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.

Annigeri skulls and skeletons, found in August 2010: Different misinterpretations made initially are used even today to beat Rajaraja and Rajendra! [2]

Annigeri skulls and skeletons, found in August 2010: Different misinterpretations made initially are used even today to beat Rajaraja and Rajendra! [2]

Photo courtesy: Dr Ashith Acharya

 

August 2012 – US-based Beta lab-tested tat the skulls were 180- year-old: The second report, submitted in November 2011, was prepared by the private Beta Analytic Laboratory in Miami, US, and used a small 10g bone sample sent by the Dharwad authorities. Their carbon dating methodology has indicated that the skulls are about 180-200 years old, and bear no signs of violence, placing them somewhere around 1810-1830. The C-14 report from Beta Analytic, Florida, a radiocarbon dating laboratory, confirmed the skulls were just 180 years old[1]. Thus, the mystery of 610 human skulls that were found a couple of years ago near Annigeri town in Navalgund taluk, Dharwad district, was solved[2]. According to the experts they belong to victims of a famine that had hit the region in 1790. Even the gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency has a mention of this severe drought which is known as the ‘Daugi Bara’ (skull drought) and hit the region from 1792 to 1796. The drought was so severe that a large number of people left the area in search of food and water and most of who remained died due to starvation. Wild animals fed on these carcasses leaving the bones and skulls. It may be recalled that according to the C-14 ‘carbon dating’ test conducted by US-based Beta lab, the skulls were 180- year-old[3]. Department of Archeology and Museum Director R Gopal told Express that based on reports submitted by US lab and forensic experts of Department of Forensic Odontology and SDM College it has been concluded that the skulls belonged to the famine victims.  SDM College’s report said that the skull belonged to men and women aged between 6 and 60 years. The people who had returned to their native after a few years following the famine mobilised the remains there and performed mass burial of skulls in one place and other bones at the other. They placed the skull beside a water body and buried them to show respect to their loved one. “Taking into account all the research results we have come to a definite conclusion that the victims were of a famine. The death was not the result of any battle as none had taken place. No further test would be conducted. A  report on this will be submitted to the government in the first week of next month,” he added.

C-14 date tallies with the gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Carbon dating analysis done in a laboratory in the United States of America revealed that the remains were likely to be 180 years old. The conclusion by the dentists that the remains comprised a heterogeneous mix of males and females, and children and adults helped dispel certain theories and contributed to the authorities’ conclusion that the skeletal specimens were most likely of victims of a famine from 1792 to 1796, as was also recorded by the gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency. In fact, the Archaeology Department acknowledged that the conclusion was arrived at based on the carbon dating analysis and the report submitted by the Department of Forensic Odontology in Dharwad — just one of the many examples and applications of teeth in solving ages-old and present-day mysteries[4]. Prof Emeritus of University of Mysore M S Krishnamurthy, who led the excavation work, clarified that the skulls found at Annigeri were not, therefore, that of victims of black magic. Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Director R Gopal said hundreds of people may have been beheaded in a massacre, and later buried in a systematic manner. “There is also a possibility that the skulls were brought from elsewhere, which is strengthened by the missing body parts,” he said. As for as Karnataka is concerned, the issue is settled. Whereas, in Tamilnadu, it is raked up.

The controversial scholars tried to politicize: The dual dates had led to a verbal feud between scholars, which has the potential to be socially and politically damaging[5]. A set of scholars led by the eminent researcher, critic and former vice-chancellor of Hampi Kannada University M.M. Kalburgi, was of the opinion that the skulls were of a sect of Shiva followers called Veera Maheshwaras who, he said, were the predecessors of a sub-sect of Karnataka’s single largest community, the Lingayats[6]. “These Veera Maheshwaras are the predecessors of the Veera Shaiva cult, who later got amalgamated into the Lingayat community. The Lingayat philosophy is based on ahimsa and is anti-temple, but the Veera Maheshwaras and Veera Shaivas were a brutal people who believed in idols, rituals and temples,” Kalburgi, himself a Lingayat, told India Today. Kalburgi’s theory has its roots in the Jaina-Shaiva battles in the region in the 14^th century. He claims the poetry, picture-sculptures and rock inscriptions of the period back his theory. According to him, the Veera Maheshwaras had a ritual of destroying Jain temples and killing thousands of Jains before beheading themselves as an offering to Shiva. The theory has angered many Lingayats who resent being portrayed as having links with such a brutal sect. Their objection has found an outlet with the second report putting the age of the skulls at 200 years. The state’s archaeological department was also keen on accepting the second report as the Bombay Gazetteer mentions a drought in the region 200 years ago which caused large-scale deaths. “Kalburgi is wrong. Those skulls are 200 years old and a drought caused all those deaths,” says litterateur and researcher M. Chidananda Murthy, who is also a Lingayat. The Dharwad district administration was in a fix as the Lingayat community is the largest in the region. Deputy Commissioner Darpan Jain sent samples to Miami for re-testing, in the hope of establishing the precise age of the skulls. Of course, the date of the skulls was 180-200 years old.

The involved experts, archaeologists, historians and others: After reading all reports, it is found that the following experts have played role in the issue. They had called for “Press conference” and briefed the details regularly. They were also having contacts with the local newspapers.

1. Shreya, a professor of archaeology in Karnataka University
2. Shetty, a retired geologist.
3. Darpan Jain, Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad
4. Gopal, Director of the Department of Archaeology and Museums
5. S. Krishnamurthy, historian
6. Prof D P Mohapatra, Institute of Physics (IoP) Bhubaneswar
7. Prof R M Shadaksharaiah, Karnataka University, Dharwad.
8. Prof M M Kalburgi, Karnataka University, Dharwad.
9. Associate Prof J M Nagaiah, Karnataka University, Dharwad.
10. Forensic experts of the Department of Forensic Odontology and SDM College
11. Beta Analytic Inc, a private lab located in Miami, Florida, USA.

