Save the sculptural splendour from sacrilege -- BR Haran

Save the sculptural splendour from sacrilege

B R HARAN | Mon, Tues, 29, 30 Sep, 2008
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Introduction:

The innumerable temples in our country symbolise our cultural heritage and religious tradition. They stand tall and big as a symbolic representation of the timeless civilization of this great land and they also signify the generosity & spirit of those great kings & emperors who have built them. Each and very temple, small or big, has been standing for ages as a true testimony for the great history of this nation.

If we are still able to relish the timeless grandeur of our heritage and magnificence of our religion, despite the assault by foreign invaders for more than thousand years and despite their destruction of thousands of temples and in spite of their nefarious attempts to distort our glorious history, it is purely because of the blessings of the Gods & Goddesses residing in these temples, the noble qualities of those kings & emperors who built them and the benevolence of our ancestors who maintained these temples.

A visit to a temple will give a complete picture of the history of that particular place and we can understand the beauty of art, architecture, music, economy, administration, rule, law & order, people and their living style and everything prevailing then, based on the innumerable inscriptions inscribed on the walls, pillars, ceilings, staircases & even floors of the temple. Our ancient rulers, who built these splendid temples, were so thoughtful that they took so much of care to give even minute details in the form of inscriptions. Even while waging war with each other, they took care not to destroy temples and kill cattle & civilians and that is why even today, we are able to know our ‘true’ history, culture & civilization. Probably that could also be the reason for the foreign invaders to focus more on destroying our temples and distorting our history, so that, this nation could be de-Hinduised and their religions could be established.
Brihadisvarar Temple, Thanjavur.

Sri Brihadisvarar Temple, Thanjavur http://202.71.144.157/images/stories/columns/brharan/2008-images/pg4-ph-2.gif

Our temples and other structures stand witness to the different architectural styles of the various dynasties namely, the Gupthas, Mauryas, Rajputs, Marathas, Nayaks, Cheras, Cholas, Pandyas, Pallavas and many more. The Cholas of Thanjavur were great conquerors, who have extended their rule up to the Ganges in the north and Srilanka, Burma, Malayan Peninsula and Java & Sumatra Islands in the southeast, between the ninth and twelfth centuries. They have been great builders and constructed massive temples and other structures, which now serve as finest specimens of South-Indian architecture. One such wonder is theBrihadiswarar Temple in Thanjavur District of Tamilnadu

'Tower’ of Sri Brihadisvarar Temple http://202.71.144.157/images/stories/columns/brharan/2008-images/pg4-ph-1.gif

The Chola King Rajaraja(985-1012) built this Brihadiswarar Temple, also known as ‘Big Temple’ due to its sheer size, and also named it as ‘Rajarajeswaram’ after himself. He, along with family and other close members, made numerous endowments to this temple. The inscriptions inside the temple give a vivid explanation on those endowments together with the details of their value, interest on them, method of giving & receiving, regular donations for the customs & rituals, giving an overall picture of the system prevailing then. The Chola Grantha & Tamil inscriptions also give an elaborate idea on how the dance, music & fine arts were cultivated and served in the temple. The details on the customs & rituals including the chanting of Vedas & Devaram Hymns, serve as a great testimony of the Tamil-Hinus’ acceptance, reverence & appreciation of bothSanskrit & Tamil, considering both as ‘Divine’ languages. We can also understand from the inscriptions that a large section of people comprising dancers, musicians, drummers, choir groups, singers, sculptors, painters, carpenters, cooks, gardeners, flower vendors, Sanskrit & Tamil Pundits, Archagas, watchmen, accountants and a host of other officials and servants were all benefited by the temple.

Interesting Facts of Big Temple:

Experts and researchers have given certain interesting facts about the Big Temple: -

Rajaraja Chola constructed two long streets exclusively for the accommodation of more than 400 dancers, whose names and addresses have been recorded in the inscriptions.
All these dancers, accompanied by more than 100 musicians, performed and worshipped Bhagwan Shiva during the six poojas (Aaru kaala poojas) every day.
The temple is constructed of large blocks of granite and the stone constituting the ‘Sikhara’ (Peak) is said to weigh 80 tonnes, taken to the top by means of an inclined plane, which was believed to have had its base almost 6 kms away.
The two separate ‘Gopurams’ (Towers) at the entrance of the vast inner courtyard are carved with illustrations of Shivite stories such as‘Shiva-Parvathi marriage’, ‘Shiva saving Markandeya’ and ‘Arjuna getting Pasupatha weapon from Shiva’ etc, apart from two Dvara-palas.

The central shrine has a colossal Linga named after Rajaraja as‘Rajarajesvaramudayar’ and the huge monolithic ‘Nandhi’ (Rishaba) was installed by Sevappa Nayak.
The paintings on the walls and their colours are soft & subdued with firm lines and bright & true to life expressions, serving as the priceless document of Chola art, which has been interestingly a continuation ofPallava art, as evidenced by the commonalities in the paintings of Kancheepuram and Thanjavur temples.

Rajaraja Chola has documented his achievements in the name of ‘Mei Keerthi’ meaning ‘True Accomplishment’.

Rajaraja Chola was so magnanimous that he honoured the chief architect of the temple with the title ‘Rajaraja Perum Thachchan’.

The plinth, walls, roofs and every part of the temple has been carved with inscriptions, sculptures & paintings, which serve as great documentation and account of the glorious Chola period.

'Nandhi’ at Sri Brihadisvarar Temple http://202.71.144.157/images/stories/columns/brharan/2008-images/pg4-ph-4.gif

During the Islamic invasion of India, in the later stage, Malik Kafur had desecrated this temple when he invaded South India. He destroyed two tiers of the ‘Gopuram’, took some amount of Gold found on the ‘Vimana’ and vandalised many parts inside the temple. The French and the British have also used the massive ramparts of the temple as barracks of their armies. Later on the temple came under the control of the ‘Marathas’, as per the turn of history. Now, the temple, which comes under the administration of Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Board of Tamilnadu government, is protected and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Archaeological Survey of India

Reckless renovation of the Temple http://202.71.144.157/images/stories/columns/brharan/2008-images/pg4-ph-3.gif

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which falls under the Ministry of Culture, is responsible for the archaeological researches, protection and Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance. Besides it regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. It also regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972. To achieve its objective, the ASI works in 24 Circles throughout the country. The organisation has a large work force of trained archaeologists, conservators, epigraphist, architects and scientists for conducting archaeological research projects through its Circles, Museums, Excavation Branches, Prehistory Branch, Epigraphy Branches, Science Branch, Horticulture Branch, Building Survey Project, Temple Survey Projects and Underwater Archaeology Wing.

