Port city: The celebrated ancient port capital of Chola is situated on the confluence of the river Kaveri and the Bay of Bengal.  It is believed that the ancient city of Poompuhar was submerged by the sea which finds a detailed description in Manimekhalai. The archaeological explorations have brought to light a large number of evidences indicating the partial submergence of the ancient town. A few brick structures have been found in intertidal zone and explorations in 5 m water depth yielded the evidence of rolled pottery which suggests that some part of habitation was submerged. A shipwreck dated to late 18^th century CE has also been found off Poompuhar in 19 m water depth[5]. This shipwreck is yielding a large number of lead ingots. Tranquebar another site about 15 km south of Poompuhar has remains of Chola, Ducth and Danish period. There is a fort of Dutch settlement at Tranquebar which has been partially submerged in sea. This is an indication of shoreline changes during the last 300 yrs. 

Poompuhar or Kaveripumpattinam: The NIO gives this narrative on Poompuhar[6], “Poompuhar, the submerged ancient port city situated in modern-day Mayiladuthurai district in Tamil Nadu, might have existed 15,000 years ago, and not 2,500 years ago as was earlier believed”, researchers at the department of remote sensing of Bharathidasan University (BDU) have said[7]. No sample, however, has been collected or dated. A group of researchers from NIOT have been publishing papers in “Current Science” and other journals[8], jointly and individually on the same and similar subject for the last five years[9]. Earlier studies had established that Poompuhar, also called Kaveripoompattinam, had maritime trade links with South East Asia and Egypt, before it disappeared from the maritime map around 1,000 years ago[10]. “While initially it was believed that the port city that gained prominence during the Chola dynasty was around 2,500 years old, the latest study based on offshore explorations and geological features interpreted on the sea floor estimates it was at least 15,000 years old,” the university said in a press release[11].

Poompuhar and Khambat: If scientific dating confirms the estimate, Poompuhar could be the oldest known ‘town’ in India and, arguably, across the world. Similar undersea explorations in the Gulf of Cambay off the Gujarat coast in the early 2000s had discovered a lost city believed to be the ancient Dwaraka, then dated to 7,500 BCE (which predates Mohenjodaro by 4,500 years). Actually, the NIOT announced the discovery of objects and the dates of them recovered during dredging operations at the Khambat. When the discovery was briefed by Dr Murali Manoher Joshi, a Physics Doctorate and Professor teaching physics. However, as he was a BJP Minister at that time, his briefing was criticized and the dating of the objects etc., were questioned by the leftists historians. Even Iravatham Mahadevan reacted to it[12]. Just like “submerged 15,000 years old Poompuhar city,” a submerged city was described with the material evidences recovered. 

Research done in 2019 with NIOT-ships: The Poompuhar study, sponsored by the department of Science and technology and technically supported by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), found structures that could’ve been a harbour, dockyards, human settlements and a lighthouse, around 40km from the present coast, at a depth of 50m-100m. Sometime in the middle of 2019, when scientists on board Sagar Tara and Sagar Anveshika, research vessels from the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), neared Poompuhar off the Tamil Nadu coast, they knew they were floating over history. Just that they didn’t know how old the civilization, whose remnants lay about 100m beneath their feet, was. Poompuhar, the ancient Tamil port city lost to the sea, was earlier believed to have been about 2,500 years old, when the Chola kings set sail to capture distant lands in the east.

The 15,000 years – is assumed: Now, the research team from Bharathidasan University’s Department of remote sensing says they have reasons to believe it was 15,000 years old. The study, sponsored by the Department of science and Technology and technically supported by NIOT, compared offshore exploration findings near the Poompuhar coast with sea level data generated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). In the next phase, NIOT will collect samples from the sea to substantiate the findings. The team said the geological features of the sea floor – a harbour, dockyards, human settlements and a lighthouse -have matched sea level conditions that existed 15,000 years ago.