During the 2010-2012 period, they started giving an opinion to the press and the dailies also printed such varied views of them with catching headlines. And all these were going on before sending the samples for testing the date. Even after getting the details, initially, from the Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, they continued to blow up the hypotheses of black magic, human sacrifice, tantric practices, Saivas killing Jains etc. After getting the date from the Beta Analytics only, the issue was settled down.

The Role of media: As noted already, the involved persons, were briefing to the press by conducting press conference / meet. The dailies carried on the views of the scholars, Kannda language experts, archaeologists, historians and ASI officials and presenting them as news. The reporters and editors involved might be known to each other or as usual, they were mutually interested in each other. Had they been unbiased and truly secular, the communal and sectarian interpretations would not have been aired and getting printed in the newspapers. However, as they have vested interests for politicization etc., the news have been still biased, prejudiced and manipulated. And the Indian historiography has also been in the same way getting affected.

The double-standards of the enthusiastic and biased researchers: Why the misinterpretation of J.M. Nagaiah was happily carried on by the pro-Tamil enthusiastic propagandists and anti-Chola / Rajaraja-Rajendra lobby to assert that Rajendra killed so many people of the Chalukyadesa and so on. Generally, they do not bother the subsequent data and information of research, reports etc., but, just stick to their agenda. Thus, they circulated such stuff through internet yahoo groups, blogging, discourses and so on. The pro-Tamil enthusiastic propagandists have now taken the “dead news”  and started producing very dangerous fake narratives in the social media. Unfortunately, the persons appear to have links with each other and promoting others, working together from non-Indian countries and sources. One person just sows such narrative and other experts, historians, archaeologists and others started commenting, sharing and spreading such stuff with their valuable and faithful additions. If they want to claim the glory of architecture etc., they take “Big Temple,” when, other stances come, they accuse Rajaraja of his promotion of “Parappaniyam,” killing of Jains by Rajendra and so on. Again, when the question of maritime trade, oversea expedition and the influence of the Tamils, they take Rajendra!  As even today (01-05-2020), I find some people have engaged in circulating the old stuff based on J.M. Nagaiah, I have to go through all the available material and write this to blog. Hope this would clarify the position and they change themselves with the subsequent data and information. It may be noted that the Beta Analytics only dated the samples of Keeladi / Kizhadi.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

01-05-2020

[1] Times of India, ‘Annigeri skulls belonged to 18th century victims, TNN | Updated: Aug 21, 2012, 15:20 IST.

[2] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/Annigeri-skulls-belonged-to-18th-century-famine-victims/articleshow/15584767.cms

[3] Indian Express, Nature’s wrath: Mystery of Annigeri human skulls solved, Published: 20th August 2012 08:39 AM | Last Updated: 20th August 2012 08:39 AM

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2012/aug/20/natures-wrath-mystery-of-annigeri-human-skulls-solved–398568.html

[4] http://ashithacharya.com/cases

[5] India Today, Annigeri skulls become a political flashpoint after attempts to link them to Lingayat community, Sowmya Aji, January 14, 2012; ISSUE DATE: January 23, 2012UPDATED: January 20, 2012 09:35 IST.

[6] https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/20120123-karnataka-annigeri-skulls-lingayat-community-756979-2012-01-14

The Proceedings of the First or Third Annual session of Telangana History Congress held at Osmania University on June 25th and 26th 2018 [2]

The Proceedings of the First or Third Annual session of Telangana History Congress held at Osmania University on June 25^th and 26^th 2018 [2]

The significance of the two-mast ship-type coin: After lunch, the Sectional presidents presented their papers. Dr Raja Reddy almost repeated the details, which he already pointed out in the morning except “telangana”. The other papers on Kakatiya forts, ornaments etc., had been already known details. Ironically, one lady paper presenter was telling that “Muslims were in Telangana since ancient times”! When pointed out, she was not relenting, but, repeating the same. Obviously infuriated, another scholar from the audience objected and commented on her insistence. It is already well-known that the Indian historians have been divided based on ideologies and that is why the History congesses themselves started getting divided into, IHC, SIHC, TNHC, APHC, KHC, and so on. As now, AP has been divided, the defunct THC has been revived after many years. When historians do not want “objectivity,” there is no meaning in talking about “scientific approach” in history, and there are no “good or bad” historians, as, all have been biased, prejudiced and oriented towards their respective ideologies and agendas. Therefore, none could advice to others, when, all have been in the same ghetto. As for as “Telangana” history is concerned, it is intriguing as to how they could differ from AP history or Telugu people history or south Indian history?

Evening cultural program: First, Kutchippidi dance was performed by female students. Then, the Perini Shivatandavam (Perini Śivatandavam) or Perini Thandavam was performed by a group. It is an ancient dance form from Telangana which has been revived in recent times.It originated and prospered in Telangana during the Kakatiya dynasty, performed by males and it is believed that in ancient / medieval times this was performed before the soldiers set to war. As mentioned, the Perini Thandavam is performed by males. It is called ‘Dance of Warriors’. Warriors before leaving to the battlefield enact this dance before the idol of Lord Śiva (Shiva). It reached its pinnacle during the rule of the ‘Kakatiyas’ period, who ruled for almost two centuries, however, it is intriguing that they disappeared by the Mohammedan ransacking of Warangal. It is believed that this dance form invokes ‘Prerana’ (inspiration) and is dedicated to supreme dancer, Lord Siva. One can find evidence of this dance in the sculptures near Garbha Gudi(Sanctum Sanctorum)of the Ramappa Temple at Warangal. Perini is a vigorous dance accompanied with resounding beats of drums. Dancers drive themselves to a state of mental abstraction where they feel the power of Siva in their body. While dancing they invoke Siva to come into him and dance through him. It is indeed believed to be the most invigorating and intoxicating male dance form. Perini dance form almost disappeared after the decline of the Kakatiya dynasty but Padmasri Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna brought renaissance in Perini dance, which was on verge of extinction.