It is almost one year since the ASI has started working in Thanjavur Big Temple in the name of ‘Renovation & Restoration’, which has become an issue of utmost concern for historians, research scholars, religious scholars and the local people. They feel that the great historical temple is at peril and that the timeless inscriptions, sculptures and paintings are under imminent threat.

Sri Brihadisvarar Temple, also known as the 'Thanjavur Big Temple' has been recognised by the UNESCO as a 'World Heritage Monument' and the Archaeological Survey of India has the responsibility of carefully protecting this monument.

The Big Temple is under the Administrative Control of HR & CE Board of Tamilnadu government and is managed jointly by the Hereditary Trustees (Hailing from the Maratha Rajavamsa) and the HR & CE Department's Executive Officer in the cadre of Assistant Commissioner. The temple is being renovated for the past one year and it seems the ASI is in a catch 22 situation.

http://202.71.144.157/images/stories/columns/brharan/2008-images/3009-haran1.gif

Reliable sources, who are also experts, are of the opinion that the ASI has entangled itself in the matter without knowing its depth. They feel that the whole temple is a complex structure built as per the Agamas and Shilapa Shastras and for doing renovation of such a monument, a complete knowledge on the ancient unique engineering methods, high level geometry and complex trigonometry are needed. After seeing the present status of the temple, they are really concerned about the priceless inscriptions, sculptures and paintings. To understand the 'preciousness' of the inscriptions, it would be suffice to learn that, during the British period, E.Hultzch, Epigraphist to the government of Madras from 1886 to 1903, published his monumental three-volume book on the Brihadisvara Temple Inscriptions titled 'South Indian Inscriptions'.

But simply speaking, there is no necessity for the ASI to learn about E.Hultzch or the British History, but it would be enough for them to know what the relevant laws say about the protection of such heritage monuments. The fact is that the ASI doesn't seem to have the know-how regarding the renovation & restoration processes. Before looking into the damage done for the last one year, it would be sensible to understand the legal protection given to such magnificent heritage monuments.

As per the section 16 (i) of ‘Act-XXIV’ of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites & Remains Act, it is mandatory for the ASI to protect this World Heritage Archaeological Monument from misuse, pollution and desecration.

But a glance at the site of Thanjavur Temple gives a totally pathetic picture of desecration with broken pillars and stones placed haphazardly everywhere in a polluted atmosphere making the whole site as a place of defilement.

Subsection (ii) requires the Administrative Heads of the concerned District (Collector, etc) to monitor the 'Temple Renovation', even if ASI is the custodian of the notified monument, for the precise purpose of conserving the existing structure without altering any of its original features.

It is not known whether the Collector of Thanjavur has been really monitoring the renovation works, at least occasionally if not on a regular basis. It is also not known if the Collector is aware of the original features of the various architectures of the temple.

Subsection (iii)-a seeks the executive wing of the local ASI and the district level monitoring body to ensure that the members of the Maintenance Task Force are recruited only from the particular community, which has been offering worship traditionally.

Here, as it happens to be a Hindu Temple, it is the 'Hindus' who are the traditional worshippers and hence the ASI must have employed only Hindus as officers & workers constituting a task force. It is not known if the district level monitoring body has ensured this condition.

Section 18 confers implicitly the rights to access the monument on the respective traditional community for satisfying itself about the sustenance of the features of the monument.

This is a very important clause, which gives power even to the public (Hindus) to ascertain the sustenance of the original features of the monument, through proper legal procedures.

Section 30 (iii) permits the Judiciary to consider any damages caused to any sculpture or image or bas-relief or inscription or painting or such other ancient things, as a cognizable offence under the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The Judiciary can also take suo motu action on such offences.

Here again, the Judiciary can take even suo motu action based on a media report or personal visit, apart from taking action on a written complaint or filed affidavit.
Section 32 permits awarding punishments of imprisonment up to 3 months and / or a fine of Rs 5000/-

Having understood the legal nitty-gritty, let us have a look at the present status of the Thanjavur Big Temple after one year of the so-called renovation works. A few photographs are enough to serve as classic examples for the pathetic display of recklessness and appalling attitude form the ASI.

Reckless renovation of the Temple http://202.71.144.157/images/stories/columns/brharan/2008-images/3009-haran2.gif

As evidenced by the appended photographs received from reliable sources, it is understood that the world heritage monument has been subjected to defacement and desecration, perhaps inadvertently, by the teams authorised by the ASI over a period of nearly one year (2007-08).
As sample, let us take two cases:

1.The important inscriptions made by Rajaraja Chola's General Krishnan Raman alias Mummudi Chola Brahmmaraya, contained in four main pillars of the 'Circumambulatory Corridor' have been lost.

2.The 'Kumudavari' (Lotus Motif) a very special and beautiful architectural feature in the 'Adhishtaanam' of the 'Mahaa Mandapam' has been cut by electric granite cutters.
The enormity of the loss can be confirmed by referring the immense accounts given in the 250-page special souvenir on Thanjavur Big Temple released by the state government in 1997, which contains articles contributed by internationally acclaimed experts.