Research carried on with Remote sensing methods: “Poompuhar had a harbour that sprawled over 11km in length and 3km in breadth, with breakwaters and canals to handle and store merchandise. We have found evidence of a primitive dockyard that could handle 70-80 ships at a time,” S M Ramasamy, professor of eminence and national coordinator, Project Poompuhar, Bharathidasan University, said. The university has published the part on harbour in the journal ‘Current Science’. D Rajasekhar, head, NIOT vessel management cell, said the team studied around 6,000sqkm and found most of the ruins at a depth of 25m to 50m below the seabed. A multibeam echosounder attached to the ship was used to study the variation in depth of the sea (bathymetry). Based on data collected by the echosounder, a sub-bottom profiler mapped the seafloor. In the next phase, NIOT will deploy a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to capture images.

Photos taken by remotely operated vehicle (ROV): “We have completed a trial run with an ROV, which was attached with a camera and a sonar. We plan to collect some coring samples,” he said. The study found rowed settlements with compound walls and geological evidence of pits dug on the seafloor. Remains of an ancient lighthouse were found at a depth of 50m, with a spiral staircase and causeway pillars having a design like the Cleopatra lighthouse of Egypt. So, how did the old city go under? Ramaswamy said the region was prone to floods, tsunamis and accelerated impact of sea level rise and cyclone-induced storms.

Poompuhar was relocated at least six times before settling down at the present place: “Poompuhar was relocated at least six times before settling down at the present place. Due to marine transgression, the sea might have reached the land till the present day Mayiladuthurai around 6,000 years ago and regressed later,” the project coordinator said. Around 12 government and private educational institutions including Tamil University, Annamalai University and SASTRA University will be engaged in further studies of the research. “The study will go on for another year and the findings will encourage a similar study to explore Kumari Kandam, a mythical lost continent in the Indian Ocean,” the research team said. (With inputs from U Tejonmayam).

Concluding remarks: Any way, going through all data and information, the following points may have to be kept in mind:

1. The Sangam literature has been dated from 300 BCE to 100 CE, and the Sangam period has been fixed accordingly.
2. Recently, based on the single C-14 dating of Keeladi sample, the 580 BCE date is claimed for the Sangam period.
3. Thus, the “historic period” of Sangam period is claimed to precede the Asokan period of 3^rd cent.BCE.
4. However, there has not been any inscription found comparable to the Asokan inscriptions, as the claim is made on few  “marks” found on potsherds.
5. However, there has not been any consensus among the historians and archaeologists, as the town formation and other material evidences do not go back to such 6^th cent BCE period.
6. Here, now no sample has been collected and therefore scientific dating cannot be thought of.
7. The “15,000” years claim has been far-feteched and has no historical basis.
8. No human habitation is proved for the different levels assumed for the existence of a city based on the photographs.
9. They also claim that they would excavate for “Kumarik kandam,” another myth floated by the Tamil protagonists and linguistic enthusiasts.
10. Under the guise of “scientific studies,” such claims need not be made and news created sending wrong signals to the general public.

K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

22-01-2023 / revised 15-04-2023

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[1] S.R.Rao, Excavations at Kaveripattinam, Transactions of Archaeological Society of South India, Madras, 1965.

[2] S. R. Rao, Marine archaeological explorations of Tranqubar-Poompuhar region of Tamil Nadu coast, Journal of Marine Archaeology, Goa,1991, No.2, pp.5-20.

S. R. Rao, Underwater explorations of submerged towns near Tranquebar Tamil Nadu, Recent Advances in marie archaeology, Goa, 1991, pp.60-64.

[3] S. R. Rao, Marine Arhaeology in India, Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, New Delhi,  2001, See Chapter-VI – Discovery of Poompuhar submerged in the Bay of Bengal, pp.169-192.

[4] Hancock, G., Underworld: The Flooded Kingdoms of the Ice Age, Penguin Books, London, 2002, p. 741.

[5] https://www.nio.org/galleries/show/poompuhar

[6] Times of India, Tamil Nadu’s Poompuhar may be over 15,000 years old: Study, DEEPAK KARTHIK / TNN / Updated: Jan 21, 2023, 05:03 IST.