First, girls performed Kuthuppidi dance………

depicting the different Gods like Vinayaka, Shiva…………………….

Then boys performed Shiva thandava……………………………………

Then both girls and boys performed Shiva thandava….

26-06-2018 – THC second day: The second day session started with paper presentation, and I presented my paper first – “The Cholas and Telengana: The interactions and encounters of the Cholas with that of Rulers of “Telengana” area during 950-1250 CE.” Next, V. M. Reddy presented his paper “Satavahana coins of Malwa region.” With the data, details, and discussion, he made the following deductions and conclusions:

1. The Cholas were having contacts with the medieval “Telengana” areas, as discussed above, as it had been part of other dominant rulers also.
2. The geographical areas of “Telengana” were covered as depicted in the maps with the changing longitudes and latitudes, as the reign, dominance and control of the rulers changed frequently.
3. The geographical locations, areas and boundaries have been amorphous, overlapping and coinciding, as could be noted in the maps.
4. The bringing of Nolamba pillars from Hamavati to Tiruvaiyaru had been significant event proving the logistics of the imperial cholas.
5. The north-India campaign or march towards Ganges by Rajendra Chola proves the existence of well-known pathway known as “Cholamandala Coast” or Coromandel Coast extending up to Burma. In fact, the Eastern Ocean was known as “Cholas Ocean.”
6. If the rulers are taken into account, their origins, reign, marital relations coincicide, merge and appear to be same due to inherent evidences.
7. The interactions of the Cholas with that of Rulers of “Telengana” area during 950-1250 CE had been cordial and friendly.
8. The encounters of the Cholas with them also natural without any military motive. They had accommodative policy of restoring the won or conquered territory back to the ruler, thus, maintaining friendship and relationship for political and commercial purposes.
9. In spite of the language differences, the dynasties may appear different, but, the inherent factors like influence of Tamil, marital relationships and accommodative spirit of the rulers prove that they belonged to common origins and dynasties also.
10. History of any Indian ruler, dynasty and reign could only be studied in an inclusive, embracing and comprehensive manner.

Locating “Telangana” with latitudes and longitudes during the medieval period…..

How the “Telangana” area was covered under the western and Eastern Chalukyas, who were related to the Cholas for three generations….

Rajendra Cholas march towards Ganges crossing the areas…..

Sports and games in the medieval Telangana: We know much about the trade relations, economy and warfare of the State in the medieval era. But have you ever wondered how the nawabs or the rajas and maharajas used to wind down after a hard day of ‘ruling’? Presenting his research paper, ‘Sports and games as gleaned from the literary sources of Medieval Telangana’, on the second and concluding day of THC. Dr G Anjaiah, said, “There are references in Telugu and Sanskrit literature of contemporary period to the popular indoor and outdoor games played by rich and common people alike in Andhra Desa[1]. The travel accounts of Niktin, Barbosa Nilcolo-de-Conti, and other foreigners also contain such information.” During Kakatiya age, officials and the public enjoyed playing games such as dice, chigava gunthalata, ashta-chemma, and thokkudu billa. “Polo was played mostly in medieval Muslim kingdoms. But it was also played in Telangana during Kakatiya rule,” Anjaiah said. Called Kanduka Kreeda then, it was a popular game of not only Kakatiyas but also of Reddy kings who ruled the state in the 14th century. When Maharaja Ganapati Deva, a major king of the Kakatiya dynasty, defeated and killed Parthiswara, inscriptions say that a type of football game was played with Parthiswara’s dismembered head[2]. Apart from those duels or malla yuddham were also a popular sport during Reddy reign. “In Simhasnadvatrasika, Koravi Goparaju described a duel between two servants. In ancient Andhra, people used to engage in elephant fights and bull-fights apart from the still-prevalent-but-illegal cock-fights,” he said.

Ancient period, Raja Reddy, sectional president…………………

Medieval, Nayeem…………….

Modern period, Rajendra Prasad……………..

‘Indian history written from northern perspective’: Other speakers lamented that the study of Indian history in India has been predominantly of North Indian or Gangetic belt-based[3]. “There is a huge gap in Telugu history before the advent of Satavahanas. This is because most historians concentrated on the north,” a speaker said. “Pulakesi, the most famous ruler of Chalukyas, defeated Emperor Harshavardhana in 618 CE.  “Pulakesi stopped Harsha from conquering South India. We know nothing about Pulakesi but everything about the other. This is because Indian history has been North-centric,” he remarked[4]. During medieval period, there was nothing strange that Rajas and Sultans spent time in sports and games, as such activities were going on since IVC period. Ironically, he takes the accounts of foreigners, when, many many material evidences are available since IVC peiod. There is nothing like that “North-centric”, incidentally, there was a paper about “the Cholas and the rulers of Telengana”, where the paper presented pointed out the sojourn of Rajenda covering all places including Telengana and marching towards Ganges defeating the Palas, Gahadavalas etc, In fact, that was the first paper on second day 26th, perhaps, your reporter came later or missed it!

Modern 26-06-2018, first-morning session…………….

Modern 26-06-2018, first-morning session…………….another view…………………………………..

Modern 26-06-2018, first-morning session…………….few audience to listen to paper presenters……………….

Arvinda Kumar presenting paper………………………………….

