Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Chola-Era Inscription Found at Tiruvannamalai’s Vengikkal Lake
Researchers found an old writing carved into a stone near a lake in Tiruvannamalai.
The writing is from the time of King Kulothunga Chola III.
It was made about 800 years ago, in 1198 CE.
The inscription has 38 lines.
It says that Prithivi Chola Gangan donated some land.
The land was on the southern bank of the Thirundigai river.
It included a flower garden.
The land was given to Thiruvannamalai Udaiya Nayanar and was named Thiruvannamalai Perumal Nallur.
A 38-line Chola-era inscription was found on a stone slab at Vengikkal Periya Eri near Tiruvannamalai.
Researchers identified it as dating to the reign of Kulothunga Chola III.
The inscription belongs to the king’s 20th regnal year, corresponding to 1198 CE.
It records a land donation by Prithivi Chola Gangan, son of Kuvalala Mudaiyan.
The donated land included a flower garden and was given to Thiruvannamalai Udaiya Nayanar.
- Who
- Members of the Tiruvannamalai District Historical Research Centre found the inscription; it records a donation by Prithivi Chola Gangan.
- What
- A 38-line inscription records the donation of land containing a flower garden to Thiruvannamalai Udaiya Nayanar.
- When
- The inscription dates to the 20th regnal year of Kulothunga Chola III, corresponding to 1198 CE.
- Where
- It was found on a stone slab beside Vengikkal Periya Eri, or Big Lake, near Tiruvannamalai; the donated land lay south of the Thirundigai river.
- Why
- The inscription records a land donation and the name assigned to the donated property.
- Inscription period
- 13th century
- Date
- 20th regnal year of Kulothunga Chola III; 1198 CE
- Length
- 38 lines
- Material and size
- A stone slab about 7 feet high
- Discovery site
- Bank of Vengikkal Periya Eri near Tiruvannamalai
- Donor
- Prithivi Chola Gangan, son of Kuvalala Mudaiyan
- Donated property
- Land with a flower garden, named Thiruvannamalai Perumal Nallur