Since thousands of people who throng this temple are mostly tourists coming in teams, they could not have observed and understood the huge loss of art & architecture and invaluable information contained in the inscriptions. Reliable sources have also informed that the workers have even attempted to paste the broken pillars and stones with araldite, obviously from instruction from higher ups, demonstrating the 'ASI's method of conservation after destruction'. The ASI became wary of the damages only recently and has tried its level best to cover up the infinite quantity of thousands of stones of great architectural value dumped in one place and covered with polythene sheets. As a section of the mainline English media and the local vernacular (Tamil) media reported the mediocre renovation works taking place in the Temple, the ASI held a press-meet during the third week of August, as a damage control exercise. Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Chennai Circle, Sathyabama Badrinath denied the reports on the damage, and asserted that the old and dilapidated mouldings were removed and that they always try to restore only the original and rarely use new slabs. With regards to the 'Kumudavari' (Lotus Motif), she said that the ASI has sought a scientific report from the IIT and the moulding would be re-fixed after getting the report. She also asserted that the Maratha paintings of the 16th and 17th centuries were being preserved. Meanwhile in the month of August, 'UN Times' a newspaper based at the UN, has also published a report on the appalling works carried out by the ASI in the Thanjavur Big Temple in the name of renovation. Dr.S.Kalyanaraman, Director of Saraswathi Research Centre, who was deeply concerned with the callous approach of the ASI with regards to the renovation of the world heritage monument, shot off a letter to Ambika Soni, the Union Minister for Culture, to immediately take necessary actions to prevent further damage and desecration to the heritage monument in the name of renovation. In his letter he had drawn a parallel with the UPA government's attempted destruction of Rama Sethu and conveyed to her that he might approach the UNESCO in the absence of required response from her.

As there was no response from the Culture Ministry, Dr.Kalyanaraman floated an 'Online Petition' addressed to The Director, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, The World Heritage Centre, UNESCO, requesting for their immediate intervention to preserve and protect the World Heritage Monument, The Brihadisvarar Temple, Thanjavur. Those who want to sign the online petition may visit the URL

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/tanjavurtemple/ and sign accordingly.

In this context, all the concerned people are entitled to collect the following details under the Right to Information Act:

1.Whether the details of planning and execution of year long work of the ASI was discussed with the Tamilnadu government and its HR & CE Department

2.Whether the prescribed norms of the 1958 Act were strictly followed and adhered to

3.Whether the persons employed belong to the traditionally worshipping community and no person non-tolerant towards Hindus, their faith and their institutions is employed

4.Whether the ritual of 'Bhaalaalayam' performed before commencing the renovation works particularly at the Vimaanam and the Mandapams inside and whether the regular worships have been allowed to lapse because of the renovation works.

The Tamilnadu government cannot brush aside the History of Chola Empire as ‘mythology’ like how it ignored the historicity of Ramayana and the existence of Rama Sethu. Being a government claiming to serve the interests of Tamil language, Tamil people and Tamilnadu, it must use its good offices with the central government and ensure the preservation of the sculptural splendour of Thanjavur Big Temple and its protection. The Tamil people are hopeful that the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu, being a Tamil scholar himself, would take up the matter with the central government in his personal capacity for the protection of the Great World Heritage Monument.

http://newstodaynet.com/printer.php?id=11039
http://202.71.144.157/col.php?section=20&catid=29

ASI refuses NOC for Poompuhar harbour, accuses DMK Govt. of arm-twisting

ASI refuses NOC for Poompuhar harbour
Accuses DMK Government Of Arm-twisting
T S Sreenivasa Raghavan | TNN

Chennai: Even as the Ram Setu row continues to simmer, the DMK government is headed for another controversy, this one set in the backdrop of the historic Poompuhar town in Nagapattinam district.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and state archaeology department have accused the government of armtwisting them into giving a ‘no objection’ certificate’ (NOC) for a Union government-funded Rs 40-crore fishing harbour at Poompuhar that could destroy the ruins of the ancient Chola port city, lying at a depth of eight metres under the sea.

Archaeologists have refused to issue NOC for the proposed project since “the site chosen has several on and offshore archaeological structures.”

The firm stand taken by the ASI/state archaeology officials could be attributed to the underwater images captured by National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) when it carried out a site scan immediately after the tsunami and reconnaissance survey in 2006. These exclusive images and video film are available with The Times of India.

Interestingly, fisheries commissioner Shambu Kallolikar in his March 19 letter to the state archaeology principal commissioner S Gurumurthy claimed monuments identified by NIOT were buried at a distance of four to five km from the shoreline and at a depth of more than 50 feet.

“They’re old. He’s not aware about recent surveys. The structures are less than half-a-kilometer and they lie at a depth of seven to 11 meters. The fisheries commissioner’s claim is based on villagers’ opinion, not scientific data,” archaeological sources said.

Shambu in his letter played to popular sentiments to justify the harbour site saying “it would protect the Poompuhar village from sea erosion.”

But, what upset ASI/state archaeology officials was the blunt comment by a top official of the fisheries department during a meeting in March. “He said it was more important to ensure livelihood to the living rather than protecting submerged temples and vihars constructed by dead people. We’re shocked,” sources said.

Former director of the state archaeology department Natana Kasinathan, who attended the meeting, said: “I made it clear. If the site had some archaeological structures, then the harbour has to be shelved.”

His opinion assumes significance since the five underwater surveys undertaken during his tenure between 1991 and 1997 had unearthed a shipwreck, lead ingots and six man-made structures at Poompuhar.

“No construction can happen in 200 to 300 meters of monuments of archaeological importance. It’s not possible to construct the harbour since several archaeological structures are strewn around the site,” sources said, adding the structures discovered by NIOT needed further studies. “They’re huge in size. They’re also covered with bio-fouling. Only when you remove the fouling, we will know if the structures are parts of Buddhist vihars, temples or a row of houses,” they said.

Shambu Kallolikar, when contacted, confessed the project was in a state of limbo. However, he denied charges of arm-twisting. “If they (archaeologists) think I am bulldozing them, they’re wrong. We are ready to alter the structural design if the harbour meddles with their monuments. But, they have no conclusive proof. So, we’re asking National Institute of Oceanography, Goa to do a survey. Also let me make it clear there’s no political pressure to push this project through.”

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JQ0gvMjAwOC8wNC8yNiNBcjAwNDAx&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom

World Heritage Thanjavur temple: state-sponsored vandalism

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Chennai/Big_temple_inscriptions_damaged/articleshow/3010487.cms

Times of India, 5 May 2008

THANJAVUR: Granite pillars containing inscriptions at the 11th century Brahadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur have suffered serious damage during restoration and maintenance work by the Archaeological Survey of India.

A visit to the 'Big temple', as it is popularly known, revealed that five stone pillars, brought down and laid in the open prahara as part of the restoration work, were found chipped and cracked, and in the case of at least one pillar, broken.