Valedictory function: As for as this THC is concerned, it was conducted just for “the name’s sake style”. This is expressed with great concern and regrets. As the inauguration, the valedictory function was also conducted in the same way. Just like “House function,” it was over. Most of the paper presenters had gone away already. Some of the local delegates complained that they were not given accommodation. The next session of THC would be held at Warangal by the Kakatiya University. If a national seminar or conference is conducted lakhs of rupees are collected. Of course, paper presenter has to spend Rs 3000/- 4000/- to attend and present papers. But, no justification is done for the money, energy and time spend for the purpose. Many just like that come, present paper and go away taking the certificate. The attitude of the paper presenters and the media-persons have been very indifferent, as I have been noting for the last 35 years, after attending more than 600 national and international seminars, conferences and workshops. Here, it is exposed much, as though the paper presenters were only about 40, they did not have patience to listern to others. As I used to point out, if there were 10 paper presenters, after the paper presenting, each would go away, so that, for the last – 10^th paper presenter, only the sexctional president would be available to listen to! Of course, the media publishes according to the press note given to them. If any professor or paper presenter is known to the media person or the other way, there would be coverage about him and his paper, as otherwise, there would be no coverage on the proceedings.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

30-06-2018.

[1] Indian Express, Sports thrived in Andhra Desa – Two-day long Telangana History Congress comes to an end in Hyderabad, Published: 27th June 2018 03:14 AM | Last Updated: 27th June 2018 03:14 AM.

[2] http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2018/jun/27/sports-thrived-in-andhra-desa-1834272.html

[3] Indian Express, ‘Historical facts should not be distorted to further n agenda, Published: 26th June 2018 03:34 AM  |   Last Updated: 26th June 2018 03:34 AM

[4] http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2018/jun/26/historical-facts-should-not-be-distorted-to-further-an-agenda-1833685.html

 

National Seminar on “The Chola Art and Architecture in South India with special reference to Rājēndra I” held at the University of Madras on October 20th and 21st 2016.

National Seminar on “The Chola Art and Architecture in South India with special reference to Rājēndra I” held at the University of Madras on October 20^th and 21^st 2016.

20-10-2016-registration done for the seminar

The two day seminar “The Chola Art and Architecture in South India with special reference to Rājēndra I” to commemorate the 1000^th coronation year of Rajendra Chola – I was held at the auditorium, Centenary Buildings of the University of Madras. The seminar was sponsored by the ICHA and ASI and conducted under the auspices of the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology. It was inaugurated by Sri Thirumagan, Controller of Examinations on October 20^th 2016 instead of Dr. P. David Jawahar, Registrar, University of Madras could not attend the function. ICHR and ASI sponsored the seminar. Prof. Dr. Raju Kalidass, Former Prof. and Head, Dept. of Sculpture, Tamil University, Thanjavur gave a keynote address. Thirumagan released the volume containing the papers to be presented in the seminar and the first copy was received by Raju Kalidass.

20-10-2016-inauguration – Panneerselvam, Amarnatha Ramakrishnan, Srilaksmi, Tirumagan, Raju Kalidass, Sadasivam, Tirumurthy (L to R)

20-10-2016-inauguration-j-sundararajan-convenor-of the seminar -invites

20-10-2016-inauguration-audience-view-LHS-second-session- AVG can be seen

20-10-2016-inauguration-audience-view-RHS

20-10-2016 (Thusday) – the First day proceedings: Thirumurugan while speaking stressed for the importance of promoting the art and architecture. “India differs from other countries, only because of its unique culture. We have to create awareness about archaeological monuments and protect our historical evidences. During the Chola period, the architecture attained great heights.”

11.20 to 11.27 am: Mrs. T. Sreelakshmi pointed out the connection between the sculptures of Cholas with that of Kerala with three temples. As she was transferred to Chennai circle from Trissur, he told that he had to study more.

The proceeding volume containing papers was released

11.28 to11.49 am: K. Amarnath Ramakrishnan, Superintending Archaeologist and director of the current excavation told that the Bengaluru-based Excavation Branch VI of the ASI has taken up the excavation at Keezhadi village, 12 km south east of Madurai, in Sivaganga district to prove “city-type” civilization existed in Kizhadi coinciding with the Sangam period. “This is the ASI’s major excavation in Tamil Nadu after Adichanallur, nearly 293 Sangam Age towns along the course of River Vaigai ever, ” says.

20-10-2016-inauguration-audience-view-rhs-second-session

11.50 am to 12.29 pm: Raju Kalidass gave many details as to how to locate a place of significance for carrying out archaeological excavation. The names natham kishati etc., actually point to the fact that they were not only ancient, but also, contains antiques. He gave the following points about the Cholas: For the last several years, he was researching Nalayiya Divyaprabantham, but, he could not find a single word “chola” in it. But, the expressions like “Kochengannan”, are found and they denote Cholas only. Interestingly, while the Sangam literature mentions the names of the Cholas as Maran, Vazhuthi, Tiraiyan etc., the inscriptions record Adithyan, Kesari, Varman and so on. After Kalbhras, the Cholas must hace come to domination by replacing the Mutharaiyar. One may read “Kalingattupparani”, “Muvarula” etc., to research into the history of the Cholas.

20-10-2016-inauguration-avg-discussing-with-raju-kalidass

12.30 to 1.10 pm: R. Nagaswamy pointed out that Rajendra was unique in conquering countries by taking his fleet across the ocean. The Southeast Asian countries were taken aback by his excellence. He did not get pride, but bakti and hence decided to bring Gangous water in a different way by conquering the Kings on the banks of the river and made them to bring water to his capital. His learned all arts and sciences including Vedas, warfare and other techniques. He established Vedic colleges at Chozhamadevi and Puthur in memory of his mother. Karanthai copperplates give these details. At the time of dying, he called all people and ministers and requested to keep their sons in their laps and stand for good governance and breathed his last.

rajendra-chola-seminar-r-nagaswamy

Thirumoorthi, gave a vote of thanks and the inaugural function was over.

