An ancient inscription dating back to the 13th century has been documented during an adventurous epigraphical survey in the Nallamala forest region of Andhra Pradesh. The inscription was found on a sluice slab on the southern side of a tank at Yerragondapālem in Markapuram district.
Details of the Inscription
According to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the inscription is written in Telugu and characters and is dated to Durmati year, Adhika Ashadha, Shukla Paksha 15, Wednesday, corresponding to June 20, 1,261 CE. ASI director (epigraphy) Dr K Munirathnam Reddy stated that the inscription provides valuable details about the social, religious and administrative practices of the period.
Donations and Festivities
The inscription records the donation of sugarcane fields and dry lands located below the tank in the temple village, identified as Paramēśvari-ūru. It explained about the grant made to support the wages of members involved in conducting Rangabhōga festivities at the temple of Ashtashakti, situated within the Mahadeva temple complex. The donation was made by chief priest Pōtajīya along with five other members, following the orders of Kāyastha king Tripurāridēva.
Additional Grants
The inscription further mentions additional grants, including 200 mādas to goddess Paramēsvari, 50 mādas to Pōtajīya, and 1,250 mādas to Tādōju, Pōtōju and Prōlaya in the village. Munirathnam Reddy said the discovery throws light on the temple economy, land grants and community-based religious activities during the medieval period in the region.
Significance of the Discovery
The inscription also reflects the importance of irrigation structures like tanks in supporting agricultural activities and sustaining temple institutions. He said the inscription was copied as part of the challenging epigraphical exploration undertaken in the Nallamala forest, highlighting the historical significance of the region and the need for further documentation of ancient records.
