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Context:

Copper Plates from Vijayanagara Kingdom Discovered in Tiruvallur.

About the Discovery

At the Sri Singeeswarar temple in Mappedu village, Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, two copper plates from the 16th century were found, and they belonged to the Vijayanagara Kingdom.

What Was Found?

The discovery of two copper plates held together by a ring with the royal seal of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. The inscriptions on these plates were written in Sanskrit, using an old script called Nandinagari, which was commonly used during the reign of King Krishnadevaraya.

What Do the Plates Say?

These copper plates date back to 1513 CE, during the King Krishnadevaraya’s reign. They recorded the king’s donation of a village called Vasalabattaka to a group of Brahmins. After the donation, the village was renamed Krishnarayapura, honoring the king.

The plates even describe the village’s boundaries. It was under the control of the Raja of Chandragiri, which today is part of the Tirupati district in Andhra Pradesh.

About Vijayanagara Kingdom

The Vijayanagara Kingdom (1336 to 1646) was founded by brothers Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama dynasty in 1336.

The capital city was Vijayanagara, located at present-day Hampi in Karnataka.

At its peak, the empire covered most of modern-day Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, and parts of Telangana and Maharashtra.

Administration and Society

The empire was monarchy with a well-organized administrative system, it was divided into provinces, each governed by a Nayaka (local governor).

Vijayanagara had a thriving economy based on agriculture, trade, and commerce. The empire was known for its efficient water management systems and irrigation.

The empire was a hub of cultural activities, promoting literature, art, and architecture. It was a melting pot of different cultures, including Hinduism, Jainism, and Islam.

Architecture

The empire is renowned for its temple architecture, which includes the famous Virupaksha Temple and Vittala Temple at Hampi.

The ruins of Vijayanagara at Hampi are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting tourists and historians alike.

Decline

The empire faced a defeat in the Battle of Talikota (1565) against the combined forces of the Deccan Sultanates, although the empire continued to exist in a reduced form until 1646, it never regained its former glory after the Battle of Talikota.

About Sri Singeeswarar temple

The Sri Singeeswarar Temple is located in Mappedu Village near Perambakkam in the Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Background

The temple was established in 976 AD by Aditya Karikalan II, the father of the renowned Chola emperor Rajaraja Cholan, who built the Thanjavur Big Temple.

During the reign of Krishnadevaraya (Vijayanagara empire), his viceroy, Dalavai Ariyanadha Mudaliar constructed the Rajagopuram (main tower), compound wall, and a 16-pillar Mandap in 1501.

Architecture

The temple is built in the Dravidian architectural style.
The main tower, or Rajagopuram, consists of five tiers.
The presiding deity, Singeeswarar, is represented as a slightly large Shiva Lingam in the sanctum.

Deities and Shrines

Lord Shiva, known as Singeeswarar.
Goddess Pushpagujambal.
The temple also houses shrines for: Asthana Vinayaka, Lord Muruga with Valli and Deivanai, Adhikesava Perumal with Sridevi and Bhoodevi, Veerabaleeswarar, Veena Anjaneya, Kala Bhairava, Sun God, and Chandikeswara.

Festivals and Special Features

Important festivals celebrated at the temple include Pradosham (the 13th day from the new moon or full moon) and Mahashivaratri in February-March.
There is an idol of Sri Anjaneya playing the Veena, which is unique to this temple. Devotees aspiring for musical skills often pray to him.

Must Read Articles:

TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE OF INDIA

Hampi and Vijaynagara Empire

VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE

Source:

THE HINDU

Wikipedia

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements regarding the copper plates found in Tiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu:

1. The inscriptions were written in Tamil.

2. They were created during the reign of Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Kingdom.

3. The inscriptions describe a village renamed Krishnarayapura.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1, 2, and 3

D) 3 only

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect:

The inscriptions on the copper plates found in Tiruvallur district were written in Sanskrit using the Nandinagari script. Nandinagari was a script used in the Deccan region and was commonly employed for Sanskrit inscriptions during the Vijayanagara period.

Statement 2 is correct:

The copper plates date back to 1513 CE, reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529 CE). Krishnadevaraya was one of the most famous rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire, known for his military conquests, administrative reforms, and patronage of arts and culture.

Statement 3 is correct:

The inscriptions detail the gift of a village named Vasalabattaka to several Brahmins. This village was subsequently renamed Krishnarayapura in honor of King Krishnadevaraya. Such renaming was a common practice to honor the reigning monarch and to reflect the royal patronage.