There was also an exhibition with excavated archaeological evidences, coins, specimens and charts depicting the arts and architectural features of the Cholas Empire.

kvr-at-chairing-a-session-21-10-2016 – Angelo Nzarabahi presenting paper

Rajendra Chola’s Oversea Expedition and the Historiography involved in interpreting the Tanjore inscriptions: The first technical session was started with paper presentation. K. Sridharan, Deputy S.A (Retd) and Mr. Gandhi, Museum Curator (Retd), conducted the first technical session. Only one paper was presented. K. V. Ramakrishna Rao presented his paper “Rajendra Chola’s Oversea Expedition and the Historiography involved in interpreting the Tanjore inscriptions.” He pointed out that during 1950s itself, too much emphasis of Indian influence of SEA countries given through the expressions like “Greater India”, “Hindu colonies”, “Hindu-Javanese monuments” had been questioned by the western scholars[1] cautioning the “nationalistic historiography” of Indian scholars. Even historians B. Ch. Chhabra[2], R. C. Majumdar[3], H. B. Sarkar[4], K. A., Nilakanta Sastri[5] were accused of for such Indian bias / India-centric approach exhibited in their history writing. The oversea expedition of Rajendra Chola affected many scholars and they got divided in interpreting and accepting the Tanjore inscriptions. George W. Spencer[6] straight away dubbed the Prasasti / Meikirti description of such alleged nautical narratives as simply poetic fantasy, as the Cholas could not have fought any naval battles at all. Thus his “tax-tribute-continuum” hypothesis has been carried out by others, who deny the overseas expedition of the Cholas. However, recent studies have again depended upon the proposition that the Cholas had, in fact, carried out such voyages. He objected on another ground that the Cholas could not have had enough troops and fleet to carry out such operations simultaneously within two or three years moving from Gangaikonda Cholapuram to Ganges to SEA and back and also to guard their Kingdom and as well as control the occupied areas of Ceylon. Pointing out that the Victory pillars erected at Pegu (Myanmar)[7], Mauritius, Kedah (Malaysia)[8] were found missing, he argued that some researchers in future might declare that even those “erection of pillars” are also myth!

After lunch, three sessions were held with paper presentation.

21-10-2016 (Friday) – the Second day proceedings: The second session was chaired by Dr. K. Karuppaiah. Deputy Superintending Epigraphist (Retd) and K. V. Ramakrishna Rao, IRS. There were seven papers presented:

No	Title of the paper	Paper presenter
1	Vestiges of Cholas in Sri Lanka
2	Brihadheswara Temple of Rajendra I at Ariyalur District – a study	K. Kamala
3	Contribution of Cholas to Education with reference to “Ennayiram”	Gayatri, ASI.
4	Cholas inscriptions	Veeraraghavan
5	Rajaraja Chola – I Memorial Mantap and its renovation.	Mani, ASI
6	Monetary System of Cholas	Guhan Babu
7	Supernova and Nataraja Icon	Srushti Sankara Narayanan

The last paper used up much of information from the article of Sharada Srinivasan[9]. Arudra/Ardra darisanam is a ten-day annual festival in December related to the moon being full in the lunar asterism of the naksatra ardra (the reddish star Betelguese or Alpha Orionis), associated with the wrathful aspect of Siva. The constellation of Orion and surrounding stars is bathed in the soft glow of the full moon when it is high in the sky at Chidambaram. A thousand years ago, devoid of the present smog and light flares, the stars must have been even brighter in the tropical night sky.

Another annual festival at Chidambaram, the Brahmotsavam of Ani Thirumanjanam, which is related to the lunar asterism of Uttara Nakshatra around June-July, seems to have begun in the mid-eleventh century from inscription. The Indian zodiac of 360 degrees is divided into 27 parts based on the moon’s sidereal period such that a nakshatra denotes the longitudinal position of the moon within 13 degrees 20 minutes. Thus, by using astronomical software, Dr. Raghavan could ascertain that in 1054 AD the moon would have been full in Uttara Nakshatra on 11 July[10]. This is uncannily close to the date that Chinese astronomers recorded the crab supernova explosion of 4 July! Although this is a preliminary finding, it could suggest a perceived metaphoric link between an observed cosmic phenomenon and notions of cosmic dance.

Indeed, a drawing from a Tamil manuscript sourced by Raja Deekshitar of Chidambaram shows how the Nataraja icon itself was probably traditionally visualized within the stars around Orion. In an exciting collaborative study with Dr. Raghavan, we took some photographs of Nataraja images dated from archaeometallurgical fingerprinting and plotted star charts for the constellation Orion of that corresponding era onto them. As reported in Orientations (Srinivasan, 2006), the star positions were found to a fair extent to correlate with iconometric design as noted in an image in the British Museum attributed from archaeometallurgical fingerprinting to the Pallava period (c. 800 CE). Moreover, the star chart for 1054 AD fitted well the iconometric design of a Nataraja image from Kankoduvanitham archaeometallurgically fingerprinted to the mid-eleventh century AD. Here, the hypothetical position of the crab supernova which exploded in 1054 AD lies near the top left of the head, close to the crescent moon. Chinese records suggest that the crab supernova came into view with a morning crescent moon near it and was visible for 23 days, being four times as bright as Venus. Even American Indians are believed to have made cave paintings of a supernova with a crescent moon. Could it be that the iconometric design of this icon had indeed taken into account the observation of the supernova explosion?

 

When Raju Kalidass expressed his view that it was better to learn many languages including Sanskrit, as it would help the researchers and therefore, it need not be objected to. For this some delegates protested and claimed that Sanskrit was used only to oppress Tamil and so on. The arguments took usual turn of “political overtones”.  Anyway, other delegates requested to calm down.

