Written in stone: A Devadasi’s gift to a Shiva temple February 18, 2021, 9:58 AM IST
From the exploits of warriors, to the benevolence of kings, the knowledge of the high priests and the laws of the land, temple inscriptions record accomplishments and the way of life of our ancestors. Among these an uncommon discovery was a 16th century Tamil inscription slab belonging to the Nayaka period with details of temple land being donated by a Devadasi. The stone slab was found abandoned in Vadivelkarai, a village in Tirupparangunram in Madurai.
Unlike contributions of kings, records of donations by Devadasis are neglected, says senior epigraphist S Rajagopal who deciphered the inscription. The inscription reads: Devadasi Sokki Thummisi of the Shiva temple here donated the paddy land on the outskirts of Thattankulam village to one Manickam. “It was during the time of Sadasivaraja (who ruled the Vijayanagar kingdom) and Visvanatha Nayaka (who ruled Madurai) that the i