A portion of one of the pillars was shattered to such an extent that the inscriptions can no more be read fully or documented. These inscriptions date back to the reign of Raja Raja Chola I, the pre-eminent king of the Later Cholas, who conceived and constructed the imposing temple to Lord Siva.

However, the ASI believes that the damage is not irreversible and the original structure can be restored. Sathyabhama Badrinath, superintending archaeologist, Chennai circle, ASI, said the damaged pillars could be mended and affixed in their respective places. "It will look as original as it used to be," she said.

The five pillars were in the thiruchutru maaligai (circumambulatory corridor) in the north of temple. There are over 150 stone inscriptions in the temple, of which 120 belong to the Chola period between 1000 and 1200 AD.

Experts say the inscriptions have much to say about temple administration of the era, land grants by the Chola kings, and details of the temple's jewellery and festivals. And there are nuggets of information, like the one that points to the existence of a bank in the temple that lent money at an interest of 12.5%. There are also references to employees, dancers, musicians and architects.

Declared a world heritage site, the Big Temple stands testimony to the intricacy and skill of Chola era sculptors and architects. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the monument from across the world every year.

Experts who have done extensive studies of these inscriptions say the damaged inscriptions on the pillars in the thiruchutru maaligai refer to orders issued by Raja Raja Chola to his chief commander Krishna Raman alias Mummudi Chola Brahmarayan.

It was restoration that was causing more damage to the world heritage site than aging, they pointed out.

mayilvaganan.v@timesgroup.com

19 September 2008

DETAILS OF INSCRIPTIONS OF RAJA RAJA CHOLA ON THE FOLLOWING PILLARS THAT WERE DAMAGED

Sir:

Namaskaram:

Subeject:With Reference to my report posted in your blog site dated 26.8.2008, I had said that extent of damage will be published separately.

Immense wealth was donated by Raja Raja Chola to the Peruvudayar Temple at Thanjavur. The pillars bear testimony to the fact of the prosperity that prevailed during the reign of the Emperor.The Emperor himself had seen to it that these were recorded as inscriptions. These were found on the pillars .Now these indepth survey reveal the the extent damage done.and details are available to larger audience.If had it been any other country by now the head of ASI would have rolled.
Thanks

GP Srinivasan


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Sept, 18, 2008.

DETAILS OF INSCRIPTIONS OF RAJA RAJA CHOLA ON THE FOLLOWING PILLARS THAT WERE DAMAGED

1) INSCRIPTION NO 47 - Pillar on three sides ( Page 191-192).

2) INSCRIPTION NO 48 - Pillar B . Has inscriptions on two sides.(PAGE 195 -196).

3) INSCRIPTION NO 51- PILLAR B. INSCRIPTIONS ON FOUR SIDES (PAGE 205 207 ).

4) INSCRIPTION NO 51 - PILLAR C. INSCRIPTIONS ON FOUR SIDES. (207 – 210).

5) Mahahamandapam- adhistanam- kumadappadi on the outer wall- maximum damage.

6) Maximum vandalism is found inside the hollow of Sree Vimanam where the original thousand year old one foot thick plaster inside the has been removed – scrapped away . This has not been replaced. This has lead to seepage during the last one year there by weakening of the gopuram. This is considered to be maximum vandalism. This may result in the damage to the gopuram, paintings inside and the damage of the unique Kalasam.

INSCRIPTIONS ON PILLARS THAT WERE DAMAGED

ON A PILLAR OF THE WEST ENCLOSURE

This inscription records that, before the 29th year of the reign of Rajarajadeva, an officer of the king set up a copper image of Bhringisa, to which he presented some ornaments. Regarding Bhringi, I am indebted for the following to Mr. P. Sundaram Pillai, M.A. , Professor of Philosophy , Trivandrum College :--- " Bhringi is one of the attendants(gana) of Siva. Allusions to his bigoted worship of Siva , which would not condescend even to acknowledge the godhead of Parvati, are frequent in Tamil literature.


INSCRIPTION OF RAJARAJA


According to the skandapuranam, it was to annoy his exclusive spirit , that Parvati sought union with Siva in the form of Ardhanarisvara. But Bhringi assumed the shape of a bee and pierced his way through the united body of the god and the goddess, going round and worshiping the Siva portion, only of the hermaphrodite.The goddess avenged herself then by withdrawing all sakti from the zealot, and he is now generally represented as a skeleton, supporting himself with a third leg, which Siva, out of mercy, improvised for him." In accordance with this myth, three legs and three arms are attributed to the image of Bhringisa in paragraph 2 of the subjoined inscription.

1. Hail ! Prosperity ! The following copper image,--- which had been set jp in the temple of the lord Sri-Rajarajesvara until the twenty-ninth year (of the king's reign) by Kovan (i.e., Gopa) Annamalai, alias Keralantaka-Virupparaiyan, a Perundaram of the minor treasure (sirudanam) of the lord Sri-Rajarajadeva,---was engraved on stone, after it had been measured by the cubit measure (preserved) in the temple of the lord, after the jewels (given to it) had been weighed without the threads by the stone called (after) Dakshina- Meru- Vitankan, and after the gold had been weighed by the stone called (after) Adavallan :---
2. One solid image of Bhringisa, (measuring) one muram, two viral and a half in height from the feet to the hair, and having a bush (sedi) of the height of one viral, three divine feet and three divine arms.
3. One pedestal on which this (image) stood, set with jewels (and measuring) twenty viral in length, twelve viral in breadth, and six viral in height.
4. To this (image) were given :---
5. One ornament of three strings (trisaram), weighing, with the lac, five karanju and quarter, and worth three and a half kasu. On ( it ) strung one hundred and fifty pearls, ---viz., sakkattu and crude pearls, ---- (one) talimbam
and ( one ) eye.
6. One necklace( kantha-nan), weighing, ---- inclusive of one rudraksha (bead ) , (one ) eye and ( one ) hook,----( one ) karanju , and worth five kasu .
7.One sacred arm-ring (tirukkaikkarai), (consisting of one) karanju and two manjadi of gold.
8. One sacred arm-ring , (consisting of one ) karanju and four manjadi of gold.
9. One sacred arm-ring, (consisting of ) three quarters (of a karanju) , four manjadi and (one) kunri of gold.
10. One sacred foot-ring (tiruvadikkarai), (consisting of one ) karanju and four manjadi of gold.
11. One sacred foot-ring , (consisting of one ) karanju, (one) manjadi and (one) kunri of gold.
12. One sacred foot-ring, (consisting of one ) karanju, three manjadi and (one) kunri of gold.