 

Name	Title of the paper
Angelo Nzarabahi	Chola vestiges in sri Lanka: Their contribution toward History building and tourism
M. Gandhi	Tiruvallam temple under Rajendra Chola’s time
S.Rajagopal, K. Vijayanarasimhan and B.Thaamarai	Rajendra Chola and his achievements in different fields
பெ. அர்த்தநாரீசுவரன்	முதலாம் ராஜேந்திரனின் மெய்கீர்த்தி
மா. சந்திரமூர்த்தி	முதலாம் ராஜேந்திர சோழனின் அங்கைகொண்ட சோழபுரத்து செப்புத்திருமேனிகள்.

The third session was conducted by Dr. K. Sadasivan, Former Prof and Head, Dept. of History, M.S University, Tirunelveli. Er. R. Mani, Retd, Conservation Asst, was Rapporteur. The next session was conducted by Dr. S. Rajavelu, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Underwater Archaeology, Tamil University, Thanjavur. Dr. K. Venkatesan, was Rapporteur. Most of the papers had been of repetitive nature, giving the details that are already available in hundreds of thousands of papers and books. Half of the papers had been in Tamil. The Valedictory session was held with a special by Dr. D. Dayalan, Director (Retd) ASI, New Delhi.

K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

25-10-2016

[1] D. G. E. Hall (Ed.), Histories of South East Asia (Historical writings on the Peoples of Asia), Oxford University Press, London, 1961. The book has been a collection of papers presented in conferences held between 1956 and 1958. Incidentally, no paper of Indian scholar was included for either not presented or attended is not known.

[2] B. Ch. Chhabra, Expansion of Indo-Aryan Culture During Pallava Rule (as evidenced by inscriptions), Munshiram Manoharlal, New Delhi, 1965.

[3] R. C. Majumdar, The Overseas Expeditions of King Rajendra Chola, in Fecilitation volume presented to Prof Geoge Codes on the occasion of his sevrnty fifth birthday, 1961, pp.338-342.

[4] H. B. Sarkar, Trade and Commercial Activities of South India in the Malaysia-Indonesian World (upto A. D. 1511), Firma KLM private Limited, Calcutta, 1986, pp.109-111.

[5] K. A. Nilakanta Sastry, The Colas, University of Madras, Madras, 1984,

[6] George W. Spencer, The Politics of Expansion – The Chola Conquest of Sri Lanka and Sri Vijaya, New Era Publications, Madras, 1983

[7] Taw sein Ko, Burmese Sketches, British Burma Press, Rangoon, 1913, pp.103-104.

[8]Sullivan, Michael. Excavations in Kedah and Province Wellesley, 1957, Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society 31.1 (181 (1958): 188-219.

[9] Sharada Srinivasan, Cosmic Dance, India International Centre Quarterly, Volume 34, Number 2, Autumn 2007 issue.

[10] Raghavan, Nirupama. Is Siva Iconography Inspired by the Stars?. Indian journal of history of Science, 41.3 (2006): 271.

The proceedings of the 9th national conference on marine archaeology of Indian Ocean countries held at the Tamil University, Thanjavur on February 20th and 21st 2016

The proceedings of the 9th national conference on marine archaeology of Indian Ocean countries held at the Tamil University, Thanjavur on February 20^th and 21^st 2016

The 9th national conference on marine archaeology of Indian Ocean countries was held at the Tamil University, Thanjavur on February 20^th and 21^st 2016 organized by the Society for Marine Archaeology, NIO, Goa[1], in association with the department of Maritime history and Marine archaeology, Tamil University and Department of Archaeology, Government of Tamilnadu, Chennai. The last 8^th conference was held at Goa[2].

ASI members

About the Conference and organizers: The Society for Marine Archaeology, Goa organized the 8th National Conference on Maritime Archaeology (NCMA) in collaboration with National Institute of Oceanography and Archaeological Survey of India (Goa Circle) on July 1-2, 2013 in the memory of late Dr. S.R. Rao. The conference was supported by National Centre for Ocean and Antarctic Research, Goa, State Government of Goa and others. The National Conference on Maritime Archaeology (NCMA) was held to bring into focus the latest findings by the researchers, academicians and amateur archaeologists[3]. After three years, now, it was held in Thanjavur. The delegate fees for members was Rs.500/- and they were accommodated in the Gust House of the Tamil University. Only few invited were accommodated in the Hotels.

20-02-2016 – first day Inauguration: Around 10.48 am on February 20^th, the 9^th National conference was inaugurated with routines of inviting speeches, lighting the lamp, honouring guests etc. Instead of regular shawls, cotton shawls were offered here, so that they could be used for the purpose. N. Athiyaman welcomed all, As Rajiv Nigam and R. S. Bishit did not come, A. S. Gaur introduced the Society for Marine Archaeology, NIO, Goa to the audience gathered there. Interestingly, N. Rajendran, Rajan, Alok Tripathi, S. Rajavelu, G. Baskaran, VC, Tamil Universty and others took just three-five minutes to wind up their speeches. G. Baskaran, VC, pointed out that we were not giving importance to marine archaeology, as we gave importance space research. Oceans give food, job, and Oxygen essential for life. Of the food 20% protein and 70% Oxygen. Though we have many photographs about cosmos and sky, we do less about under water. That is why the marine archaeologists gather every year and discuss issues in the conference[4]. After that, Dr Roberta Tomber, British Museum, London and Dr P. J. Cherian, Kerala Council for Historical Research gave key-note addresses.

Another view of inauguration – AS Gaur, Adhiyama, VC, PJ Cherian, Tomber, Rajan

View of the audience RHS from the podium.

Another view of the audience LHS from the podium.

Six objects that illustrate how India’s trade with ancient Rome was conducted: Tomber, was a visiting fellow at the British Museum, who is currently working on Indian Ocean commerce through the study of Roman and non-Roman pottery from ports of the Red Sea and India. Speaking on “A history of Indo-Roman trade through its objects” as part of the 9th national conference on marine archaeology of Indian Ocean countries at the Tamil University, Thanjavur, Tomber said some gemstones, such as diamonds, garnets and sapphire were available only from India or Sri Lanka, but others including pearls, emeralds and carnelian had other known sources, including Egypt. She gave following examples:

1. A silver pepper pot,
2. gemstones,
3. black pepper,
4. cooking pots,
5. coins and
6. Roman amphorae – historian Roberta Tomber chose these six seemingly disparate and unconnected objects to show why and how Indo-Roman trade was conducted in the ancient world[5].