[7] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/trichy/tamil-nadus-poompuhar-may-be-over-15000-years-old-study/articleshow/97186246.cms

[8] SM. Ramasamy1, J. Saravanavel, K. Palanivel, C. J. Kumanan and D. Rajasekhar, Detection of submerged harbour using GEBCO and MBES data, in the offshore region of ancient port city Poompuhar,South India, Current Science, Vol.119, No.3, 10 august, 2020, pp.526-534.

Click to access 0526.pdf

[9] Lissa, M., et al. “Semantic data model for knowledge representation and dissemination of cultural heritage site, Poompuhar.” CURRENT SCIENCE 123.10 (2022): 1237.

[10] The Hindu, Ancient port city of Poompuhar traced undersea, claim researchers, S. Ganesan, January 20, 2023 10:12 pm | Updated January 21, 2023 06:10 pm IST.

[11] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/ancient-port-city-of-poompuhar-traced-undersea-claim-researchers/article66413969.ece

[12] Frotline, ‘Be sceptical, and not negative and destructive’, Interview with Iravatham Mahadevan. Published : Mar 30, 2002 00:00 IST.

https://frontline.thehindu.com/the-nation/article30244518.ece

A National Seminar held on “Understanding the Cultural Focus on Thiruvarur Region Heritage of Tamil Nadu – Focus on Thiruvarur region” on March 17th and 18th 2022 at the Central University of Tamil Nadu – CUTN, Thiruvarur (2)

A National Seminar held on “Understanding the Cultural Focus on Thiruvarur Region Heritage of Tamil Nadu – Focus on Thiruvarur region” on March 17^th and 18^th 2022 at the Central University of Tamil Nadu – CUTN, Thiruvarur (2)

The seminar hall

17-03-2022 (Thursday): As usual I got up by 3.45 am, but, I could not do anything here. I could listen to peacocks screaming, as they have been plenty here in and around. Mayiladurai – the place where peacocks dance is also nearby[1]. There was no internet connection also, though it was a Central University. Of course, nowadays all have a wireless internet connection that has become the order of the day. Thus, I was going through the papers and materials that are there in my laptop. Till 8.00 am nobody was there to tell anything about the seminar, inaugural function etc. No arrangement was made for coffee. We came down to the ground floor and saw people going here and there. One person was carrying a steel-flask with tumblers going to VIPs rooms, evidently serving them at their rooms. I saw Dr Rajendran coming after walking. We were talking for some time. I learned that has father Sri M. K. Narayanan aged 91 enjoying life with grandchildren and great-grandchildren also. I am happy to know about him, as he was the principal of our Pachaiyappas’ College.

The banner and backdrop

2020 circular/ brochure

The seminar is held after two years: It was to be held in March 2020 and then perhaps getting on postponed due to pandemic reasons[2].  Thus, as pointed out from January 2022, it was postponed to March 2022. Meanwhile, the faculty, persons involved with the seminar and others were also changed. Thus, with God’s grace, now the delegates have gathered here and the seminar is conducted. I am also happy to see, meet and talk with many old friends and others after two or three years.

Registration of delegates………………….A paper presenter from Tirupati, AP

Lighting the lamp

10.30 am – Seminar hall: All were sitting, perhaps expecting the arrival of the VC of the CUTN, Prof. M. Krishnan. As usual, the lighting of the lamp also started with the VIPs sharing each wick and with shoes and without shoes. The Tamil-Mother praising song was sung with the clear instruction that all should stand. During the facilitation of the VIPs, I could notice that the VC had been generous enough to offer his shawl to a student! And of course, he did it last also, i.e, first the guests, a good gesture noticed.

Tamil Mother Hail song sung…….