ON A NICHE AND A PILLAR OF THE WEST

ENCLOSURE

This inscription records that, before the 29th year fo the reign of Rajarajadeva, his queen Trailokyamahadevi set up copper images of Siva calle Kalyanasundara, of his wife Umaparamesvari, and of the two gods Vishnuand Brahman, who were represented as worshipping the first image, and that she presented a number of ornaments to the first two images. An inscription of the 10th year of the reign of Rajendra-Choladeva (No.11) refers to these two images of Kalyanasundara and his wife as having been set up by Trailokyamahadevi, the consort of Rajarajadeva.

1. Hail ! Prosperity ! The following copper images,---which had been set up in the temple of the lord Sri-Rajarajeswara until the twenty-ninth year (of the king's reign) by Trailokyamahadevi, the consort of our lord Sri-Rajarajadeva,---- were engraved on stones, after they had been measured by the cubit measure (preserved) in the temple of the lord, after the jewels (given to them) had been weighed by the stone called (after) Dakshina-Meru - Vitankan, and after the gold had been weighed by the stone called (after) Adavallan:---

2. One solid image of Kalyanasundara , having four divine arms (and measuring) one muram and three quarters , two viral and a half in height from the feet to the hair.

3. One lotus on which this (image) stood, set with jewels (and measuring ) four viral and a half in height.

4. One solid image of his consort Umaparamesvari, (measuring) one muram eleven viral and a half in height from the feet to the hair.

5. One lotus on which this (image) stood, set with jewels and measuring four viral and two torai in height.
6. One pedestal on which the god and his consort stood, (measuring) two muram and fourteen viral in length, twenty-two viral in breadth , and nine viral in height.
7. One solid aureola, covering the god and his consort, (consisting) of two pillars and on half-moon, and measuring seven muram in circumference.
8. One solid (image of ) Vishnu, standing, pouring out water to this (god), having four arms (and measuring ) twenty viral in height from the fet to the hair.
9. One lotus on which this (image) stood, set with jewels (and measuring) two viral and a half in height.
10. One four-legged pedestal, (which measured) three quarters (of a muram) and three viral in height up to the lotus, and which consisted of four legs and a bush.(sedi) which was one viral and a half thick.
11. One solid (image of) Brahman, represented as offering an oblation (huta) , having [four] arms and four faces , comfortably seated (and measuring) half a muram in height from the feet to the hair.
12 .One pedestal , joined to a lotus, set with jewels ( and measuring ) eight viral in height , twelve viral and a half in breadth, and three quarters ( of a muram ), three viral and a half in length .
13. To (the image of ) Kalyanasundara were given:--
14. One sacred ear-ring (tirukkambi), (consisting of one) karanju and a half of gold.
15. One sacred ear-ring , (consisting of one) karanju, nine manjadi and (one) kunri of gold.
16. One string of round beads (tiral-mani-vadam) , (containing) five karanju and four manjadi of gold.
17.One string of round beads , (consisting) five karanju and one manjadi of gold.
18. One string of round beads, (consisting ) five karanju,two manjadi and (one) kunri of gold.
19. One sacred arm-ring, (tirukkaikarai), (consisting of) twenty karanju and a half and (one) manjadi of gold.
20.One sacred arm-ring,(consisting of ) twenty karanju and a half, two manjadi and (one) kunri of gold.
21. One sacred arm-ring ,(consisting of) twenty karanju and six manjadi of gold.
22. One sacred arm-ring, (consisting of ) nineteen karanju and three quarters of gold.
23. Two sacred foot-rings (tiruvadikkarai), consisting of thirty-five karanju and a quater of gold, --- each (consisting of ) seventeen karanju and a half, two manjadi and (one) kunri of gold.
24. To ( the image of ) the consort of this (god) were given.
25. A spiral (tiru), strung on a neck-ring (pattaikkarai) of gold , weighing (one) karanju and a quater and (one) kunri, and worth three and a half kasu. Into (it) were set three flat and round diamonds; and (on it) were fstened one crystal, one potti and one nali-Ganga padikal.
26. One sacred ear-ring , (consisting of one ) karanju and a half and (one) kunri of gold.
27. One sacred ear-ring , (consisting of one ) karanju, nine manjadi and (one) kunri of gold.
28. One string of round beads, (containing) four karanju and six majadi of gold.
29. One string of round beads, (containing) four karanju and a half of gold.
30. One string of round beads,(containing) four karanju and nine manjadi of gold.
31. One sacred arm-ring, (consisting of ) eleven karanju and three quarters and four manjadi of gold.
32. One sacred arm-ring,(consisting of ) eleven karanju and three quarters, two manjadi and (one) kunri of gold.
33. One sacred foot-ring , (consisting of ) twelve karanju, two manjadi and (one) kunri of gold.
34. One sacred foot-ring, (consisting of ) twelve karanju and half and (one) manjadi of gold.


ON TWO NICHES AND TWO PILLARS OF

THE NORTH ENCLOSURE.

This inscription records that, before the 29th year of the reign of Rajarajadeva, his queen Panchavan-mahadevi (paragraphs 1,36, and 37 ) set up copper images of Siva called Tainjaiyaragar , of his wife Umaparamesvari, and of their son Ganapati, to which he presented a number of valuable ornaments. The description of some of these ornaments a still more detailed than usual, and often obscure, because the measings of part of the technical terms are unknown. As regards the name of the chief image, its first part, Tainjai, is the same as Tanjai or Tanjavur. The second part, Aragar, means ' the beautiful one' . The whole name would thus be synonymous with that of the god TanjaiVitankar, who must, however, be distinct from Tainjaiyaragar, as the image of his consist had been set up by Kundavaiyar, the elder sister of Rajarajadeva.


