19th Century Stone Inscription Unearths Tamil Charity Tradition in Thanjavur
A significant historical discovery has been made in Thanjavur, where a 19th-century stone inscription shedding light on the profound culture of private charity within Tamil society was recently found by a team of historical researchers. The inscription, measuring approximately 1.5 feet in width and 2.5 feet in height with 30 lines, was uncovered during the demolition of a house belonging to a Maratha family on Rajagopalaswami Temple Street in Kittappa Vattaram.
Research Team's Investigation
Upon learning of the find, a dedicated team of researchers visited the site on March 31 to conduct a thorough study. The team included Mani Maran, a historian and Tamil pandit at the Saraswathi Mahal Library; G Thillai Govindarajan, a retired headmaster; G Jayalakshmi, a graduate teacher; and S Saravanan, a student specializing in palm-leaf manuscript studies. Their expertise was crucial in analyzing the inscription's contents and historical context.
Details of the Charitable Endowment
Dated January 17, 1889, the inscription was authored by Vengo Paattakar from the Marathi family. It documents a charitable endowment established by his younger brother, Nago Paattakar, following the will and instructions of their sibling, Annu Paattakar. The inscription specifies that the upper portion of the house was dedicated to a charity known as 'Dwadashi Kattalai', which involved feeding ten people on auspicious days.
To sustain this noble cause, a permanent deposit of Rs 400 was set aside, with the monthly interest of Rs 3 being used to fund annadanam or food offerings. Nago Paattakar, along with his elder sister Kamakshi Ammal, was responsible for providing these food offerings from the monthly interest. The responsibility for continuing the charity was later designated to pass to Nago's niece, Ganga Bai Ammal, and entrusted to their future generations, ensuring the legacy of philanthropy endured.
Historical Significance and Insights
The researchers emphasized that this discovery provides fresh evidence of how ordinary families, through permanent endowments, sustained public welfare long after the decline of royal rule in the region. Dr. Mani Maran highlighted the broader implications, stating, "Tamil literature and inscriptions repeatedly prove that common citizens matched kings in performing acts of charity. Such endowments supported travellers, provided medical aid, and ensured regular feeding — a tradition that once flourished across Tamil Nadu."
This inscription not only records a specific family's charitable acts but also underscores the deep-rooted tradition of private philanthropy in Tamil society, where individuals took initiative to support community welfare independently of state or royal patronage. It serves as a testament to the enduring values of generosity and social responsibility that have characterized Tamil culture for centuries.