Tamil Mother Hail song sung…….all stood up

10.43  to 10.7 am: Then, the VC started describing the importance of Thiruvarur and pointed out that had the delegates come a day before i.e, on 15-03-2022, they could have witnessed the “Great Chariot Festival”. Tiruvarur Chariot festival, known in Tamil as Tiruvarur Therottam, is a historical event that still follows the same rituals and traditions associated with the Thyagaraja Swamy temple, Tiruvarur, in Tamil Nadu. The Lord Veethividangar (வீதிவிடங்கர்) now called as Thiyagarajaswami (Shiva) comes out of the massive ancient temple, with his consort Kondi (கொண்டி) (Parvathi) to bless the devotees who always comes to visit him in his abode, one of the world’s biggest chariots. And this chariot was constructed by Kothanars and it is Asia’s biggest chariot of 95” high,  weighing about 350 MT. After mentioning many temples, he pointed out that Kodikkarai is very near to Sri Lanka.

Importance of Vedaranyam, Kodokkarai etc: Kodiakkarai, also called Point Calimere or Cape Calimere, is a low headland of the Coromandel Coast, in the Nagapattinam district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The Cape is located about 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) south of Vedaranyam in the delta region of the Cauvery River, and marks a nearly right-angle turn in the coastline. Vearanyam is also associated with the Salt Satyagraha conducted by Rajaji. The antiquity of the area is evidenced by the Kodi Kuzhagar temple built during the Chola period, and a Chola lighthouse, which was destroyed in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Kodiakkarai has been designated as a Ramsar site since August 2002. Point Calimere is also associated with the mythological Hindu epic, the Ramayana. The highest point of the cape, at an elevation of 4 metres (13 ft), is Ramarpatham, meaning “Rama’s feet” in Tamil. A stone slab on the Cape bears the impressions of two feet and is said to be the place where Rama stood and reconnoitred / watched over Ravana’s kingdom in Sri Lanka, which is 48 kilometres (30 miles) to the south of the Point. It is also mentioned by Kalki in his historical novel Ponniyin Selvan.

10.58 to 11.11 am  Prof Bhagabana Sahu[3], HOD History Department, CUTN:  he pointed out that Tamil Nadu has retained her distinctive cultural heritage from the rest of India and Tamil is the oldest classical language. It had an impact on the South East Asian region through maritime activities. R. Balakrishnan in his book, “Journey of a Civilization from Indus to Vaigai” stated the continuity of the culture and it can be traced back to c.500 BCE, Sangam Age.

11.12 to 11.17 am Louis Mushary: He introduced the dignitaries mentioning their qualifications, papers and books published, positions occupied, their management skills etc. The VC of CUTN left, as he was having the UGC meeting.

11.18 to 11.44 am Prof N. Rajendran, Former VC, Alagappa University: He distinguished the IVC, Mauryan and Asokan script, stone at etc with that of the Sangam literature and period. Tamilagam was not secluded from India and the Sangam literature has a pan-Indian identity. P. T. Srinivasa Iyengar points out in one chapter in his book giving many examples from the Sangam literature (the gold of Nandas hidden under the Ganges)  and also from Ramayana and Mahabharata….The inscriptions of Asoka and Kharavela mention about the Tamil kings. In fact, the Kharavela Hatigumpa inscription gives the date of the Tamil kings matching with the Sangam Literature. While the Asokan Brahmi had been already a well-developed script, the Keeladi script had been in the developing stage.

11.44 to 11.8 am Prof Byomakesh Tripathy, VC, Utkal University[4]: he emphasized about the importance of the transfer of archaeological findings to the textbooks, so that it could spread to the academician. Writing history sitting at the tables without visiting the sites cannot bring out the full details and the facts. The intangible culture and cultural heritage have been very important and they should be recorded, as otherwise, many of such evidences may disappear. The elements of change and continuity have also should be noted, taken into account and writing history and historiography.  

11.58 to 12.02 Prof Sulochana Sekhar, Registrar In-charge: Taking a clue from the Tamil words and expressions (திருவாரூரில் பிறந்தாலும், திருவாரூர் என்ற பெயரை சொன்னாலும் முக்தி கிடைக்கும், Jallikkattu, kal thondri man thondra kalattu ‘கல் தோன்றி மண் தோன்றாக் காலத்தே வாளொடு முன்தோன்றி மூத்தகுடி’ என்று புறப்பொருள் வெண்பா … etc..), she explained the cultural heritage of the Tamils.

