Hero stone inscription from the Fifth Century unearthed
Archaeologists in Tamil Nadu have unearthed a fifth-century hero stone inscription during excavations at Malayadipatti village. The stone, which lacks warrior depictions, provides historical insight into the Sangam period through its early Tamil-Brahmi to Vattezhuthu transitional script.
Why it matters
This discovery contributes to the understanding of ancient regional history, social customs, and the evolution of the Tamil language.
A hero stone inscription, dating back to the Sangam period, has been unearthed by archaeologists at Malayadipatti village near Karivalamvandanallur in Tenkasi district, where the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) is conducting excavations.
According to official sources in the TNSDA, the inscription was found in a brick well with steps, dating to the Sangam period. , which was in use during the Sangam period. It appears to have fallen into disuse in later years, and subsequently filled with stones and bricks. The hero stone was found among the materials used to fill the well.
Official sources said the hero stone measures 1 m in length and 0.30 m in width.
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