The fate of Nagapattinam’s lost vihara
The Leiden plates, a set of 11th-century copper inscriptions detailing land grants to a Buddhist monastery in Nagapattinam, are set to return to India. The article explores the historical significance of these documents and the research conducted on them.
Why it matters
Highlights the importance of cultural heritage repatriation and the historical ties between the Chola dynasty and Southeast Asian kingdoms.
The celebrated Anaimangalam copper plates —commonly known as the Leiden plates—are expected to return to India soon. This historic repatriation brings renewed focus onto a centuries-old mystery: what actually became of the grand, Chola-backed Buddhist monastery and the tax-free lands recorded in these famous inscriptions?
The article provides a historical account of archaeological artifacts without taking a political stance.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in