12.03 to 12.2 pm Dr Dayalan, ex-Director, ASI: He read his paper with the PPT showing the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, microlithic, Neolithic, megalithic evidences and conjectural dwelling of the ancient people. All were expecting his findings of Keeladi, as other dignitaries were referring to him, but he told that he would be restricted to the earlier findings. He also asked the organizers to take copies of his paper and circulated them among the delegates, as he had given his full paper.

After a vote of thanks, the delegates disbursed for a lunch. By 2.30 pm, all assembled for the technical session to begin.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

19-03-2022

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[1] The famous Mayuranatha Svami (Siva) temple in Mayiladuthurai is one among the 275 Padal Petra Sthalams or temples which have been praised in the Tamil verses of the Nayanmars (important devotees of Siva).  It is the thirty-ninth temple on the south bank of River Kaveri to be extolled in the hymns of the Nayanmars. Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) and Thirugnanasambandar of the 7th century C.E. have sung in praise of the main deity here. Mayuranatha Svami is believed to have stopped the floods of River Kaveri to make way for Thirugnanasambandar to visit this temple. The Siva Linga worshipped as Mayuranatha Svami is said to be Swayambhu (self-manifested).

[2] https://cutn.ac.in/events/understanding-the-cultural-heritage-of-tamilnadu-focus-on-thiruvarur-region/

[3] Former President ,Odisha History Congress, Former Professor & Head, Department of History Berhampur University, Professor & Head , Department of History , Central University of Tamil Nadu.

[4] Prof. Byomakesh Tripathy, the professor of the Department of History in Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh has been appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the Utkal University of Culture in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Governor and Chancellor Prof Ganeshi Lal issued a notification in this regard. Prof Tripathy, a Ph.D. from Sambalpur University in 1994 has 27 years of teaching experience and out of that he has worked as Professor for 17 years. He is a resource person in ‘Formulation of Courses of Studies in History and Archaeology’.  Prof Tripathy has authored at least five books and edited 13 books. He has attended 24 national conferences and nine International Conferences. He was the topper in History Honours of Sambalpur University in 1984. Besides, he has guided eleven research scholars for Ph. D. Earlier Prof. Tripathy has worked as the HOD of Dept of History, Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar, Chairman, Board of Studies, Director (Academics), Indira Gandhi National Tribal University.

A National Seminar held on “Understanding the Cultural Focus on Thiruvarur Region Heritage of Tamil Nadu – Focus on Thiruvarur region” on March 17th and 18th 2022 at the Central University of Tamil Nadu – CUTN, Thiruvarur (1)

A National Seminar held on “Understanding the Cultural Focus on Thiruvarur Region Heritage of Tamil Nadu – Focus on Thiruvarur region” on March 17^th and 18^th 2022 at the Central University of Tamil Nadu – CUTN, Thiruvarur (1)

This is the entrance of the CUTN, but, the National seminar was not held here.

This the Guest House situated exactly in the opposite direction, where the National seminar was held.

The Google map shows the situation of the CUTN main building and the Guest House in the opposite direction.

The Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN): It is one of the twelve Central Universities established in India by an Act of Parliament in the year 2009. Central universities or union universities in India are established by an Act of Parliament and are under the purview of the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education. In general, universities in India are recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), which draws its power from the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. It is located at Thiruvarur, 290 kilometres away from Chennai, positioned between Thanjavur and Nagapattinam[1]. It is located at Thiruvarur spreading over a sprawling campus of 516 acres with an excellent atmosphere for academic pursuit. The university aims at the fashioning of an enlightened society founded on a relentless pursuit of excellence through innovations in the teaching-learning process, interdisciplinary studies and research. The University currently has 27 Departments under the 12 different Schools.

The Guest House is situated after crossing the Kendriya Vidhyalaya situated in the same campus – Courtesy Google map.

Closer view of the Gust House – Courtesy Google Map

Guest House another view – the seminar hall and canteen can be seen on the LHS.

The Guest House was inaugurated on 21-04-2017 by the then VC, Prof A.P. Dash in front of the Registrar Dr S. Bhuvaneswari.