“The evidence from Pattanam (an ancient site near Ernakulam) clearly shows that cameo blanks were prepared in India, although they might have been finished in the Roman world,” she said. But in the case of intaglio (carving of stone or other materials), Tomber said the skills were probably transferred to India from the West. The ‘Empress’ pepper pot was part of a large Roman hoard excavated from Hoxne in the east of England. It contained more than 14,000 coins, gold jewellery, cutlery and other pepper pots. “The fact that the “Empress” is made of gilded silver shows the value with which pepper was regarded, and it was spices and particularly black pepper that drove trade between the Mediterranean and India,” said.

About Roman coins – In most cases these coins were not used monetarily, but as bullion: Tomber said the largest finds of black pepper in the Roman world come from, including an Indian storage jar containing 7.5 kilos of black pepper. In the Roman world, black pepper was a very expensive commodity. One of the few items of similar value that the Romans could exchange with India was gold and silver – which was traded in the form of coinage. “In most cases these coins were not used monetarily, but as bullion. This is supported by the defacing and reuse of Roman coins in India. Coinage was so highly valued that it was imitated, both in metal and clay,” she said. During her research, she found a very different level of interaction evidenced by the common occurrence of Indian cooking pots at Quseir al-Qadim and Berenike in Egypt. “Unlike the Indian storage jars, the cooking pots are thought to belong to Indian sailors residing on site, enabling them to cook in a manner that was familiar. Only rarely has this pottery been found beyond the Egyptian ports, further supporting that they reflect a resident community rather than trade items,” she said. Roman amphorae, according to Tomber, are another type of pottery widely found throughout the Indian Ocean and its distribution, clustering at one or two port sites, suggests that many of the amphorae were for consumption in the ports[6].

My observations on the paper of Roberta Tomber: As for as the Roman coins were concerned, first she mentioned that “……….the few items of similar value ……….was gold and silver – which was traded in the form of coinage”, however, “In most cases these coins were not used monetarily, but as bullion.” In other words, Indians purchased or exchanged them as scrap foe melting and rarely used as pendants. That is why some coins found had holes, but, interestingly, they were duplicate and manufactured dated to 18^th cent. CE. Her over emphasis about the usage of vessels by Indians and forceful interpretation about them were also intriguing.

How Roam empire disappeared, whereas Indian civilization has been continuing: P. L. Gupta pointed out about the bullion value of circulation of Roman coins in India along with wine and women. Very often, faithful Indian women were contrasted with venal Roman women[7]. Of course, many western scholars have also pointed out as to how the Roman women were so crazy about Indian beryls for their ear-drops[8]. How pepper import from India drained their annual bullion – 50 million sesterces[9] – was also well known. Contact with India affected bullion prices within Roman territories and Eastern trade developed, the Roman monetary system became less representative of actual bullion values on the Roman market[10].  When the Roman Empire collapsed, their coins were traded for metal value. As barter system was there, the European, Arab and African merchants were using metals as means of buying India goods. It has to be noted that when the ancient civilizations rose, fell and disappeared, the Indian civilization has been continuing attracting the other civilizations.

P. J. Cherian and “Pattanam excavations”: Another key-note address was given by P. J. Cherian, Director of Kerala Council for Historical Research. His presentation started with slides. The moment, the first slide was shown, the on looking delegates were curious to note “To Rohith Vemula” below the title! There were murmurs and soft discussion among the delegates who were sitting in the front two rows particularly on LHS from the dais. I asked what the significance of it was and why it was shown in the slide. For this, he told, “I will tell you…………..yes, I will explain”. I asked again as to why he wanted to bring such controversies here. But, he tried to justify, so I told him to restrict his presentation to academic proceedings and not to bring any controversy to the University here. But, he was relentless and he appeared to proceed with his agenda. So I told, “If you do like this, some may raise slogans “Pakistan Jindabad”, “Afzalguru Jindabad” and so on here”. So when I went near to the screen to take a snap, Selvakumar, immediately changed to next. I told him that I wanted to take a snap of the first slide. Immediately, he came to the dias and requested P. J. Cherian restrict to his findings at Pattanam. Then, I repeated the same in Tamil also. At last, he started his presentation showing his slides on “Pattanam excavations”! He was repeating the same point several times with many pauses. At one stage, he wanted to stress that there were points ………….he mentioned three, but, he could not tell the fourth. Interestingly, none of these Key-note addresses were given to the delegates of the Conference.

Observation on the presentation of P. J. Cherian: This was the first time that I was listening to his paper. Though, I used to read some paper reports about “Pattanam” excavations, I did not take interest in it, as there were difference of opinion reported by the archaeologists, historians and others. Dr R. Nagasamy[11], Prof A. Sundara, Rajan Gurukkal, Romila Thapar[12] and others pointed out intriguing factors in the excavations conducted and interpretations.  Prof A. Sundara leading archaeologist from Karnataka pointed out that there were no major structural remains at the site. He asked P.J. Cherian to precisely record and classify antiquities from each trench rather than pooling them together and interpreting them. Prof. Sundara told Cherian that such approaches were not adopted in field archaeology since cultural material from each trench had its validity. Prof Sundara also pointed out that the claims of structural remains from Pattanam was questionable. Dr. K. N. Dikshit former Joint Director General of Archaeological Survey of India and Secretary of Indian Archaeological Society questioned the claims of P. J. Cherian that Historical Period at Pattanam goes around 1000 BC. K.N. Dikshit asked Cherian to be cautious and review such claims since Historical Period in Peninsular India has not gone beyond 200-300BC. It was felt that the controversy could have been avoided in research, as it would only divide the experts, scholars and research.

