Mangulam Inscriptions
Earliest Traces of Rock-cut Tamil-Brahmi Script: Unveiling the donation of Pandya King Neduncheliyan
A trailer on the inscriptions
Step into the past with this captivating video on the Mangulam inscriptions! Unravel ancient stories etched in stone and discover a world shaped by rulers, traders, and monks. Join us as we explore the mystery and significance of these hoary inscriptions!
Ancient Trade Routes Linking Rock beds to Global Commerce
The ancient trade routes of Tamilakam connected these caves with major commercial hubs, fostering economic and cultural exchanges. They linked inland centers like Madurai and Uraiyur to ports like Tondi and Kaveripattinam, integrating Tamilakam into the Indian Ocean trade network.
Mangulam: Potsherd with Tamil Brahmi (Keeladi)Friends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
Evolution from Graffiti to Tamil - Brahmi
Graffiti was the precursor to the Tamil-Brahmi script. This evolution can be observed at sites such as Kodumanal. This was primarily driven by traders and artisans, shaping Tamil’s socio-politco-economic growth.
Mangulam: View of the HillockFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
The first instance of 'ழ' (zha)
The epigraph found in Mangulam mentions donations by the kin of Pandya King Neduncheliyan and others. It also records the earliest known use of the Tamil letter 'ழ' (zha), marking a crucial milestone in the evolution of the Tamil script.
Mangulam: View of the HillockFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
Unveiling the oldest Tamil rock cut Inscriptions
Mangulam first caught the attention of British civil servant and historian Robert Sewell in 1882. Later these inscriptions faded into obscurity. They were rediscovered in 1906 and documented in the Archaeological Review, marking a milestone in early Tamil epigraphy.
Initiating the preservation
In 1965, renowned epigraphist Padma Shri Iravatham Mahadevan visited the site, observing that despite natural weathering, the invaluable inscriptions remained largely intact and initiated their preservation.
Mangulam: View of the InscriptionFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
Echoes of the Sangam Age
The Mangulam inscriptions dating back to 2nd cent. BCE, numbering six, remain a vital piece of Tamil heritage, offering a window into the linguistic, political, and cultural milieu of the Sangam Age.
Inscription 1
Kaṭalaṉ Vaḻuti, a servant of Neṭuñcaḻiyaṉ, had a hermitage carved as a charity for Nanta-siri Kuvan. This inscription highlights the region’s socio-religious aspect, during that period. The earliest known use of the Tamil letter ழ can be see here.
Inscription 2
Caṭikaṉ, the father of Iḷañcaṭikaṉ and husband of Neṭuñcaḻiyaṉ’s sister-in-law, made a hermitage as charity for Nanta-siri Kuvaṉ. This inscription reflects the tradition of patronage.
Inscription 3
Antai Asutaṉ, the superintendent of pearls and kāviti of the merchant guild of Veḷaṟai, donated a drip ledge to the monk, Nanta-siri Kuvaṉ. This epigraph highlights the role of merchant guilds in supporting religious communities.
Inscriptions 4 & 5
Inscription 4 - This inscription records that Kaninanti engraved these on the rock.
Inscription 5 - The inscription states that Cantaritaṉ is the donor.
Inscription 6
The members of the merchant guild of Veḷaṟai which is said to be the neigbouring village of Vellaripatti, have been mentioned here.
Mangulam: View of the HillockFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
A Testament to Jain Patronage in Ancient Tamil Nadu
The inscription at Mangulam records the donation to Nanta-siri Kuvaṉ. This highlights the influence of Jainism in the region during that period, reflecting the diverse religious practices prevalent in ancient Tamil society.
Mangulam: View of the Rock bedsFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
Rock-cut Beds
These beds could have been used by traders as resting spots during their journey. Later, Jain monks often used these caves as their monastic retreats.
Mangulam: Ancient Structural RemainsFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
Structural Remains
Further explorations by the State Department of Archaeology, Tamil Nadu, revealed remains of brick structures outside the lower cave, indicating the presence of an ancient habitation site or monastery complex.
Mangulam: View of the Tamil Brahmi InscriptionFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
Preserving Mangulam: Safeguarding an Ancient Legacy
Recognizing the historical importance of the Mangulam, Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology, in collaboration with various stakeholders, has undertaken initiatives to protect the site from natural and human-induced threats.
Mangulam: View of the HillockFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
Mangulam: A Living Testament of History
Mangulam's historical significance makes it an attractive destination for scholars, researchers, and history enthusiasts. Educational institutions and Heritage organisations often organize field trips to the site, providing students with hands-on learning experiences.
Experience Mangulam on Screen
Learn more about Tamil Nadu’s oldest inscriptions in our FoHS documentary on Mangulam — watch now to journey into the roots of Tamil epigraphy.
1. Early Tamil Epigraphy: From the Earliest Times to the Sixth Century CE by Tamil Brahmi
Inscriptions, Volume 1, Iravatham Mahadevan, Central Institute of Classical Tamil, 2021.
2. தமிழ்-பிராமி கல்வெட்டுகள், தி. ஸ்ரீ. ஸ்ரீதர், தமிழ்நாடு அரசு தொல்லியல்
துறை, 2006.
3. Reconstructing the early history of Jainism in Madurai district, Julie A. Hanlon, University
of Chicago, 2016.
4. Keeladi: An Urban Settlement of Sangam Age on the Banks of River Vaigai, R.
Sivanantham Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology, 2019.
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