Entrance to the Guest House

The room – for illustrative purpose

The Department of History of the CUTN:  IT is one of the six Departments in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. It was started in the academic year 2017-2018. Although the Department is in its infancy, it has made rapid strides both in teaching and research. The Department offers courses of Master of Arts in History and Ph. D in History. The focus areas of teaching and research are Archaeology, Ancient History, Medieval History, Modern History, Regional History and Intellectual History. The course structure is designed meticulously to cater to the need of both traditional and applied aspects of historical study and diversified career objectives. Besides, a career in academics like teaching and research, our courses will help prepare for government services including civil services. The Department is presently headed by Professor Bhagabana Sahu.

Thiruvarur was one of the five capitals of the Chola empire[2]: It was the capital of Kulotung Chola-I. It is famous for the majestic temple of Thiyagarajeswar which was constructed by Aditya Chola (871-907 CE) in 9th C.E and rebuilt with stone by Rajendra Chola-I (985-1014 CE). Further, the Thyagaraja Temple Chariot festival, by continuing with its age-old ritual and tradition, has added an element of uniqueness to the religious life of the people in Tamil Nadu. Despite her long and chequered history, Tamil Nadu has retained her distinct cultural identity through the ages. This is seen in several aspects of her cultural life such as the Bharata Natyam, the Pann and the Chariot festival. The Bharatanatyam, unlike other dance forms, is imbued with rich religious values. The Pann is another important. The melodic mode in Tamil music[3]. While it is sung to invoke the mercy of God, to eulogies king and to speak profusely about their land, it has elevated the Tamil music to an exalted height by giving birth to rhythms and scales. The town is regarded as the place of origin of Carnatic music as it was the birth and workplace of three great music gurus of Carnatic music i.e. Thiyagarajar, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syamasastri known as the Trinity of Carnatic music.

The National Seminar focused on Thiruvarur: Although many are familiar with the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, it is not yet been properly studied. There are some areas that are relatively unknown to us. The Tamil Nadu History, which is one element of Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage, is not yet known in its completeness. This is owing to the fact that there are some areas in it that require fresh light to be thrown on. Similarly, there is a need to shed light on art and architecture, education, literature, religion and society to better comprehend the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. The recent excavation in keelady near Madurai proved that Keezahadi is the second urbanized civilization (the first being Indus) of the world situated on the banks of river Vaigai. Therefore, it is significant to analyze the multi-dimensional aspects of the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. With this backdrop, this seminar is an attempt to provide a platform for historians and scholars from multidisciplinary studies, working on some unexplored aspects of Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage, particularly Thiruvarur, to bring their ideas to the table.

Seminar Theme and Sub-themes: The seminar aims at –

To facilitate deliberations and interactions among historians and scholars from multidisciplinary studies on the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

To point out continuity and change in the culture of Tamil Nadu, and to offer suggestions about how best to preserve and enrich them.

The sub-themes are –

1. Social life of the Tamil people as gleaned in the inscriptions.

2. Societyandcultureof the people as depicted in the literature of the Sangam Age.

3. Historiographical account of the Shilpashastras for the construction style of the temples.

4. Temple art and architecture of Thiruvarur.

5. Education and learning in medieval Tamil Nadu.

6. Description of figures and figurines in the Chola temples.

7. Icon and iconography of Shaivism in Thiruvarur.

8. Puranas as a source of history of Tamil Nadu.

9. Socio-cultural life of Tamils as depicted in Folk literature/Tamil literature.

10.Agasterwara temple– Tiruchirapalli.

11.Tribhivanaswamy temple–Thanjavur.