1. Hail ! Prosperity ! The following copper images,----which had been set up in the temple of the lord Sri-Rajarajesvara until the twenty-ninth year (of the king's reign) by Panchvan-mahadevi, she consort of our lord Sri-Rajarajadeva, --- were engraved on stone, after they had been measured by the cubit measure (preserved) in the temple of the lord, after the jewels (given to them) had been weighed by the stone called (after) Dakshina-Meru-Vitankan , and after the gold and silver had been weighed by the stone called (after) Adavallan:---
2. One solid image, bearing the sacred name of Tainjaiyaragar, having four divine arms and (measuring ) two muram and four viral in height from the foot to the hair ,---including (an image of ) Musalagan, who was lying under that sacred foot, on which (the god) stood.
3. One lotus on which this (image) stood, set with jewels and measuring {five viral} in height.
4. One solid image of this consort Umaparamesvari, measuring one (muram) and three quaters, [ two ] viral and a half in height form the feet to the hair.
5. One lotus on which this (image) stood, set with jewels and measuring four viral and a half in height.
6. One pedestal on which the god and his consort stood, measuring [two] muram and four viral in length , on muram .............in breadth, and eleven viral in height.
7. One solid aureola, covering the god and his consort , consisting of two pillars and one half-moon, and measuring seven muram in circumference.
8. One solid image of Ganapati, stading, having {four diving arms } , and (measuring) three quaters and one eighth of a muram in height from the feet to the hair.
9. One lotus on which this (image) stood, set with jewels and measuring {two} vira and {half} in height.
10. One pedestal, measuring {nineteen} viral in length, nine { and three quarters of a viral } in breadth, and five viral in height.
11. one solid aureola, measuring two. three quarters and one eighth of a muram in circumference.
12. To this (image) Tai {njaiyaragar } were given :---
13. [one] sacred garland (tiru-ma[lai] ) , hanging down , weighing, ---inclusive of the pinju and of the lac, and exclusive of the threads, --- ninety-one karanju, and worth one hundred and twenty-five kasu. On .............and on the inner side (?) were strung .............- nine pearls, viz., round pearls, roundish pearls, polished pearls and small pearls; on twenty-one marriage badges (tali ) , [two].............; on two marriage -badges which were soldered together, and on two talimbam (each of) which consited of five ( pieces) soldere together, were fastened ninety-four crystals, eleven potti and four hundred and: ..........-two diamond crystals; (and) on the [pa]ligai, it had one and one hook.
14. One ornament consisting of single string, weighing,----exclusive of the threads used for stringing, and inclusive of the lac,---four karanju,nine manjadi and eight tenths and worth six kasu. On (it) were strung thirty -one pearls,---viz., polished pearls, small pearls, crude pearls and (pearls) resembling toddy in colour,---two corals, two lapis lazuli, two talimbam, one eye and one hook.
15. One ornament consisting of a single string, weighing ,---inclusive of the minute nails in the talimbam and of the lac, and exclusive of the threads used for stringing,--- four karanju and a half , two manjadi and four tenths, and worth eight kasu. On (it) were strung twenty-eight old pearls ,---viz., small pearls and crude pearls ,---two corals, two lapis lazuli,two talimbam, one eye and one hook.
16. One ornament consisting of a single string, weighing,---inclusive of the lac and exclusive of the threads,--- four karanju, nine manjadi and nine tenths, and worth seven kasu. On (it) were strung thirty old pearls,---viz., polished pearls, small pearls and crude pearls,---two corals, one lapis lazuli, one sapphire, two talimbam, one eye and one hook.
17. One ornament consisting of a single string, weighing,--- inclusive of the lac and exclusive of the threads,---four karanju and two manjadi , and worth ten kasu. On (it) were strung thirty-two old pearls,---viz., polished pearls, small pearls, (pearls) of brilliant water, of red water and of rubbed surface, and sappatti,----two corals two lapis lazil, two talimbam one eye and one hook.
18. One sacred pearl ornament (sri chhanda) , weighing,___ inclusive of the lac , and exclusive of the threads used for stringing,-----one hundred and six karanju, (one)manjadi and two tenths, and worth one hundred and forty-one kasu. (It had) two clasps (?mugam) , two pendants (takkam), eight front-plates (idaikkattu), ten eyes, two front-plates with eyes, eight pins (nembu)soldered together, four double pins, two karadigai, two double hooks , two treble hooks , and eight nails for pearls sewn on (taippu-mutt-ani). On (it) were strung two thousand five hundred and twenty-four pearls, viz., round pearls, roundish pearls, polished pearls small pearls, nimbolam, ambumudu and crude pearls. (On it)
were sewn eight pearls, viz ., sakkattu, sappatti, polished pearls and small pearls. On the two clasps, on the front-plates and on the pedants were fastened thirty-seven crystals, twenty-seven potti and seventy-five tarup [pu].
19. One Telugu ear-ring ([Va]duga-vali) weighing , inclusive of the gold, two karanj and half and three manjadi, and worth seven kasu. On (it) were strung nine pearls, viz., small pearls, nimbolam and (pearls developed only) on one side (? oruppuravan).
20. One sacred armlet (sri-bahu-valaya), weighing , ----inclusive of the lac, and exclusive of the red stones (sivappu-silai) affixed (to it) and of the threads, ---forty-five karanju and a half, four manjadi and (one) kunri and worth fifty-two kasu. On two front-plates and on one clasp were fastened forty-nine crystals, six potti and one hundred and eighty-one diamond crystals. On (it) were strung as pendants ( ?kal ) two hundred and sixty-three pearls, viz., round pearls, roundish pearls, polished pearls and small pearls.
21. One sacred armlet, weighing, -----inclusive of the lac, and exclusive of the red stones affixed (to it) and of the threads,--- forty-five karanju and three quarters and two manjadi, and worth fifty-two kasu. On two front-plates and on one clasp were fastened fifty crystals, six potti and one hundred and ninety-five diamond crystals. On (it) were strung as pendants two hundred and sixty-five pearls, viz., round pearls, roundish pearls, polished pearls and small pearls.
22. One sacred arm-ring (tirukkaikkarai) of balls (gundu)and sockets (kevanam) soldered on a band (pattai) of gold , weighing , ----- exclusive of the threads used for stringing and of the copper nails, and inclusive of the lac,----twenty-two karanju, nine manjadi and (one) kunri,and worth twenty-eight kasu. On eleven strings (vadam) (attached) to two points (tunda) were strung four hundred and eleven pearls, viz., round pearls, roundish pearls, polished pearls , small pearls, sappatti, sakkattu and crude pearls. On (it) werb fastened thirty-two crystals and twelve potti.
23. One sacred arm-ring of balls and sockets soldered on a band of gold, weighing,-----inclusive of the lac, and exclusive of the copper nails and of the threads,----twenty-two karanju and (one) kunri, and worth twenty-six kasu. On eleven strings (attached) to two points were strung three hundred and eighty-five pearls, viz., round pearls, roundish pearls, polished pearls, small pearls, sakkattu, sappatti and crude pearls. On (it) were fastened thirty-two crystals and twelve potti.
24. One sacred arm-ring of balls and sockets soldered on a band of gold, weighing ,----inclusive of the lac, and exclusive of the copper nails and of the threads,---twenty-two karanju and six manjadi and worth twenty-seven kasu. On eleven strings (attached) to two points were strung four hundred and fifteen pearls, viz., round pearls, roundish pearls, polished pearls, small pearls, sappatti and sakkattu.On (it) were fastened thirty-two crystals and twelve potti.
25. One sacred arm-ring of balls and sockets soldered on a band of gold, weighing ,-----inclusive of the lac, and exclusive of the copper nails and of the threads,---twenty-two karanju and three quaters and four manjadi , and worth twenty-nine kasu. On eleven strings (attached) to two points were strung four hundred and twenty-six pearls, viz., round pearls, roundish pearls, polished pearls, small pearls, sappatti , sakkattu and crude pearls. On (it) were fastened thirty-two crystals and twelve potti.
26. A sacred girdle (tiruppattigai), weighing,---inclusive of the lac, and exclusive of the threads and of the stones (silai),---eighty karranju and three quarters, two manjadi and (one) kunri, and worth fifty-five kasu. On one clasp were fastened twenty-four crystals, nine potti and fifty-six diamond crystals. On twelve flowers (pu) , (each of which consisted of) five (pieces) joined, were fastened fifty-four crystals and six potti. On one bud (mottu) at the top of the chief pendant (?tanaittakkam) (which had the shape of ) a braided garland ([p] innukkovai), were fastened one crystal, one potti, nine diamond crystals and eight bundles (savi) of three strings (each) . Into eight small pendants (siru-tukkam),--- in the middle of the bundles,---(each of) which had three vidangu at the top of an enali, were set eight potti and (on them) were fastened sixteen crystals. On the body (? udal), the points, the bundles, the pendants and the chief pendant were strung twothousand three hundred and forty-nine pearls, viz., round pearls, roundish pearls, polished pearls, small pearls, crude pearls , sakkattu and sappatti. On the clasp were sewn nine sappatti pearls.
27. One sacred foot-ring (tiruvadikkarai) of balls and socketssoldered on a band of gold, weighing,----inclusive of the lac, and exclusive of the copper nails and of the threads,----thirty-one karanj , six manjadi and (one) kunri, and worth forty-four kasu. On twelve strings (attached) to two points were strung four hundred and sixty-nine pearls, viz., round prearls, roundish pearls, polished pearls, small pearls, crude pearls sappatti and sakkattu. On (it) were fastened forty-two crystals and thirty potti.
28. One sacred foot-ring of balls and sockets soldered on a band of gold, weighing,----inclusive of the lac, and exclusive of the copper nails and of the threads used for stringing,--- thirty karanju and a half, four manjadi and three tenths, and worth forty-two kasu. On twelve strings (attached) to two points were strung four hundred and eighty-eight pearls , roundish pearls, roundish pearls, polished pearls, small pearls, crude pearls, sappatti and sakkattu. On (it) were fastened forty-two crystals and thirty potti.

