Ancient Buddhist Inscription Discovered

Summary of the Discovery of the 13th Century Buddhist Inscription in Jagadap, Krishnagiri

A significant archaeological discovery was made in Jagadap, a village in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, where a 13th-century stone inscription related to a Buddhist monastery was unearthed. This finding, the first of its kind referring explicitly to a Buddhist monastery in Tamil Nadu, potentially adds a new dimension to the region's historical understanding of Buddhism, which has often been overshadowed by discoveries related to Jain and other cultural sites.

Key Details of the Discovery:

• Location: The inscription was found in a mango farm in Jagadap village, near Kaveripattinam.
• Date of Discovery: Published on July 2, 2025.
• Significance: This is the first stone inscription explicitly indicating a Buddhist monastery in Tamil Nadu, setting it apart from previous findings which predominantly featured Jain monasteries.

Description of the Inscription:

• The stone inscription features nine lines, although part of it is damaged.
• It mentions a benefactor named "Mangalamudayan," presumed to be a trader from Thillai, who endowed the revenues from land to the monastery.
• The inscription contains references to “Buddha Devan,” and starts with two significant symbols: a 'chakra' and a 'stupa.'
• The chakra symbol is common across various religious endowments, but the stupa symbol is interpreted as essential evidence for identifying the endowment as pertaining to a Buddhist institution.

Epigraphic Analysis:

• The dual symbols (chakra and stupa) are referenced as significant indicators of Buddhist affiliation. Previous studies of similar symbols in Tamil Nadu have helped establish this identification.
• Notably, similar ornamental stupa symbols have been located in other sites, such as Kanikiluppai in Tiruvanamalai and on a Buddha statue in Sholinganallur, offering corroborative context for the interpretation of the Jagadap inscription.

Historical Context:

• Previous mentions of Buddhist monasteries in Tamil Nadu have primarily come from copper plates, notably the Anaimangalam copper plates from the Raja Raja Chola period. These plates outline the royal charter linked to the Chudamani Vihara, a Buddhist establishment in Nagapattinam.
• The connection between Raja Raja Chola and the Sri Vijaya Empire is highlighted, showcasing trade and cultural exchanges across regions.
• The inscriptions reflect revenue grants to Buddhist institutions, indicating organized endeavors for the sustainability and promotion of Buddhism during the Chola dynasty.

Archaeological Implications:

• Additional archaeological features, such as a small hillock located 50 feet from the inscription site with more stupa and chakra symbols, and a cavern showing remnants of letters, imply the possible presence of a monastic settlement.
• The inscription also points to Kadaikoottur, which is speculated to correspond to Kadagathur in Dharmapuri, where two Buddha statues were discovered in previous excavations, enhancing the site's historical significance.

Conclusion:

The discovery of the Jagadap stone inscription marks an important contribution to the understanding of Buddhism in Tamil Nadu, signifying cultural interchange and the significance of Buddhist practices in the region's historical narrative. It provides fresh insight into the socio-economic and religious structures during the Chola period.

Important Points:

• Discovery of a 13th-century stone inscription in Jagadap, Krishnagiri, the first of its kind for a Buddhist monastery in Tamil Nadu.
• Inscription attributed to "Mangalamudayan," benefactor endowing land revenues.
• Key symbols: 'chakra' and 'stupa' indicate Buddhist association.
• Historical parallels drawn with Anaimangalam copper plates from Raja Raja Chola, highlighting Buddhist links.
• Archaeological features near the site suggest broader monastic presence.
• Adds depth to the understanding of Buddhism's historical footprint in Tamil Nadu.