12. Nageshwara temple of Kumbhakonam.

13. Devdasi system in the temples and monasteries of Tamil Nadu.

14. Mutt Culture in Tamil Nadu.

15. Church Culture in Tamil Nadu.

16. Impact of  Islam on the Society of the culture of the Hindu people of Tamilnadu.

17. Maritime Heritage of Ancient and Medieval Tamilnadu.

18. Music and dance tradition of Tamilnadu.

19. The role of temples a s centres of administration and activities.

20. The Temple and land grants.

21. The Bakthi Movement in Tamilnadu.

Research papers for presentation, etc: Research papers were invited from researchers, academic institutions, research organizations, and civil societies from all over India. The papers were reportedly reviewed by the selection committee and the selected papers called for presentation. However, nearly 40% of the papers were not relevant to the theme of the seminar and 50% repeating the details that have already been available in the printed books. Ironically, the paper presenters could not bring gout anything new that was hitherto known or a new interpretation given. Research papers on the above sub-themes neither published nor under review of publication elsewhere will be considered for presentations. The paper contributors were requested to send their abstract to the email: cutnseminarichr@gmail.com on or before 15.12.2021[4]. The abstract may be prepared within 250 words in Ms-word, Times New Roman (font), font size 12-pts and 1.5 line spacing. It should contain details of the author/authors with full address. The full paper should be prepared within 4000 words in the above-mentioned format and sent on or before 30.12.2021. No delegation or registration fees will be collected from the participants. The seminar was to be held on January 27^th and 2th 2022, but postponed due to pandemic conditions and now held on March 17^th and 18^th 2022.

16-03-2022 (Wednesday):  By 9.30 pm reached the gate of CUTN, but, the security directed to go to the Guest House that is situated in opposite direction, after going round and crossing a bridge to reach another premises. The Seminar co-ordinator has never informed me about the location of the Gust house etc., had I come by auto, I would have faced a lot of problems and inconveniences. Though, I made a request twice to get accommodated at the ground floor, they gave room in the first-floor no.119 away from the lift[5]. When I asked about the request, I was informed that “All rooms at the ground floor are full,” the usual answer to be expected………………………Anyway, accommodated in the Room.No.119 and the other room-mate was Dr Madhusudhana Rao from Tirupati. About the CUTN Guest House, the details can be downloaded from here (Just for information purposes):

• Guidelines for Guest House Accommodation[6]
• Guidelines for Transit Accommodation[7]
• Requisition Form for Guest House Accommodation[8]
• Food Menu/ Timing and Tariff[9]

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

19-03-2022

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[1] Address: Central University of Tamil Nadu, Neelakudi, Thiruvarur – 610 005, INDIA Tiruvarur

psvc@cutn.ac.in, pavc@cutn.ac.in, admissions@cutn.ac.in, https://cutn.ac.in/vc/;  04366-220311, 04366 225312

 Prof. Muthukalingan Krishnan,  vc@cutn.ac.in,  04366-277303, 04366-277222;

Prof.Sulochana Shekhar,  registrar@cutn.ac.in,  04366-277230,  04366-220023

[2] There is no authentic list as such, as writers list out as follows – the capitals of the early  Cholas as – Pumpuhar / Kaveripumpattinam, Uraiyur, Tiruvarur, Pazaiyarai, Thanjavur, GangaikondCholapuram.

[3]  The naturally exhibited talented art forms – Iyal (இயல்), music and music-related Isai (இசை), and drama, stage-related nadakam (நாடகம்), thus, the intangible cultural heritage or softskills odf the ancient Tamils have been broadly grouped.

[4]  These dates must have been changed, but I came to know only when I contacted the Seminar co-coordinator then and there.

[5] Presently, the guest house accommodation is provided to the guests in two independent blocks containing 3 bedrooms, each. The Facilities in each guest house block include a common hall, kitchen, dining hall and independent vehicle parking shed. However, Breakfast, Lunch and dinner are being served only in the main block. Each bedroom is furnished with two beds, one LCD TV, AC and other basic furniture. The Guesthouse provides safe and clean surroundings and is managed by professional and helpful staff who attend to our guests at all hours. Provisions of roof garden and Wi-Fi are being made.

[6] https://cutn.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/GUEST_HOUSE_GUIDELINES_MARCH2016.pdf

[7] https://cutn.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/Guidelines-CUTN_GH.pdf

[8] https://cutn.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Guset_House_requisition_Form_18102021.pdf

[9] https://cutn.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/EC_FOOD_MENU_160916.pdf