29. One sacred arm-ring , (consisting of) eleven karanju and a half of gold.

30. One sacred arm-ring, (consisting of ) eleven karanju, seven manjadi and (one) kunri of gold.
31. One sacred arm-ring, (consisting of ) twelve karanju and a half of gold.
32. One sacred arm-ring,(consisting of) twelve karanju and three quaters and two manjadi of gold.
33. One sacred foot-ring(consisting of ) fourteen karanju and a quarter of gold .
34. One sacred foot-ring, (consisting of ) thirteen karanju and three quarters and (one) manjadi of gold.
35. One small scimitar, the hilt (?), blade (?) and knob of which were inlaid with gold.
36. One plate (taligai), bearing the illustrious name of Panchavan-mahadevi (and consisting of ) seventy-one karanju, six manjadi and four tenths of silver.
37. One cup (vattil), bearing the illustrious name of Panchavan-mahadevi (and consisting of ) seventy-one karanju, six manjadi and four tenths of silver.
38. To (the image of ) Umaparamesvari, the consort of this Tainjaiyaragar,--- the same (queen) gave:---
39. One pair of pearl sidukku, weighing, inclusive of the gold, two karanju and (one) kunri, and worth four and seven twentieths of a kasu. On (it) were strung eighteen pearls, viz., sappatti and small pearls.
40. One pearl bracelet (sudagam), weighing,--- inclusive of the lac , and exclusive of the threads used for stringing,---twenty karanju and a quater and (one) kunri, and worth thirty kasu. To two points (were attached) six karakigai, twenty-four potti which were soldered and set into sockets, and seventy fastened crystals. On fourteen strings were strung four hundred and eighty-one pearls, viz., round pearls, roundish pearls, polished pearls, small pearls, crude pearls, sakkattu and old pearls.
41.One bracelet, weighing,----inclusive of the lac, and exclusive of the threads used for stringing,---twenty-one karanju and a quarter, and worth thirty kasu. To two points (were attached) six karadigai, twenty-four potti which were soldered and set (into) sockets, and seventy-nine fastened crystals. On fourteen strings were strung four hundred and eighty-five pearls, viz.,round pearls, roundish pearls, polished pearls, small pearls, crude pearls, sakkattu and old pearls.
42. One sacred foot-ring , weighing,----inclusive of the lac and exclusive of the threads,---- twenty karanju and three quarters and two manjadi, and worth twenty-five kasu. To two points (were attached) six karadigai, twenty-two potti which were soldered and set (into) sockets , and eighty-seven fastened crystals. On twelve strings were strung four hundred and sixty-seven pearls, viz., round pearls, roundish pearls, polished pearls, small pearls, crude pearls, sakkattu and old pearls.
43. One sacred foot-ring , weighing, ---- inclusive of the lac and exclusive of the threads, ----nineteen karanju and eight manjadi, and worth twenty-four kasu. To two points (were attached ) six karadigai, twenty-four potti which were soldered and set (into) sockets, and eighty-one fastened crystals. On twelve strings were strung four hundred and sixty-eight pearls , viz., round pearls, roundish pearls, small pearls, crude pearls, sakkattu and old pearls.
44. A collar (karai), (consisting of) two karanju, seven manjadi and (one) kunri of gold,---- including one spiral (tiru) which was strung on (it).
45. One sacred arm-ring, (consisting of ) nine karanju and a half and (0ne) kuari of gold.
46. One sacred arm-ring , (consisting of ) nine karnju and a quater of gold.
47. One sacred foot-ring, (consisting of ) ten karanju and a half , two manjadi and (one) kunri of gold.
48.One collar with a spiral (tirukkarai), (consisting of) eleven karanju and a quarter of gold.
49. To (the image of) Ganapati, which the same (queen) had set up, she gave:----
50. One sacred arm-ring, (consisting of) ten karanju and half of gold.
51. One sacred arm-ring, (consisting of) ten karanju of gold.
52. One sacred foot-ring , (consisting of ) eleven karanju and three quarters of gold.
53. One sacred foot-ring, (consisting of ) twelve karanju, seven manjadi and (one) kunri of gold.