Technical session – first day afternoon (20-02-2016): As per the “Abstracts”, there were 15 papers were included for presentation. The first session was on “Archaeology of the coastal survey of India” chaired by Dr A. Arunraj, ASI, Chennai and the following papers were presented between 2.45 and 4.15 pm:

Sl. No	Paper presenter	Title of the paper
1	A. S. Gaur and Sundaresh	Marine archaeological explorations along the South Gujarat Coast with focus on the estuaries of the river Narmada and Tapti
2	Preeta Nayar, Thiruvananathapuram – 695003, Kerala	Pattanam beads: An assessment
3	C. Veeraraghavan	Waterway transport in Rock painting
4	R. N. Kumaran and Bipan Chandra	Megaliths in District Kachchh, Gujarat.

Dr A. Arunraj not only commented on the paper presentation, but also offered suggestions for the paper presentation.

The next session was about “Temples on the coast across the sea” held between 4.15 and 5.45 pm, chaired by Prof. Sarvamangala and the following papers were presented:

Sl. No	Paper presenter	Title of the paper
1	S. Balakrishna Hegde	The Quanzhou temple and the Cholas’ connection: The maritime puzzle between the Chinese and the Cholas
2	J. Soundararajan	Monuments of coastal region in South India and their conservation and preservation
3	Young Sun Lee	Cultural Brokerage and Mediation (Jewish community in Cochin and the New Museums)

About the paper on Quanzhou temple, the chairperson expressed her doubts as to whether it could be a “Chola temple” at all. J. Soundararajan’s paper evoked about the ethics of the ways of conservation and preservation methods followed. After the technical session, there was a cultural programme at the “Karikal Cholan auditorium”, where, students performed two traditional dances with instruments. The General body meeting of the Society for Marine Archaeology, Goa was held thereafter.

The Second day – 21-02-2016 proceedings: On 21^st February, the paper reading session continued with the following papers:

	R. Dubey, R. Nigam, R. Sundaresh and A. S. Gaur	Dolavira city fortification: Tsunami / sea storm protection initiative by Harappans.
	L. N. Samy	Boat development
	C. M. Jaseera and Sreelatha Damodaran	The boat traditions of Lower Chaliyar basinm Kerala: A ethnographic approach
	K. V. Ramakrishna Rao	A Critical study of the Shipping Technology of the Cholas
	V. Selvakumar	Ceramics from Tamilnadu and Indian ocean exchange in early historic and early medieval period.

My paper also evoked the usual controversy about the existence of “Chola navy” etc., as usual. V. Selvakumar’’s suggestion about the “manufacture of ceramics in India with indigenous technology, but with imported designs on them” induced some questions. He responded that it was only his hypothesis. Tomber was suggesting the social stigma in using bowls and vessels by people, as their names were found on them. This was also questioned by others.

After lunch, five papers were presented of which three in Tamil and two in English and the session was chaired by Thiru Naga. Ganesan. Then, the conference was wound up with the valedictory function. The national anthem was not sung and it was noted conspicuously by the delegates.

[1] Society for Marine Archaeology, National Institute of Oceanography, Domna Paula, Goa – 404 004.

[2] https://kvramakrishnarao.wordpress.com/2013/07/06/the-8th-conference-on-marine-archaeology-and-indian-ocean-countries-goa-2013/

[3]  http://www.nio.org/index/option/com_eventdisplay/task/view/tid/4/sid/24/eid/204

[4] Actually, the Society for Marine Archaeology conducts National conference once in three years and the last conference was held in Goa.

[5] Times of India, Six objects that illustrate how India’s trade with ancient Rome was conducted, TNN | Feb 22, 2016, 05.14 AM IST.

[6] http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Six-objects-that-illustrate-how-Indias-trade-with-ancient-Rome-was-conducted/articleshow/51084564.cms

[7]  Grant Parker, The Making of Roman India, Cambridge University Press, London, 2008, 91.

[8] Michael Grant, Roman History from Coins: Some Uses of the Imperial Coinage to the Historian, Cambridge University Press, 1968, p.84

[9] A silver or bronze coin of ancient Rome equivalent to one fourth of a denarius

[10] Raoul McLaughlin, Rome and the Distant East: Trade Routes to the Ancient Lands of Arabia, India and china, Continuum, New Zealand, 2010, p.169.

[11] http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/expert-nails-false-propaganda-on-muziris-2-390263.html

In his inaugural address at a seminar on ‘Muziris heritage and Pattanam excavations — a critical review’ organised by the Muziris Heritage Preservation Forum here on 05-08-2011, Thursday, Dr. Nagaswamy, former Director of the Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Department, said that many scholars had written that a part of Kodungalloor. Time has not come to identify Pattanam as Muziris, he  said.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/archaeologist-calls-for-excavations-at-kodungalloor/article2324054.ece

[12]  The nature of the settlement there, for instance, was one to be explored. Whether it was just a warehouse, or where goods were produced for trade, or whether it was a port or a site that had sequential historical development – were all matters of intrigue. The innumerable shards of amphorae (wine jars), for instance, threw open questions whether a liking for wine was deliberately cultivated in the local people, or whether these shards were just remnants of wine jars that were used for ballast in ships. The percentage of Indian pottery at the site, in contrast to imported pottery too was important, she said, adding that Pattanam, indeed, was a turning point for studies into India’s maritime relations. Dr. Thapar, however, expressed her reservations on the use of ancient DNA sampling techniques, raising doubts whether there was the danger of bacterial contaminations or mutations in samples taken from skeletons that were buried for over 2,000 years.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/pattanam-throws-open-many-questions-romila-thapar/article5123431.ece