References:

Book referred to with reference to the pillars and the inscriptions to identify the damages.
SOUTH INDIAN INSCRIPTIONS, three Volumes
Volume two has Parts 1 & 2,
First published by ASI in 1892
Madras.
By E. Hultzsch.

Thanjavur world heritage: How to fix broken pillars with araldite.

Photo of an inscription in Thanjavur Temple and cover page of the book by E. Hultzsch.

Initial survey on the loss and damage of Inscriptions in BIG Temple after ASI's so called conservation

August 2008.


"If E. Hultzsch, the Epigraphist comes back, it will break his heart", said my local guide to the temple.



I said if Raja Raja Chola comes back, "he will order those ASI officials, with death sentence for having damaged his inscriptions".

Some workers were busy trying to fix broken and shattered pillars with araldite!



I asked the head contractor what are you doing ? He said we received orders to put them back and keep them in museum!

Before E. Hultzsch the Epigraphist identified the Inscriptions found in the Big Temple, in the last part of last century, the temple was referred to Kaduvetti Chozhan Temple by Thanjavur local people, who were afraid of going inside as the Temple was covered with jungle. At that time the temple was used as a garrison for the British Army with nominal poojas performed in the main sanctum. Earlier the temple was not visited by people at all as jungle had covered the premises. When I visited the temple in 1971, it was full of shrubs and in subsequent visits it was in a much better shape.

A local reporter said "Local People are shell shocked about the Vandalism in the name of Conservation after our report was published , it has sent some ripples. There were denial statement issued by the ASI Vide the Indian express, Chennai edition dated 25, August, 2008. We purchased local Indian express in Thanjavur edition did not have the news."

I asked my guide whether all Inscriptions have been deciphered?



Some inscriptions were in niches and not mentioned by E. Hultzsch has been identified and deciphered later. Yes "The inscription that mentions that Raja Raja Chola had covered the Temple gopuram with gold gauze was discovered was discovered later".

Where is all the gold gauze now I asked?

He said "it was looted by Malik Kafur".



Why are there no signs of Malik kafur's invasions?




He pointed out to the two tiers over the Ardhamandapam that were demolished and remnants can be found. "This is not normally visible unless pointed out by guides".

Inside the sanctum the Archaka said "the invaders did not even spare the 'peruvudayar' the largest Siva lingam in any Hindu Temple. Raja Raja wanted every thing big in the temple. The invaders attempted to uproot it with crowbars but their efforts were in vain. One can see to this day the marks of crowbar on the back of deity".

It is ridiculous that when E. Hultzsch, (Epigraphist, to the Government of Madras from 1886 to 1903) published his monumental three volume book on the Brihadeeswara Temple inscriptions by ASI under the British he could have never have imagined, that the very same ASI, under Independent India, would be instrumental in destroying those Inscriptions 105 years down the line!.

His book South Indian Inscriptions and identified the inscriptions on the broken pillars as given below.

The damaged pillars and the inscriptions found on them are found published in the VOL 2 Parts 1 & 2. I am not going into details of the inscriptions in this report, as these are voluminous. These will be published seperately. Some pillars have inscriptions on one side. Some have on two sides; some have inscription on three sides and some on four sides.



1) INSCRIPTION NO 47 - Pillar on three sides ( Page 191-192)



2) INSCRIPTION NO 48 - Pillar B . Has inscriptions on two sides.(PAGE 195 -196)



3) INSCRIPTION NO 51- PILLAR B. INSCRIPTIUONS ON FOUR SIDES . (PAGE 205 207 )



4) INSCRIPTION NO 51 - PILLAR C. INSCRIPTIONS ON FOUR SIDES. (207 – 210).



5) Mahahamandapam- adhistanam- kumadappadi on the outer wall- maximum damage.


6) Maximum vandalism is found inside the hollow of Sree Vimanam where the original thousand year old one foot thick plaster inside the has been removed – scrapped away . This has not been replaced. This has lead to seepage during the last one year there by weakening of the gopuram. This is considered to be maximum vandalism. This may result in the damage to the gopuram, paintings inside and the damage of the unique Kalasam.

When we came out of the temple premises workers were trying to paste the broken pillars with araldite- obviously from instruction from higher ups in Chennai.

"ASI's method of conservation after destruction" quipped my driver.


GP.Srinivasan
26.8.2008

Reference:

SOUTH INDIAN INSCRIPTIONS, three Volumes

Volume two has Parts 1 & 2,

First published by ASI in 1892 Madras

Reprinted by Navrang in 1983.