Name: ITͅUMPAVANͅAM
SiteImage:
Latitude: 10.42138333
Longitude: 79.59855
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 15
Name of the Site: Originally kept near the tank called Kar̤pakanātakulam within the jurisdiction of Itͅumpavan̤am.
Location: Buddha statue was originally found at Itͅumpavan̤am. But the same had been shifted/ taken away to somewhere and is not traceable at present.
Name of the Village: Itͅumpavan̤am
Taluk: Tiruttur̤aipūnͅtͅi
District: Tiruvārūr
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 25
Seconds: 16.98
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 35
Seconds: 54.78
Approach to the Site: Itͅumpavan̤am is about 10 km east/north-east of Muttuppētͅtͅai and about 22 km south-west of Tiruttur̤aipūnͅtͅi
Nature of the Findings: Stone image
Condition of the Findings: Not known
Size of the Findings: -----
Brief Description: Seated Buddha in dhyāna posture.
Chronology: c. 10th -11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: ---
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: The Buddha statue is mentioned in the records of the Archaeological Survey of India, Chennai circle and also reported in Kalvetͅtͅu kālānͅtͅital̤, a Journal of Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department in 1995. Perhaps after that the sculpture might have been removed from Itͅumpavan̤am.
Photo Reference: -----
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; Kalvetͅtͅu, kālānͅtͅital̤ , 44, October, 1995, p. 34; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.563
ECAI note:

Name: ARIYĀN̤KUPPAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.89625
Longitude: 79.81588889
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 3
Name of the Site: Kākkāyantōppu
Location: Pirammarishi temple in the Kākkāyantōppu
Name of the Village: Ariyān̤kuppam
Taluk: Putuccēri (Pondicherry)
District: Putuccēri (Pondicherry)
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 53
Seconds: 46.5
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 48
Seconds: 57.2
Approach to the Site: It is small town near the coast situated about 5 km south of Putuccēri (Pondicherry). To reach this place one has to go 4 km from Pondicherry - Cuddalore road and take a diversion near Ariyān̤kuppam and proceeds further eastward along the metalled road.
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The nose and a portion of the face are disfigured.
Size of the Findings: H x B x W: 1.46 m x 90 cm x 42 cm
Brief Description: Buddha is shown seated straight in the vajrāparyaṅkāsana (sitting posture in which both the legs are firmly crossed so that the feet with soles visible rest on the thighs) attitude on the pericarp of a full blossomed lotus. He is in the dhyāna-pose with his right palm placed on the left palm in his lap. Buddha is draped in a long lower garment and an upper garment which leaves his right arm, chest and shoulder bare. The pleated end of the upper garment is seen on the left shoulder of Buddha. There is an ushnͅīśa, the cranial protuberance symbolizing Buddha hood, in the form of flame. An ornate arch or tōrana is shown over his head.
Chronology: 10th -11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Private
Associated Findings: Arikamētͅu, the famous trading station on the east coast of India, yielded many Chinese potteries in addition to the pottery and other materials brought from Italy and other Western countries.
Local Tradition: It is interesting to note that many Buddha images are found in and around Pondicherry in the villages very close to the coast. This shows that Pondicherry and its surrounding area were flourished as an important centre of Buddhism at least in the period between the 10th to 13th centuries CE. Another noteworthy feature is that almost all the above places yielded Chinese and South-East Asian potteries datable to 10th-14th centuries CE. Arikamētͅu, the famous trading station on the east coast of India, yielded many Chinese potteries in addition to the pottery and other materials brought from Italy and other Western countries. The Chinese celadon wares found at Arikamētͅu have all the characteristic of the Sung and Yuan Lung Chuan wares and may perhaps be ascribed to circa 10th-12th centuries CE. The Yuan Shi (Yuan-Shi-zin-bian), the annals of the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368 CE) compiled in the 14th century mentions the name of Xin-cun as the port on the Coromandel coast, where Chinese envoys arrived in 1281. The Chinese text mentions that the Chinese Emperor, being anxious to receive a mission from the king of Ju-lan as a token of his submission, sent Imperial envoys to Ju-lan for that purpose in 1280. The port city Xin-cun mentioned in this work is identified variously with Kāveripūmpatͅtͅinͅam, Sadras (Caturaṅgapatͅtͅinͅam) and Sōpuram (Tiruccōpuram) or Cintāmanͅi on the Coromandal coast. N. Karashima identified this place with Pondicherry on the ground that Xin-cun means a "new village" in the Chinese language. Putucc_ri, the original form of Pondicherry also means a "new village" in the Tamil language. As stated above that the discovery of many Chinese and South-East Asian potteries of the 12th-15th centuries in the Pondicherry area testified the fact that this area flourished as an important sea-port and trade centres during that period.
Photo Reference: PLATE-II
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, pp.566; D. Dayalan, Kalpavrksa Essays on Art Architecture and Archaeology, Bharatiya Kala Prakashan, Delhi, 2003, pp.174-186; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p.120; N. Karashima, "Pondicherry in Chinese Sources", N. Karashima (ed), Ancient and Medieval Commercial Activities in the Indian Ocean: Testimony of Inscriptions and Ceramic-Sherds-Report of the Taisho University Research Project 1997-2000, Taisho University, Japan (Printed by Alamu Printers, Chennai, 2002), pp. 160-163
ECAI note:

Name: ĀTTŪR
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.28936111
Longitude: 77.85475
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 5
Name of the Site: Buddharkōyil or Mārimuttu matͅa-ālayam
Location: A small temple of temporary nature amidst the village of Āttūr
Name of the Village: Āttūr
Taluk: Āttūr
District: Dinͅdͅugal
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 17
Seconds: 21.7
East: E
Degrees: 77
Minutes: 51
Seconds: 17.1
Approach to the Site: Āttūr is about 18 km south-west of Dindugal and 64 km north-west of Madurai
Nature of the Findings: Stone image. Partly altered
Condition of the Findings: The original feature of the face and perhaps hair-do are modified recently. Even the lower garment is also shown with folds.
Size of the Findings: H x B x W: 118 cm x 96 cm x 43 cm
Brief Description: Seated Buddha in ardha-padmāsana over a plain pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. It seems a little modification has been done in his face and hair-style at a later period. He has elongated ear-lobes and prominent nose and eye-brows. The shoulder is broad. There is an ushnͅīśa-like projection over his head. The lower garment (dhōti) is shown with many folds. (may be done at a later stage)
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE. The modification has been done recently.
DateCertainty: century range approximation - modification date not mapped
Ownership: Mārimuttu matͅam
Associated Findings: It was originally found in a mound locally known as Buddhamētͅu situated about a kilometre south-west of the Āttūr village. The mound is originally about 1.8 m high and spread out more than 11/2 acres of land. The mound is totally levelled and the whole area is brought under cultivation at present. There is no trace of any ancient structure in this area. Except few pottery of Medieval period, there are hardly any other archaeological evidences in this locality.
Local Tradition: It is told that the sculpture was lying on the mound upside down for quite a long time. Few years before some people try to smuggle the sculpture after making some modification in the face, etc. The local people stopped the smuggling of the sculpture and installed it in the present locality.
Photo Reference: PLATE- IV
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p.86; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, pp.559-568; D. Dayalan, 2003, pp.174-186
ECAI note:

Name: AYIRAVĒLI AYIRŪR (SRIRĀMSAMUDRAM)
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.95891667
Longitude: 78.21846667
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 6
Name of the Site: Kept in front of a house in Ambedkar nagar, Srira_msamudram.
Location: Ambedkar nagar a suburb of Srirāmsamudram.
Name of the Village: Ayiravēli Ayirūr (Srirāmsamudram)
Taluk: Totͅtͅiyam
District: Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 57
Seconds: 32.1
East: E
Degrees: 78
Minutes: 13
Seconds: 6.48
Approach to the Site: About 6 km south of Kātͅtͅupputtūr.
Nature of the Findings: Seated stone Buddha image
Condition of the Findings: The sculpture is slightly buried. The facial details are not clear due its worn out condition. There are flaking in the chest and stomach portions.
Size of the Findings: About 1.16 m high and 98 cm wide
Brief Description: Buddha is shown seated straight in dhyāna-pose with his right palm placed on the left palm in his lap. Buddha is draped in a long lower garment and an upper garment which leaves his right arm, chest and shoulder bare. There is an ushnͅīśa, the cranial protuberance symbolizing Buddha hood, in the form of flame. He has elongated ear-lobes, broad shoulder and curled hair.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Village community
Associated Findings: ---
Local Tradition: The local people worship the sculpture as a Hindu god.
Photo Reference: PLATE -V
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.564
ECAI note:

Name: ARIYĀNͅKUNͅTͅU (PUṄKATͅITITͅAL)
SiteImage:

Latitude: 9.29675
Longitude: 79.27383056
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 4
Name of the Site: Puṅkatͅititͅal in Ariyānͅkunͅtͅu village.
Location: Originally found at Puṅkatͅititͅal in the village of Ariyānͅkunͅtͅu and presently kept in the Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Museum, Ramna_tapuram.
Name of the Village: Ariyānͅkunͅtͅu (Puṅkatͅititͅal)
Taluk: Rāmēsvaram
District: Rāmanātapuram
North: N
Degrees: 9
Minutes: 17
Seconds: 48.3
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 16
Seconds: 25.79
Approach to the Site: About 7 km north-west of Ra_me_svaram
Nature of the Findings: Only the torso portion of Buddha image perhaps of marble or limestone.
Condition of the Findings: Torso of Buddha image. Hands, legs and abdomen portion are damaged.
Size of the Findings: About 1.01 m at the base and 57 cm high
Brief Description: Buddha is seated in dhyāna-posture
Chronology: c. 11th -12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: State Archaeology Department, Government of Tamil Nadu
Associated Findings: Lot of structural remains of medieval period is found in this area.
Local Tradition: Ariyānͅkunͅtͅu may be perhaps the corrupt form of Aruhan (Buddha) kun̤r̤u. It is believed that the Ceylon King Parākirama bāhu, who invaded Tamil Nadu in the 12th century, might have constructed a Buddha vihāra in this area. There is another belief that Mahendra, the family member of king Asoka might have established a Buddhist edifice here before proceeding to Sri Lanka. This area might have served as a sea-port in the earlier days.
Photo Reference: PLATE - III
Published Reference: Tin_aman_i, 01.04.1992 and 18.4.1992; Tin_amalar, 09.04.1992; D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, pp.561 & 565
ECAI note:

Name: BUDDHAMAṄGALAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.77763333
Longitude: 79.73286667
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 7
Name of the Site: Buddha temple at Buddhamaṅgalam
Location: The Buddha image is kept in a small modern temple/ hall constructed by the side of Buddhamangalam village
Name of the Village: Buddhamaṅgalam
Taluk: Kīl̤vēlūr
District: Nāgapatͅtͅinͅam
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 46
Seconds: 39.48
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 43
Seconds: 58.32
Approach to the Site: Buddhamangalam is located about 2.5 km north-west of Kīl̤velūr and 15 km east of Tiruvārūr.
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The face and certain portion of the body are heavily worn out. The hands are slightly broken. The head is fixed over the body with cement.
Size of the Findings: About 1.07 m height x 1.20 m width
Brief Description: Buddha is seated in ardha-padmāsana over a plain pedestal. He is in dhyāna-pose with his right palm placed on the left palm in his lap. Buddha is draped in a long lower garment and an upper garment which leaves his right arm, chest and shoulder bare. The pleated end of the upper garment is seen on the left shoulder of Buddha. There is an ushnͅīśa, the cranial protuberance symbolizing Buddha hood, in the form of flame. He has elongated ear-lobes and broad shoulder. The ūrnͅā is shown prominently in between his eye-brows. The symbolic representation of dharma-chakra is shown in his right hand palm within a diamond shaped groove.
Chronology: 11th -12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Village community
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: Local people worship the image
Photo Reference: PLATE-VI
Published Reference: The Buddha image is reported by Mr. Ramachandran, Nagapattinam
ECAI note:

Name: CELLU_R (SELLU_R)
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.81023333
Longitude: 79.46741667
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1300-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 8
Name of the Site: The Buddhist bronzes and artefacts were found in 2004 while digging for foundation of the house in the south street of Cellu_r (Sellu_r) village.
Location: In the south street of Cellu_r village. Now kept in the Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai.
Name of the Village: Cellu_r (Sellu_r)
Taluk: Kut_ava_sal
District: Tiruva_ru_r
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 48
Seconds: 36.84
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 28
Seconds: 2.7
Approach to the Site: Cellu_r is about 5 km south-west of Kut_ava_sal
Nature of the Findings: More than 42 Buddhist Bronzes and 3 artefacts of Buddhist affiliation.
Condition of the Findings: There is a thick encrustation over some of the bronzes.
Size of the Findings: The bronzes and artefacts range in height from about 7 cm to 52 cm.
Brief Description: The treasure-trove at Cellūr includes Buddha, Maitrēya, Avalokitēśvara, Lokēśvara, votive stūpa, etc in bronze. Some Buddhist artefacts are also in stone. Some of the Buddhist bronzes have Tamil inscription on the pedestal. The unique Buddha bronze of about 52 cm high shows that the Buddha is seated on an ornated throne (siṁhāsana) with his legs hanging down. The feet are resting on a circular pedestal. His right hand is in preaching attitude (vyākyāna mudrā) and the left hand placed on his lap with the palm facing up. He has elongated ear-lobes, curly hair and broad shoulder. There is an ushnͅīśa, the cranial protuberance symbolizing Buddha hood, in the form of flame. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The prabha (arch) and umbrella are shown above his head. The scroll design with two birds is shown around the umbrella. Around the Buddha, in the outer row, is a group of musicians with various musical instruments and flying figures in adoration. At the level of the head of Buddha is shown two figures flanking on either side. At the middle level on either side of the throne of Buddha is shown two standing figures in añjali, on which one is wearing kirīta-makutͅa and another jatͅā-makutͅa. On either side at the feet of Buddha are portrayed two seated saints/devotees also in adoration. The votive stūpa of about 30 cm high is again a unique one. The votive stūpa consists of a raised double storeyed platform (mēdhi), anͅdͅa, railing (harmika) and umbrallas (chatrāvali). All the four sides of the platform is carved with the tales of Buddha’s life i.e., subjugation of Nalgiri, first sermon, death of Buddha (parinirvāna), standing Buddha, Buddha in bhūmiparśa-mudrā, etc.
Chronology: 11th -13th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai
Associated Findings: Large number of pottery of medieval period is found in this locality.
Local Tradition: ---
Photo Reference: PLATE -- VII to X
Published Reference: The Hindu 25.12 2011
ECAI note:

Name: CIN̤N̤AMĒTͅU
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.10468333
Longitude: 79.85705
TimeBegin: 0199-12-31
TimeEnd: 0400-01-02
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 9
Name of the Site: In the off-shore near Cin̤n̤amētͅu
Location: Found in the sea near Cin̤n̤amētͅu and Presently kept in Tamil Nadu State Marine Archaeology Museum at Kāveripūmpatͅtͅinͅam (Reserve collection)
Name of the Village: Cin̤n̤amētͅu
Taluk: Taraṅkampātͅi
District: Nāgappatͅtͅinͅam
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 6
Seconds: 16.86
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 51
Seconds: 25.38
Approach to the Site: About 5 km north-east of A_kku_r junction and 4 kms south of Ka_verippu_mpat_t_in_am.
Nature of the Findings: The sculpture is made of Palnad limestone.
Condition of the Findings: The hands and feet are broken. There are lot of cavities formed on the whole body of the figure. The face and body are totally disfigured.
Size of the Findings: About 57 cm high x 25 cm wide
Brief Description: Standing Buddhist statue of Amaravati-Nāgarjunakonda style. He is shown with elongated ears. The whole body is covered with long cloth and folds of the cloth are clearly shown. The statue might have come from Andhra Pradesh. It is interesting to note that the Buddha-pāda of Palnad limestone of 3rd-4th century CE is also found in the excavation of Buddhist edifices at Pallavanēśvaram (Mēlaiyūr) in Kāverippūmpatͅtͅinͅam.
Chronology: 3rd-4th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Presently under the care of State Archaeology Department, Government of Tamil Nadu
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: In 1996 a fisherman has found this statue in the offshore near Cin̤n̤amētͅu and the villagers installed the image in the local Amman shrine before the same was shifted to the museum.
Photo Reference: PLATE-XI
Published Reference: Kalvetͅtͅu, kalānͅtͅital̤, 47, 1996, p.35
ECAI note:

Name: CUTTAMALLI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.09713889
Longitude: 79.27111111
TimeBegin: 1100-01-07
TimeEnd: 1300-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 10
Name of the Site: Cuttamalli (Suttamalli) village
Location: The sculpture was originally found in Cuttamalli village and at present it is kept in the Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai.
Name of the Village: Cuttamalli (Suttamalli)
Taluk: Utͅaiyārpālͅaiyam
District: Ariyalūr
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 5
Seconds: 49.7
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 16
Seconds: 16
Approach to the Site: Cuttamalli is about 78 km north-east of Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The nose of the image is slightly broken.
Size of the Findings: About 1.51 m high x 98 cm wide
Brief Description: Seated Buddha in ardha-padmāsana on a high moulded platform. The kanͅtͅha (recess) portion of the platform has the depiction of lion images. Both the hands of Buddha are kept on the lap in dhyāna-pose. The palm of the upper hand is shown with dharma-chakra. He has an elongated ear-lobes and broad shoulder. There is a prominent ushnͅīśa in the form of flame. He has curly hair. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. There is an ornated arch around his head. There are two figures shown on either side above the shoulder level of Buddha.
Chronology: 12th -13th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai
Associated Findings: Not known
Local Tradition: ------
Photo Reference: PLATE- XII
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.564; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 111
ECAI note:

Name: EL̤UMAGALͅŪR
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.99375
Longitude: 79.6275
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 11
Name of the Site: The sculpture is found while de-silting the tank at El̤umagalūr village.
Location: The sculpture is presently lying by the side of a tank locally known as Periyakul_am in El̤umagalūr village
Name of the Village: El̤umagalūr
Taluk: Kuttālam
District: Nāgappatͅtͅinͅam
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 59
Seconds: 37.5
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 37
Seconds: 39
Approach to the Site: El̤umagalͅūr is situated about 10 km north-west of Ponthōtͅtͅam, 16 km south-west of Mylādͅuturai and 15 km north-west of Ambagarattūr
Nature of the Findings: Torso of stone Buddha
Condition of the Findings: Only the torso portion is available
Size of the Findings: About 74 cm height x 82 cm width
Brief Description: The torso Buddha is shown with the upper garment which leaves his right arm, chest and shoulder bare. The pleated end of the upper garment is seen on the left shoulder of Buddha. The hands are broken.
Chronology: 11th- 12th centuries CE.
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Village administration
Associated Findings: Few potsherds of medieval period are also found along with this torso of Buddha while de-silting the tank.
Local Tradition: ---
Photo Reference: PLATE- XIII
Published Reference: Mr. Ramachandran, Nagapattinam has reported this finding
ECAI note:

Name: GAṄGAIKONͅTͅACŌL̤APURAM (1)
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.20652778
Longitude: 79.44916667
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1800-01-01
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 12
Name of the Site: Original location is not known. Out of these images one is said to have brought from somewhere (Kīl̤ Kulͅattūr?) in Ariyalūr taluk.
Location: Original location is not known. Presently kept in the Historical Museum ofRājendracōl̤a at Gaṅgaikonͅtͅacōl̤apuram (Dept of Archaeology, Govt. of Tamil Nadu)
Name of the Village: Gaṅgaikonͅtͅacōl̤apuram
Taluk: Utͅaiyārpālͅaiyam
District: Ariyalūr
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 12
Seconds: 23.5
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 26
Seconds: 57
Approach to the Site: Gaṅgaikonͅtͅacōl̤apuram is about 10 km east of Jayaṅkonͅtͅacōl̤apuram.
Nature of the Findings: Three seated Buddha images in stone
Condition of the Findings: Two are almost intact and the third one is partly broken.
Size of the Findings: a. 71 cm height x 44 cm breadth; b. 52 cm height x 34 cm breadth; c.1.04 m height x 74 cm breadth
Brief Description: a. a. Seated Buddha in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. The left knee and the pedestal below it are partly broken. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has elongated ear-lobes and broad shoulder. There is an ushnͅīśa in the form of flame. The ūrnͅā is shown prominently in between the eye-brows. He has curly hair. There is an oval shaped halo (?) behind the head. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare.
b. b. This is comparatively a small figure. Buddha seated on a plain pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has curly hair, elongated ear-lobes and broad shoulder. There is an ushnͅīśa in the form of flame. The ūrnͅā is shown prominently on the forehead. The upper garment of Buddha is shown covered the left shoulder and leaving and leaving his right arm, chest and shoulder bare. c. c. Seated Buddha in ardha-padmāsana over a high pedestal. The recess (kanͅtͅha) of the pedestal is carved with vyāla and pilasters alternatively. Both of hands of Buddha are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has elongated ear-lobes, curly hair and broad shoulder. There is an ushnͅīśa in the form of flame. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The arch or tōranͅa decorated with scroll design emerging from the makara-mouths is shown behind him. On the top of the tōranͅa is shown triple umbrellas one above the other (?).
Chronology: (a) 10th-11th centuries CE; (b) 17th -18th centuries CE; (c) 10th -11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximaton of different period items
Ownership: Dept. of Archaeology, Govt of Tamil Nadu.
Associated Findings: -----
Local Tradition: ------
Photo Reference: PLATE- XIV to XVI
Published Reference: Natana Kasinathan and M. Chandramurthy (eds.) Perambalur Māvatͅtͅat Tatͅayaṅkalͅ, 2007, pp 170-172; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 110
ECAI note:

Name: ILAIYŪR (or perhaps ERAIYŪR)
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.82811667
Longitude: 79.47151667
TimeBegin: 1100-01-07
TimeEnd: 1300-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 13
Name of the Site: In the field near the village.
Location: ----
Name of the Village: Ilaiyūr (It is perhaps mentioned as Eraiyūr in the Government Museum, Egmore)
Taluk: Kutͅavāsal
District: Tiruvārūr
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 49
Seconds: 41.22
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 28
Seconds: 17.46
Approach to the Site: Ilaiyūr is about 4 km south-west of Kutͅavāsal
Nature of the Findings: Seated Buddha in granite stone
Condition of the Findings: The nose, lips are slightly worn out.
Size of the Findings: About 1.86 m high x 1.40 m wide
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a lotus pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes, deep-cut lips and flame-like ushnͅīśa. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare.
Chronology: c. 12th-13th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai
Associated Findings: ------
Local Tradition: The seated Buddha statue was originally found in Ilaiyūr village. The local people informed that the sculpture was taken away long back to Delhi perhaps to keep it in the National Museum, New Delhi. But Dr. C. Minakshi mentioned that the image was moved to the Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai. One of the Buddha image now displayed in the Government Museum, Egmore has been mentioned as came from Eraiyūr. Perhaps this statue may be from Ilaiyūr.
Photo Reference: PLATE- XVIII
Published Reference: C. Minakshi, South Indian Studies-II, 1979, p.114; Kalvetͅtͅu, kālānͅtͅital̤ , 44, October, 1995, p. 34
ECAI note:

Name: JEYAṄKONͅTͅACŌL̤APURAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.21027778
Longitude: 79.36305556
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 16
Name of the Site: Buddhar street, Jeyaṅkonͅtͅacōl̤apuram
Location: The Buddha image found in the Buddhar street at Jeyaṅkonͅtͅacōl̤apuram is kept over a raised modern platform.
Name of the Village: Jeyaṅkonͅtͅacōl̤apuram
Taluk: Utͅaiyārpālͅaiyam
District: Ariyalūr
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 12
Seconds: 37
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 21
Seconds: 47
Approach to the Site: Jeyaṅkonͅtͅacōl̤apuram is easily approachable from various cities in Tamil Nadu by road
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The nose of the image is slightly broken.
Size of the Findings: About 1.16 m high x 86 cm width
Brief Description: Seated Buddha in ardha-padmāsana on low padmapītͅha. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has an elongated ear-lobes, curly hair and broad shoulder. There is a prominent ushnͅīśa in the form of flame. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. There is an elongated halo behind the head, all along the outer ring of it is shown the flame-like embellishment. Over the halo is depicted the umbrella. The bōdhi tree is shown behind this umbrella and above the head of Buddha and the halo. The trunk of the tree is carved behind the seated Buddha.
Chronology: 11th -12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Archaeological Survey of India, Chennai circle
Associated Findings: Not known
Local Tradition: ------
Photo Reference: PLATE -XIX
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.564; Natana Kasinathan and M. Chandramurthy (eds.) Perambalur Ma_vat_t_at Tat_ayan_kal_, 2007, pp 170-172; A_van_am, ital_, 19, 2008, p. 235
ECAI note:

Name: KALͅAKKĀTͅTͅŪR
SiteImage:

Latitude: 12.76092222
Longitude: 79.71615278
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 17
Name of the Site: The Buddha image is kept by the side of an Amman temple near the lake of Kalͅakkātͅtͅūr village.
Location: The location is about 2 km south-west of Kalͅakkātͅtͅūr village.
Name of the Village: Kalͅakkātͅtͅūr
Taluk: Uttiramērūr
District: Kāñcipuram
North: N
Degrees: 12
Minutes: 45
Seconds: 39.32
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 42
Seconds: 58.15
Approach to the Site: Kalͅakkātͅtͅūr is about 10 km south of Kāñcipuram on Kāñcipuram-Uttiramērūr road
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The sculpture is broken into two pieces. The hands are slightly damaged. The nose, eye-brows and lips are weathered.
Size of the Findings: About 76 cm high x 44 cm wide
Brief Description: Buddha seated on a high moulded platform in ardha-padmāsana. The kanͅtͅha (recess) portion of the platform has been carved with pilasters in relief. Both the hands of Buddha are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has an elongated ear-lobes and broad shoulder. There is a prominent ushnͅīśa in the form of flame. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. There is an ornated arch around his head.
Chronology: 11th -12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: ----
Associated Findings: Not known
Local Tradition: ------
Photo Reference: PLATE- XX
Published Reference: The detail of this site is informed by Dr. K. Kumar, Chennai
ECAI note:

Name: KANͅTͅIRAMĀNͅIKKAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.90881667
Longitude: 79.51426667
TimeBegin: 1100-01-07
TimeEnd: 1300-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 19
Name of the Site: The sculpture was noticed during the construction of a house in the South Agraharam of Kanͅtͅiramānͅikkam and presently kept in the Government Museum in the Tyagarāja swamy temple, Tiruvārūr.
Location: Found in South Agraharam of Kanͅtͅiramānͅikkam.
Name of the Village: Kanͅtͅiramānͅikkam
Taluk: Kutͅavāsal
District: Tiruvārūr
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 54
Seconds: 31.74
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 30
Seconds: 51.36
Approach to the Site: Kanͅtͅiramānͅikkam is about 14 km north-east of Kutͅavāsal and 13 km north-west of Nan̤n̤ilam.
Nature of the Findings: Seated Stone image
Condition of the Findings: Nose is broken. Otherwise the sculpture is intact.
Size of the Findings: About 1.62 m high and 1.28 m wide
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes, deep-cut lips, and flame-like ushnͅīśa. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The right palm is shown with dharma-chakra symbol. There is a prominent inverted (upside down) question-mark (with curl) like ūrnͅā on the fore-head.
Chronology: c. 12th-13th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Government Museum in Tyagarāja swamy temple, Tiruvārūr.
Associated Findings: Few pottery of medieval period are found at the spot where the image was found.
Local Tradition: -----
Photo Reference: PLATE- XXVIX
Published Reference: Āvanͅam, ital̤, 24, July, 2013, pp. 267-68
ECAI note:

Name: KĀÑCIPURAM (1)
SiteImage:

Latitude: 12.84088889
Longitude: 79.70252778
TimeBegin: 0500-01-02
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 18(1)
Name of the Site: Kāmākshi amman̤ temple and its vicinity
Location: Within and nearby the temple complex.
Name of the Village: Kāñcipuram
Taluk: Kāñcipuram
District: Kāñcipuram
North: N
Degrees: 12
Minutes: 50
Seconds: 27.2
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 42
Seconds: 9.1
Approach to the Site: Kāñcipuram is about 74 south-west of Chennai.
Nature of the Findings: Stone sculptures of standing and seated Buddha.
Condition of the Findings: Some of them are mutilated.
Size of the Findings: The standing Buddha image is about 2.18 m high x 74 cm wide; The seated headless Buddha in the outer prākāra of Kāmākshi amman̤ temple is 1.06 m high The seated dhyana Buddha in the garden nearby Kāmākshi amman̤ temple is 1.71 m high.
Brief Description: There is an impressive figure of a large standing Buddha of about 6th-7th centuries CE hailed from the premises of the Kamakshi amman̤ temple. This is presently kept in the Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai. Buddha's hands are broken. He is shown with curly hair with a protuberance at the top. The whole body is covered with long cloth and folds of the cloth are clearly shown. Within the outer compound wall (prākāra) of Kāmākshi amman̤ temple and beside the tank, and opposite to the manͅdͅapa are two images of the Buddha. While one is headless and the other is both without its head and hands. In a private garden close by the Kāmākshi amman̤ temple there is a seated Buddha image in the dhyāna attitude. This image is somewhat large in size. (C. Minakshi, 1979, p. 111)
Chronology: 6th-7th centuries CE to 11th-12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation of multiple objects
Ownership: The Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai and few of them are in private collection.
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: Since many images of Buddha are found in the vicinity of the Kāmākshi amman̤ temple, it is reasonable to believe that there must have exist a Buddhist temple in the neighbourhood of this temple.
Photo Reference: PLATE- XXI
Published Reference: A. Gopinath Rao, “Buddha Vestiges in Kanchipura,” Indian Antiquary: A Journal of Oriental Research, XLIV, 1915 (Reprint 1985), pp.127-129; C. Minakshi, South Indian Studies-II, 1979, pp. 83-131; Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami, Pauttamum Tamil̤ium, 1980, pp. 78,98 and 175-176
ECAI note:

Name: KĀÑCIPURAM (2)
SiteImage:

Latitude: 12.84544167
Longitude: 79.70920556
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 18(2)
Name of the Site: Karukkilamarnta amman̤ temple
Location: In the open courtyard of the temple complex.
Name of the Village: Kāñcipuram
Taluk: Kāñcipuram
District: Kāñcipuram
North: N
Degrees: 12
Minutes: 50
Seconds: 43.59
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 42
Seconds: 33.14
Approach to the Site: In the south part of Kāñcipuram and close to the Kāñcipuram- Uttiramērūr road
Nature of the Findings: Stone sculptures.
Condition of the Findings: There are two sculptures. All are in good state of preservation.
Size of the Findings: H x B x W: (1) 53 x 46 x 26 cm; (2) 66 x 55 x 28 cm
Brief Description: Both are seated in ardha-padmāsana over a moulded pedestal. In one case both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose whereas other Buddha is shown in bhūmiparśa-mudrā. They have elongated ear-lobes and broad shoulder. There is an ushnͅīśa, the cranial protuberance symbolizing Buddha hood, in the form of flame. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The ūrnͅā is shown prominently in between their eye-brows. The arch is shown over the head of Buddha in bhūmiparśa-mudrā and ornated tōranͅa behind the Buddha in dhyāna pose
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE.
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Karukkilamarnta amman̤ authorities
Associated Findings: -----
Local Tradition: Both the sculptures are kept along with many other Hindu sculptures and worshipped them also as Hindu gods. It seems that the sculptures are originally found in the Mētͅtͅu street in Kāñcipuram. (Mayilai.Cini. Venkatacami, 1980, p. 55)
Photo Reference: PLATE- XXII
Published Reference: Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami, Pauttamum Tamil̤ium, 1980, p. 55; C. Minakshi, South Indian Studies-II, 1979, p.111
ECAI note:

Name: KĀÑCIPURAM (3)
SiteImage:

Latitude: 12.83938333
Longitude: 79.70325
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 18(3)
Name of the Site: C. Subburaya mudaliyar school, Kāñcipuram
Location: In the open ground of the C. Subburaya mudaliyar school
Name of the Village: Kāñcipuram
Taluk: Kāñcipuram
District: Kāñcipuram
North: N
Degrees: 12
Minutes: 50
Seconds: 21.78
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 42
Seconds: 11.7
Approach to the Site: About a kilometre south of Kāmatci temple, Kāñcipuram
Nature of the Findings: Stone sculpture of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The nose and lips are slightly worn out.
Size of the Findings: About 84 cm high x 68 cm wide
Brief Description: Seated Buddha in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has elongated ear-lobes, curly hair and broad shoulder. There is an ushnͅīśa in the form of flame. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The folds of the lower garments are shown clearly.
Chronology: c. 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: School authorities
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: ----
Photo Reference: PLATE- XXIII
Published Reference: K. Sivaramalingam,1997, p. 71
ECAI note:

Name: KĀÑCIPURAM (4)
SiteImage:

Latitude: 12.84613889
Longitude: 79.70075
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1300-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 18(4)
Name of the Site: Ēkāmbarēśvara temple
Location: On the compound wall (prākāra wall) of the Ēkāmbarēśvara temple.
Name of the Village: Kāñcipuram
Taluk: Kāñcipuram
District: Kāñcipuram
North: N
Degrees: 12
Minutes: 50
Seconds: 46.1
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 42
Seconds: 2.7
Approach to the Site: About a kilometre north-west of Kāñcipuram bus-stand
Nature of the Findings: There are many small Buddha images on the southern and northern side compound wall (prākāra) of the Ēkāmbarēśvara temple constructed by the Vijayanagara king Krishnadēva rāya in the 16th century. In fact the stones on which the bas-relief sculptures carved are reused for the construction of the compound wall.
Condition of the Findings: Some of them are found disfigured and mutilated.
Size of the Findings: H x B: (1). 40 x 30 cm; (2). 26 x 21 cm; (3). 26 x 21 cm; (4). 26 x 21 cm; (5). 38x 29 cm; (6). 38 x 29 cm; (7). 26 x21 cm
Brief Description: There are seven Buddha images on the southern compound wall (prākāra) towards the right of the side entrance of the temple. All the seven bas-relief figures are the seated Buddha in ardha-padmāsana over a moulded pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. They have elongated ear-lobes and broad shoulder. There is an ushnͅīśa-like projection over their head. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. All are carved within a niche fashioned in arch shape. In some cases (i.e. three) the sunken niches are shown within the embossed tōranͅa. In addition to these seven bas-relief sculptures of seated Buddha, there is also a bas-relief of Buddha in parinirvāna (reclining form) found on the eastern outer compound wall (prākāra) of the temple. The image is about 61 cm. The face is slightly damaged. There is a prabhā over the head. He is wearing a close fitting long robe extending from neck to ankles. He has a prominent ūrnͅā and flame-like ushnͅīśa projection over their head. This stone is also used for the construction of the compound wall. (C. Minakshi, 1979, p. 109; Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami, 1980, p. 54 and plate) On the inner side of the northern wall of the outer prākāra of the temple, enclosing the flower garden is a Buddha small in size worked into a niche with a tōranͅa and two pilasters decorating the outline of the niche. The above figure is sculptured on the face of a rectangular block of stone which is now built into the wall. (C. Minakshi, 1979, p. 110) In this same temple Prof. Dubreuil has noticed a slab with the carving of “Temptation of Buddha” in 1927. He sent this figure to the Musee Guimmet in Paris. (C. Minakshi, 1979, p. 110)
Chronology: c. 10th-13th centuries CE.
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Ēkāmbarēśvara temple authorities
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: The abundance of Buddhist sculptures in and around the Ēkāmbarēśvara temple indicates that there was a Buddhist shrine in the vicinity of this area. The stone of this Buddhist structure has been reused for the construction of compound wall of Ēkāmbarēśvara temple.
Photo Reference: PLATE- XXIV to XXV
Published Reference: Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami, Pauttamum Tamil̤ium, 1980, p. 54; C. Minakshi, South Indian Studies-II, 1979, pp.109-110; Āvanͅam, ital̤, 18, 2007, p.198
ECAI note:

Name: KĀÑCIPURAM (5)
SiteImage:

Latitude: 12.83869444
Longitude: 79.7015
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 18(5)
Name of the Site: The Periya Kāñci Police Station near Ēkāmbarēśvara temple
Location: In front of the Police station
Name of the Village: Kāñcipuram
Taluk: Kāñcipuram
District: Kāñcipuram
North: N
Degrees: 12
Minutes: 50
Seconds: 19.3
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 42
Seconds: 5.4
Approach to the Site: The Police station is close to the Ēkāmbarēśvara temple
Nature of the Findings: Stone image
Condition of the Findings: The sculpture is in good condition.
Size of the Findings: H x B x W: 85 x 68 x 32 cm
Brief Description: Seated Buddha in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal fashioned as a padma-pītͅha. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has elongated ear-lobes, curly hair, broad shoulder and prominent ūrnͅā on the fore-head. There is an ushnͅīśa in the form of flame. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Police Station authorities
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: The local people informed that this image was first kept in the Ēkāmbarēśvara temple complex, at a later stage this was shifted to this place. According to another local account this sculpture was brought from a village known as Pūcivākkam, a suburb of Kāñci. (C. Minakshi, p. 110)
Photo Reference: PLATE- XXVI
Published Reference: Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami, Pauttamum Tamil̤ium, 1980, p. 54; C. Minakshi, South Indian Studies-II, 1979, p.110
ECAI note:

Name: KĀÑCIPURAM (6)
SiteImage:

Latitude: 12.83872222
Longitude: 79.70144444
TimeBegin: 1100-01-07
TimeEnd: 1400-01-09
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 18(6)
Name of the Site: Kacciyappēśvara temple
Location: On the pillars of the manͅdͅapa and in the kūdͅu-arches of the gōpura of the temple
Name of the Village: Kāñcipuram
Taluk: Kāñcipuram
District: Kāñcipuram
North: N
Degrees: 12
Minutes: 50
Seconds: 19.4
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 42
Seconds: 5.2
Approach to the Site: About a kilometre west of Kāñcipuram bus-stand
Nature of the Findings: Bas-relief of Buddha images on the pillars and within the kūdͅu-arches. Some of the bas-relief sculptures are looks like the Hindu saints?
Condition of the Findings: Except few all other bas-relief sculptures are in good condition.
Size of the Findings: H x B: (1). 24 x28 cm; (2). 26 x27 cm; (3). 20 x 22 cm; (4). 19 x 21.5 cm; (5). 19 x 22 cm; (6). 19 x 24 cm; (7). 18 x23 cm; (8). 21 x 25 cm; (9). 21.5 x 20 cm; (10). 19 x 18.5 cm; (11). 18 x 19 cm; (12). 19 x 20 cm; (13). 19 x 18 cm; (14). 18 x 22.5 cm; (15). 19 x 19.5 cm
Brief Description: There are about 19 Buddha (?) images carved in bas-relief mainly on the pillars of the manͅdͅapa and in the kūdͅu-arches of the gōpura (entrance-tower). Except one all are seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Fifteen Buddha sculptures are shown both of their hands kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. Three other seated Buddha images are in bhūmiparśa-mudrā. The standing form of Buddha is carved within a kūdͅu-arch. Almost all have elongated ear-lobes and broad shoulder. There is an ushnͅīśa-like projection over their head. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. There is a reference of a Buddhist temple known as Kaccikkunāyakar in Buddha-Kāñcipuram in an inscription of 15th century CE engraved on a stone planted in Nāvalūr village and Nāvalūr village was given as palͅlͅiccantam to this temple. On the back of the inscribed stone is engraved the Buddhist symbol of a dharmachakra placed over a kumbha. Most probably this Buddhist temple might have existed in the vicinity of the Kacciyappēśvara temple. (ARE, 1934-35, No.13 and p.76)
Chronology: a. 12th - 14th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Kacciyappēśvara temple authorities
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: Kacciyappēśvara temple has many Buddhist sculptures within the complex. This indicates that there was a Buddhist establishment within the temple complex or nearby area.
Photo Reference: PLATE-XXVII- XXVIII
Published Reference: Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami, Pauttamum Tamil̤ium, 1980, p. 54; D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, pp. 559-568; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 70
ECAI note:

Name: GAṄGAIKONͅTͅACŌL̤APURAM (2)
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.2065
Longitude: 79.44916667
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 12(2)
Name of the Site: Brihadēśvara temple complex, Gaṅgaikonͅtͅacōl̤apuram
Location: In the cloister-manͅdͅapa to the right of the side entrance of the compound (prākāra) wall of the Brihadēśvara temple complex.
Name of the Village: Gaṅgaikonͅtͅacōl̤apuram (GKC Puram)
Taluk: Utͅaiyārpālͅaiyam
District: Ariyalūr
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 12
Seconds: 23.5
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 26
Seconds: 57
Approach to the Site: Gaṅgaikonͅtͅacōl̤apuram is about 10 km east of Jayaṅkonͅtͅacōl̤apuram.
Nature of the Findings: Torso of stone image in two pieces
Condition of the Findings: Broken and only torso portion is available.
Size of the Findings: About 63 cm high.
Brief Description: Torso of a seated image (Buddha?) in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He wears thick yajñōpavīta (?) and not uttariya or upper garment. The yajñōpavīta runs down in wavy manner from the right shoulder. This may also be taken as Yōgāsana Śiva.
Chronology: 11th-12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Archaeological Survey of India, Chennai circle
Associated Findings: Many loose sculptures are kept along with this sculpture. All the sculptures are collected in and around the area and exhibited in the cloister- manͅdͅapa of the Brihadēśvara temple. The original location of the sculpture is not known
Local Tradition: ------
Photo Reference: PLATE- XVII
Published Reference: ------
ECAI note: Lat field changed slightly from: Lat 11.20652778 to 11.2065; in order make the point visible in GoogleMap

Name: AKASTIYAN_PAL_L_I
SiteImage:
Latitude: 10.35805
Longitude: 79.8475
TimeBegin:
TimeEnd:
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 1
Name of the Site: ---
Location: ---
Name of the Village: Akastiyan_pal_l_i
Taluk: Ve_ta_ran_yam
District: Na_gappat_t_in_am
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 21
Seconds: 28.98
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 50
Seconds: 51
Approach to the Site: The place is located on Ve_ta_ran_yam-Ko_t_iyakkarai road. It is about 3 km south of Ve_ta_ran_yam.
Nature of the Findings: No Buddhist remains are found at present. However the location of the place and the name of the village with suffix "pal_l_i" may perhaps indicate that this place might have associated with Buddhist religion. The affiliation of this place with Buddhism is also referred to in the Te_va_ram hymns.
Condition of the Findings: ----
Size of the Findings: -----
Brief Description: ------
Chronology: -----
DateCertainty: No dated finds
Ownership: ------
Associated Findings: -----
Local Tradition: It is generally believed that the place originally had Buddhist vestiges. The Te_va_ram hymns of 7th-8th centuries CE also referred to this place as Buddhist centre.
Photo Reference: ----
Published Reference: ----
ECAI note:

Name: ĀRAPPĀKKAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 12.79091667
Longitude: 80.03694444
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 2
Name of the Site: Ātikēsavaperumālͅ temple complex at Ārappākkam
Location: Within the complex of the Ātikēsavaperumālͅ temple
Name of the Village: Ārappākkam
Taluk: Kāñcipuram
District: Kāñcipuram
North: N
Degrees: 12
Minutes: 47
Seconds: 27.3
East: E
Degrees: 80
Minutes: 2
Seconds: 13
Approach to the Site: Ārappākkam is about 12 km from Kāñcipuram
Nature of the Findings: Two stone images. Both partly broken
Condition of the Findings: There are two images of Buddha. The standing one is almost intact and only the hands are broken. The seated one has lost its head.
Size of the Findings: H x B x W: Seated Buddha: 40 x 47 x 18 cm Standing Buddha: 95 x 40 x 21 cm
Brief Description: The seated Buddha has only the torso portion and the head is lost. He is seated probably over a pedestal. He is in bhu_mipar_a-mudra_, the right hand touching the ground and the left hand placed on the lap with the palm facing up. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The conical stone projection at the base of the pedestal of the standing Buddha image indicates that it was originally installed in the sanctum over a pedestal. Both of his hands are broken. The lower garment reaches up to the ankles. His left shoulder has been covered by the garment whereas the right shoulder left bare. He is shown with curled hair, elongated ear-lobes, the top hair-knot looks like a flame, well-marked eye-brows, etc. The arch or to_ran_a decorated with scroll design is shown behind him. On the top of the arch is the ki_rthi-mukha design.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Village administration
Associated Findings: The images are originally found in and around the Ātikēsavaperumālͅ temple. Along with these sculptures few potsherds of medieval period were also found.
Local Tradition: It is suggested that the present Ātikēsavaperumālͅ temple was built on the site of a Buddhapalͅlͅi. The garden adjoining to the Peruma_l temple is even to-day known as Buddhapalͅlͅi tōtͅtͅam. It is in this garden by the side of the outer wall of the temple, the Buddha statues are originally found. Besides the temple garden containing the Buddha images the village has a field known as "Buddhamanapētͅtͅai".
Photo Reference: Plate- I
Published Reference: C. Minakshi, “Buddhism in South India”, in R. Nagaswamy (ed), South Indian Studies-II, Society for Archaeological, Historical & Epigraphical Research, Madras, 1979, pp.111-12; D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu". International Seminar in Tamil Buddhism conducted by Institute of Asian Studies, Madras and Uppsala University, Swe_den at Golden beach near Madras, 25th May-31st May 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, pp. 559-568; Āvanͅam, ital̤,19,2008, p. 234
ECAI note:

Name: KANͅIKILUPPAI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 12.75158611
Longitude: 79.73154444
TimeBegin: 0800-01-05
TimeEnd: 1000-01-06
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 20
Name of the Site: The Buddha image is presently kept in a temple at Kanͅikiluppai. Before brought to the present place, the image was found lying on the bank of a lake in Kanͅikiluppai village. The local people informed that the sculpture was originally kept near the Vin̤āyakar temple before it was shifted on the bank of the lake.
Location: The Buddha image is presently kept in a temple.
Name of the Village: Kanͅikiluppai near Pallāvaram
Taluk: Cheyyār
District: Tiruvanͅnͅāmalai
North: N
Degrees: 12
Minutes: 45
Seconds: 5.71
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 43
Seconds: 53.56
Approach to the Site: Kanͅikiluppai is about 5 km south-west of Kāñcipuram.
Nature of the Findings: Dhyāni Buddha image in stone
Condition of the Findings: The nose, lips and eyes are slightly worn out.
Size of the Findings: Appx. 98 cm high and 79 cm wide
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a lotus pedestal. The lotus pedestal in turn rest on high moulded platform. The kanͅtͅha (recess) portion of the platform has the depiction of lion figures. The well finished back of the seat (āsana) is provided with an elongated cushion. Both the hands of Buddha are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes, deep-cut lips, button-like ūrnͅā on the fore-head and flame-like ushnͅīśa. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. There is a decorated arch emerging from mouths of the makaras around his head.
Chronology: 9th-10th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Local village community
Associated Findings: There is a stone pillar of about 1.54 m height with carving of perhaps dharmmacakra and other symbols erected in a street opposite to the Vin̤āyakar temple or Buddha temple in this village
Local Tradition: Local reports say that the site of the Ganesa temple was originally the location of a Buddhist Chaitya and in support of this view it may be said that the lands enjoyed by the present Ganesa shrine are still called as palͅlͅichantam.
Photo Reference: PLATE- XXX
Published Reference: Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami, Pauttamum Tamil_ium, 1980, p.59; C. Minakshi, South Indian Studies-II, 1979, p. 113; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.562; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 73
ECAI note:

Name: KARŪR
SiteImage:

Latitude: 9.982588889
Longitude: 79.02495278
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 21
Name of the Site: The image is now kept near the Nilavalamutͅaiya Ayyan̤ār temple, Karūr. It seems originally the image was found at the tank of the village.
Location: ---
Name of the Village: Karūr
Taluk: Āvutͅaiyārkōyil
District: Pudukkōtͅtͅai
North: N
Degrees: 9
Minutes: 58
Seconds: 57.32
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 1
Seconds: 29.83
Approach to the Site: About 25 km south-west of Manͅamēlkutͅi and 8 km north-west of Pon̤par̤r̤i.
Nature of the Findings: Small Buddha image in stone
Condition of the Findings: The image is thickly smeared with oil. Since the face is worn out, the facial details are not clear. The nose and the lips of the figure are slightly broken /worn out.
Size of the Findings: About 76 cm height.
Brief Description: Buddha is seated in ardha-padmāsana over a plain pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has elongated ear-lobes and broad shoulder. There is a flame-like ushnͅīśa projection over his head. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The plain makara-tōranͅa over the head of Buddha is supported by two pilasters on either side of seated Buddha.
Chronology: c. 11th -12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Temple Authority
Associated Findings: ---
Local Tradition: Karūr is very close to Pon̤par̤r̤i (Pon̤pētti), the birth place of the famous Buddhist adherent Buddhamitra of 11th century CE. He was the author of Vīracōl̤iyam, a treatise on Tamil grammar. It seems that Buddhism was undoubtedly in a flourishing condition in this area during the medieval period. Along with other deities, this Buddha is also worshipped by the local people.
Photo Reference: PLATE-XXXI
Published Reference: Āvanͅam, ital̤ , 13, July, 2002, p.113
ECAI note:

Name: KARUVATͅ IKUPPAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.95666667
Longitude: 79.82702778
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 22
Name of the Site: Maha_vi_rnagar, Karuvat_ikuppam.
Location: The torso portion of Buddha figure was originally found near the Perumal temple, Mahavīrnagar, Karuvatͅikuppam. At present the sculpture is kept in the Government Museum, Putuccēri (Pondicherry)
Name of the Village: Karuvatͅikuppam
Taluk: Putuccēri (Pondicherry)
District: Putuccēri (Pondicherry)
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 57
Seconds: 24
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 49
Seconds: 37.3
Approach to the Site: Karuvatͅikuppam is about 3 km north of Putuccēri (Pondicherry).
Nature of the Findings: Stone image
Condition of the Findings: Mutilated and only the torso portion is available.
Size of the Findings: H x B x W: 74 cm x 88 cm x 50 cm
Brief Description: Buddha is shown seated straight in the vajrāparyaṅkāsana (sitting posture in which both the legs are firmly crossed so that the feet with soles visible rest on the thighs.) attitude on the pericarp of a full blossomed lotus. He is in the dhyāna pose with his right palm placed on the left palm in his lap. Buddha is draped in a long lower garment and an upper garment which leaves his right arm, chest and shoulder bare. The pleated end of the upper garment is seen on the left shoulder of Buddha. The head of the Buddha is broken.
Chronology: c. 10th -11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Government Museum, Putuccēri (Pondicherry)
Associated Findings: Not known
Local Tradition: ------
Photo Reference: PLATE -XXXII
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, pp. 559-568; D. Dayalan, 2003, pp.174-186
ECAI note:

Name: KATͅAKATTŪR
SiteImage:

Latitude: 12.17369444
Longitude: 78.13297222
TimeBegin: 0700-01-04
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 23
Name of the Site: Near the school at Katͅakattūr.
Location: Originally the Buddha sculptures were found while digging near the school at Katͅakattūr. At present they are kept in the State Archaeology Museum at Dharmapuri
Name of the Village: Katͅakattūr
Taluk: Dharmapuri
District: Dharmapuri
North: N
Degrees: 12
Minutes: 10
Seconds: 25.3
East: E
Degrees: 78
Minutes: 7
Seconds: 58.7
Approach to the Site: Katͅakattūr is situated on the Dharmapuri-Dēn̤ kan̤ ikotͅtͅai road. It is about 8 km north-west of Dharmapuri
Nature of the Findings: There are two stone sculptures-one standing and other seated.
Condition of the Findings: The head of the seated Buddha is missing and the left hand of the standing Buddha is broken.
Size of the Findings: H x B x W: Seated Buddha: 96 cm x 2.20 m x 42 cm; Standing Buddha: 1.19 m x 44 cm x 26 cm
Brief Description: The head-less Buddha is seated straight in the vajrāparyaṅkāsana attitude. He is in the dhyāna pose with his right palm placed on the left palm in his lap. Buddha is draped in a long lower garment and an upper garment which leaves his right arm, chest and shoulder bare. The pleated end of the upper garment is seen on the left shoulder of Buddha. The Buddha is shown standing on a plain pedestal. His right hand is in abhaya or chinmudrā and the left hand is broken. There is a prabhā over the head. He is wearing a close fitting long robe extending from neck to ankles. The pleats of the cloth are shown prominently. He has elongated ear-lobes and broad shoulder. There is an ushnͅ īśa in the form of flame. He has curled hair and prominent ūrnͅ ā on the forehead.
Chronology: Seated Buddha- 8th-9th centuries CE; Standing Buddha- 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation; two items
Ownership: State Archaeology Museum, Dharmapuri
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: ----
Photo Reference: PLATE-XXXIII
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p. 565; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 116
ECAI note:

Name: KĀVAN̤ŪR
SiteImage:

Latitude: 12.94463889
Longitude: 78.98041667
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 24
Name of the Site: Two localities within Kāvan̤ūr village
Location: Seated Buddha in front of Pilͅlͅaiyār temple of this village. The kūdͅu-arch with Buddha image is found while digging for construction of the compound wall to the Kāvin̤ātͅcamman̤ temple near Kailāsanata temple of this village.
Name of the Village: Kāvan̤ūr or Mēl Kāvan̤ūr
Taluk: Kātͅpātͅi
District: Vēlūr (Vellore)
North: N
Degrees: 12
Minutes: 56
Seconds: 40.7
East: E
Degrees: 78
Minutes: 58
Seconds: 49.5
Approach to the Site: Kāvan̤ūr is about 20 km west of Vēlūr (Vellore).
Nature of the Findings: Seated stone dhyāna Buddha images
Condition of the Findings: The right side of the prabhā around the Buddha in front of the Pilͅlͅaiyār temple is broken. The nose, lips are slightly worn out. The face of the Buddha image within the kūdͅu-arch is partly broken or worn out.
Size of the Findings: The Buddha image in front of the Pilͅlͅaiyār temple is about 1.15 m high. The Buddha image within the kūdͅu-arch is about 21 cm high and 20 cm wide.
Brief Description: Buddha is seated in ardha-padmāsana over a moulded pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes, sharp nose (but now worn out), deep-cut lips, well-marked eye-brows, half-closed eyes and flame-like ushnͅīśa. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. At the bottom the garment reaches up to the ankles. There is a prabhā shown behind him. The Buddha image within the kūdͅu-arch is seated in padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has elongated ear-lobes and broad shoulder. There is an ushnͅīśa-like projection over his head. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Village administration
Associated Findings: ------
Local Tradition: It is told that originally the Buddha sculpture was kept inside the sanctum of the temple. But at a later stage it has been removed from there and kept outside. It is mentioned that the Buddhist thēras were lived at Tirumalaiccēri situated within Vellore district.
Photo Reference: PLATE- XXXIV
Published Reference: The Indian Express, 13 March 1993; Tin̤amanͅi, 14 March 1993; Āvanͅam, ital̤, 20, July, 2009, pp.212-215
ECAI note:

Name: KĀVERIPPŪMPATͅTͅINͅAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.14723333
Longitude: 79.83028333
TimeBegin: 0300-01-01
TimeEnd: 0700-01-04
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 25
Name of the Site: Pallavanēśvaram, Mēlaiyūr and other places in Kāverippūmpatͅtͅinͅam.
Location: ---
Name of the Village: Kāverippūmpatͅtͅinͅam
Taluk: Taraṅkampātͅi
District: Nāgappatͅtͅinͅam
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 8
Seconds: 50.04
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 49
Seconds: 49.02
Approach to the Site: Kāverippūmpatͅtͅinͅam is about 23 km north of Taraṅkampātͅi and 18 km south-east of Sīrkāl̤i
Nature of the Findings: Buddhist structures, stone sculptures, bronzes and stucco figurines of Buddhist affinity.
Condition of the Findings: Only the basement of the Buddhist structures is excavated. Many of the stone objects and stucco figurines are also found in the excavations.
Size of the Findings: One full wing of the monastery (vihāra), consisting of nine oblong rooms each measuring about 3.10 m x 2.40 m was laid bare at Pallavanēśvaram, Kavirippumpattinam. On the south of this row, at a distance of 2.25 m number of offsets was found in the wall indicating the presence of a common-verandah to the monastery. The extent courses stand up to a metre or more and the size of the brick was 42 x 24 x 10 cm average. The chaitya or temple was excavated on the southern side of the monastery (vihāra).
Brief Description: The excavations in a locality known as Pallavanēśvaram at Kāverippūmpatͅtͅinͅam yielded the existence of Buddhist vihāra and temple or chaitya. A small bronze figurine of a seated Buddha in dhyāna pose and a broken terracotta figurine of a goddess were found in one of the cells. Stylistically the Buddha figure is datable to the 5th century CE or little later. The buddhapāda of 3rd-4th centuries CE was found little away from the vihāra to its south. The buddhapāda was of palnad lime stone and showed a small receptacle cut between the long toes of the feet and intended for the relic offerings. The buddhapāda of similar nature noticed at Nāgarjunakonͅdͅa is dateable to c. 3rd century CE by its inscription. The buddhapāda pair is showing the auspicious symbols such as the pūrnͅa-kalasa, svastika and śrivatsa, etc. The four important events of the Buddha's life ending with chaitya worship representing mahāparinirvāna are also depicted on the slab. The chaitya or temple was excavated on the southern side of the vihāra. The foundation and ground floor pattern of the structure is preserved at present. The temple, square on plan, built in pañca-ratha (five offsets) style stands on a lofty plinth of brick, moulded in jagatī, padma, etc. The rectangular or ‘L’ shaped as well as the small square voids in the foundation, together with the large central squarish void, would seem to suggest that the structures stood in more than one storey height and perhaps the shrine was erected by a astylar corbelling principle with staircases leading to the upper floor from all the three sides except the east, towards which it was obviously facing. The sanctum was perhaps on the top of the central large square void, after spanned the void by corbelling method from four sides and provided with floor of the sanctum on its top. Except the traces of granite members, perhaps used as pillars the entire structure was of brick and stucco. The walls were originally decorated with the moulded bricks and stucco ornamentation. Traces of a few layers of paintings have also been noticed on the stucco pieces recovered in the excavations. There is no clear evidence about the height and number of storeys of the structure. But it could not be less than two or three storeys, as it was not uncommon in Brāhmanͅical temples of that age. The temple might have been surmounted by a vimāna either in the form of kūtͅakāra or curvilinear. Mēlaiyūr, located very close to the site where the Buddhist remains excavated, had yielded beautiful bronzes including a gilted Maitreya as a treasure trove in 1927.
Chronology: The available evidence suggests that the monastery belonged to 4th-5th centuries CE and the temple or chaitya of 6th -7th centuries CE. These structures went into disuse perhaps due to the effects of intrusion of the sea.
DateCertainty: century range approximation - two separate structures
Ownership: Archaeological Survey of India, Chennai circle
Associated Findings: Large number of pottery, amphorae, glass objects, coins from Italy and other western countries and potteries and coins from China and South-East Asian countries are found in and around Kāverippūmpatͅtͅinͅam.
Local Tradition: Buddadatta, the great Pāli scholar, was said to have written the work called Abhidhammāvatāra, while he was residing in a monastery at Kāveripatͅtͅanͅa. According to the version of the author the monastery in which the above mentioned work completed was built by one Kanhadāsa. The literary sources mention many Buddhist establishments at Kāverippūmpatͅtͅinͅam such as: Seven Intira vikāram, Kuccarakutͅikai, Cakkaravālͅakkōtͅtͅam, a small pavilion made of crystal in a park called Upavan̤a with a replica of the Buddha's foot print for worship; the prison converted into a Buddhist monastery by the Cōl̤a king Kilͅlͅivalͅavan̤ at the request of the nun Manͅimēkalai, etc.
Photo Reference: PLATE-XXXV to XXXVIII
Published Reference: Buddhadatta’s Manuals. Part I. Abhidhammāvatāra and Rūpārūpavibhāga, Pali Text Society, London, 1980 (1915); Kalvetͅtͅu, kālānͅtͅital̤ , 44, October, 1995, pp.29-30; Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami, Pauttamum Tamil̤um, 1980, pp. 38-41; C. Minakshi, South Indian Studies- II, 1979, pp. 93-94; K.V. Soundara Rajan, Kaveripattinam Excavation 1963-73 A Port City on the Tamilnadu Coast, Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi, 1994; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.563
ECAI note:

Name: KĪL̤AKKUR̤ICCI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.75197222
Longitude: 78.74130556
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 26
Name of the Site: --
Location: The Buddha sculpture and inscribed slab are kept in the agriculture field.
Name of the Village: Kīl̤akkur̤icci
Taluk: Tiruchirāppalͅlͅi
District: Tiruchirāppalͅlͅi
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 45
Seconds: 7.1
East: E
Degrees: 78
Minutes: 44
Seconds: 28.7
Approach to the Site: About 8 km from Tiruchirāppalͅlͅi (via) Pon̤malai
Nature of the Findings: Stone slab with inscription and symbols and headless Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The hand and head of Buddha sculpture is broken.
Size of the Findings: Torso of Buddha: 1.5 m high and 51 cm wide; Inscribed Stone: 1.18 m x 54 cm x 41 cm
Brief Description: Torso of seated Buddha. He is shown seated perhaps in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. He is in dhyāna-pose with his right palm placed on the left palm in his lap. The trace of dharma-chakra symbol is visible in his right hand palm. The auspicious symbols such as pūrnͅa-kumbha beneath the umbrella and pair of fly whisks, dharma-chakra, sword, bow, etc and merchant guild symbols such as pacumpai (merchant bag in the form of kettle-drum) and plough are carved on the stone slab. On the top level of the slab there is an inscription in Tamil which reads, “Svastisri Vīratāvalͅattil bauttappalͅlͅikku inta centāmarai kanͅnͅanallūr ullatͅaṅka irayiliyān̤a palͅlͅiccantam." (Centāmarai kanͅnͅanallūr was given as palͅlͅiccandam to the Bauddapalͅlͅi at Vīratāvalͅam). This clearly indicates that the Buddhist establishment was patronized by the merchant community.
Chronology: c. 11th-12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Private ownership
Associated Findings: Black and Red pot-sherds of medieval period
Local Tradition: ---
Photo Reference: PLATE-XXXVIX
Published Reference: Tin̤amanͅi,15.11.1999; Āvanͅam, ital̤, 11, July, 2000, p.151
ECAI note:

Name: KIL̤PĀRTTAVAN̤ŪR (POL̤ILŪR)
SiteImage:

Latitude: 9.59165
Longitude: 78.48163333
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 27
Name of the Site: ----
Location: On a mound by the side of Kīl̤pārttavan̤ūr (Pol̤ilūr) village
Name of the Village: Kīl̤pārttavan̤ūr (Pol̤ilūr)
Taluk: Paramakutͅi
District: Rāmanātapuram
North: N
Degrees: 9
Minutes: 35
Seconds: 29.94
East: E
Degrees: 78
Minutes: 28
Seconds: 53.88
Approach to the Site: About 18 km north-west of Paramakutͅi and the near the Mān̤āmaturai- Paramakutͅi main road
Nature of the Findings: Both intact and mutilated stone images of Buddha.
Condition of the Findings: One seated Buddha image is almost intact (a portion of hands and chin are broken). The upper portion other Buddha image is missing.
Size of the Findings: The seated Buddha image is about 1.17 m height whereas the broken one is about 87 cm height.
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has elongated ear-lobes and broad shoulder. There is an ushnͅīśa in the form of elongated knot or flame. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The makara-tōranͅa above the head of Buddha is supported by two pillars shown on either side of Buddha. The upper portion of other Buddha image is broken and only the hands and legs above the pedestal are available at the site. Buddha is shown seated in ardha-padmāsana over the moulded pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose.
Chronology: c. 10th -11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Private ownership
Associated Findings: Pottery of Medieval period. Few stone architectural members and fragmentary pieces of sculptures are found in this area.
Local Tradition: ---
Photo Reference: PLATE-XL
Published Reference: Kalvetͅtͅu, ital̤, 22, 1989, p.47; D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.565
ECAI note:

Name: KIRĀNTI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.6634
Longitude: 79.80345
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 28
Name of the Site: ----
Location: In the open area within the village of Kirānti.
Name of the Village: Kirānti
Taluk: Kīl̤vēlūr
District: Nāgapatͅtͅinͅam
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 39
Seconds: 48.24
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 48
Seconds: 12.42
Approach to the Site: Kirānti is about 7 km south-west of Vēlaṅkan̤n̤i and 16 km south-east of Kīl̤vēlūr.
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The face and a portion of the hand are damaged. The ushnͅīśa is also partly broken.
Size of the Findings: About 1.27 m height x 98 cm width
Brief Description: Buddha is seated in ardha-padmāsana over a plain pedestal. He is in dhyāna-pose with his right palm placed on the left palm in his lap. Buddha is draped in a long lower garment and an upper garment which leaves his right arm, chest and shoulder bare. The pleated end of the upper garment is seen on the left shoulder of Buddha. He has elongated ear-lobes, broad shoulder and an ushnͅīśa over the head. The symbolic representation of dharma-chakra is shown in his right hand palm within a diamond shaped design. There is a Tamil inscription of 13th-14th centuries CE on the pedestal which reads "kirānti tēpapilͅlͅai ".
Chronology: 11th -12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Local villagers
Associated Findings: ---
Local Tradition: ---
Photo Reference: PLATE - XLI
Published Reference: The Buddha image is reported by Mr. Ramachandran, Nagapattinam
ECAI note:

Name: KIRUMĀMPĀKKAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.82180556
Longitude: 79.78236111
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 29
Name of the Site: ----
Location: Originally found at Kirumāmpākkam and at present kept in the Government Museum, Putuccēri (Pondicherry)
Name of the Village: Kiruma_mpa_kkam
Taluk: Putuccēri (Pondicherry)
District: Putuccēri (Pondicherry)
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 49
Seconds: 18.5
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 46
Seconds: 56.5
Approach to the Site: It is about 9 km north of Katͅalūr (Cuddalore) and 13 km south-west of Pondicherry on the Cuddalore - Pondicherry road.
Nature of the Findings: Stone head of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: Mutilated
Size of the Findings: H x B x W: 42 cm x 40 cm x 30 cm
Brief Description: The Buddha head with a circular ūrnͅā between the eyebrows, curly hair, radiant face lit by faint smile, elongated ear-lobes and auspicious line around the neck. The top-knot or ushnͅīśa and right ear have been broken.
Chronology: 10th -11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Government Museum, Putuccēri (Pondicherry)
Associated Findings: The Chinese and South-East Asian potteries of Medieval and late Medieval periods are found at Kirumāmpākkam in addition to local potteries of the same period.
Local Tradition: ---
Photo Reference: PLATE - XLII
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, pp.559-568; D. Dayalan, 2003, pp.174-186
ECAI note:

Name: KOLͅLͅĀPURAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.19313333
Longitude: 79.46757222
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 30
Name of the Site: The Buddha sculpture was found in Kolͅlͅāpuram near Muttusērvamatͅam and at present it is kept in the Government Museum, Pudukkōtͅtͅai.
Location: ----------
Name of the Village: Kolͅlͅāpuram near Muttusērvamatͅam
Taluk: Utͅaiyārpālͅayam
District: Ariyalūr
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 11
Seconds: 35.28
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 28
Seconds: 3.26
Approach to the Site: About 5 km south-east of Gaṅgaikonͅdͅacōl̤a puram
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: Nose and ears are slightly broken.
Size of the Findings: About 1.52 m high and 1.04 m wide
Brief Description: Seated Buddha in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. He is in the dhyāna-pose with his right palm placed on the left palm in his lap. Buddha is draped in a long lower garment and an upper garment which leaves his right arm, chest and shoulder bare. He has elongated ear-lobes, broad shoulder, curly hair, prominently cut eye-brows and ushnͅīśa in the form of flame.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Government Museum, Pudukkōtͅtͅai.
Associated Findings: -----
Local Tradition: ----
Photo Reference: PLATE-XLIII
Published Reference: K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 91
ECAI note:

Name: KŌN̤ĒRIKUPPAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 12.84780556
Longitude: 79.71155556
TimeBegin: 1100-01-07
TimeEnd: 1400-01-09
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 31
Name of the Site: Bōdhidharma Buddhar kōyil
Location: Two seated bas-relief sculptures of Buddha are kept openly in the village and the head of Buddha is kept in a modern building.
Name of the Village: Kōn̤ērikuppam
Taluk: Kāñcipuram
District: Kāñcipuram
North: N
Degrees: 12
Minutes: 50
Seconds: 52.1
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 42
Seconds: 41.6
Approach to the Site: Kōn̤ērikuppam is just few kms from Kāñcipuram on the Kāñcipuram-Chennai road
Nature of the Findings: Two stone bas-reliefs of Buddha and one head of Buddha. The bas-reliefs are probably carved on the square part of the pillars.
Condition of the Findings: Out of these two seated Buddha images, one is almost intact and other has partly worn out/ broken. The head of Buddha is totally painted and altered and is fixed on the modern stucco body of Buddha image.
Size of the Findings: -----
Brief Description: In both the bas-reliefs, Buddha is shown seated in ardha-padma_sana over a pedestal. ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both their hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. They have elongated ear-lobes and broad shoulders. There is an ushnͅīśa in the form of flame (in one case the ushnͅīśa is missing). The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The arch is shown over the head of Buddha. The head of Buddha is totally painted and the original feature of the face is not traceable.
Chronology: c. 12th-14th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Private
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: During the heavy rain in 1987 a big tree near by the village had fallen and the broken head of Buddha was noticed in the debris. Then it was kept in the house. The pillars on which the seated Buddha images carved are originally found in/near the mosque situated close to the Sankara mad_am.
Photo Reference: PLATE �XLIV
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.562; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p,73
ECAI note:

Name: KŌTͅTͅAPPĀTͅI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.92283333
Longitude: 79.73951667
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 32
Name of the Site: By the side of the road near Ervādͅi
Location: Originally the Buddha image was kept in a small chamber constructed by the side of the road near Ervādͅi. But it is missing now.
Name of the Village: Kōtͅtͅappātͅi
Taluk: Nāgappatͅtͅinͅam
District: Nāgappatͅtͅinͅam
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 55
Seconds: 22.2
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 44
Seconds: 22.26
Approach to the Site: Kōtͅtͅappātͅi is about 5 km south-east of Ampakarattūr and about 6 km west of Tirunalͅlͅāru.
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: Missing
Size of the Findings: About 1.04 m high
Brief Description: Buddha is seated in dhyāna-pose over a plain pedestal. He has elongated ear-lobes, broad shoulder and an ushnͅīśa over the head.
Chronology: c. 11th-12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Missing/ Stolen
Associated Findings: ---
Local Tradition: The local people informed that the sculpture was stolen few years before and they filed a complaint in the nearby Police station.
Photo Reference: PLATE-XLV
Published Reference: Annual Report of the Archaeological Department, Southern Circle, Madras for the year 1912-13, Government Press, Madras, 1913, p.75; Kalvetͅtͅu kālānͅtͅital̤, 44, October, 1995, p.34; Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami, Pauttamum Tamil̤ium, 1980, p.46; C. Minakshi, South Indian Studies- II, 1979, p. 114; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.563; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 98
ECAI note:

Name: KUL̤UMANͅI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.86236111
Longitude: 78.56733333
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 33
Name of the Site: The site where the sculpture found originally is known as Pūtakumul̤i.
Location: The sculpture is originally found on the north bank of Uyyaṅkonͅtͅan̤ river near Kul̤umanͅi and at present it is kept in the State Government Museum, Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi.
Name of the Village: Kul̤umanͅi (near Kotͅiyālͅam)
Taluk: Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi
District: Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 51
Seconds: 44.5
East: E
Degrees: 78
Minutes: 34
Seconds: 2.4
Approach to the Site: Kul̤umanͅi is about 15 km from Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi on the way to Karūr and south-west of Kotͅiyālͅam.
Nature of the Findings: Stone sculpture
Condition of the Findings: Broken and only up to the bust portion is available. The nose broken.
Size of the Findings: H x B x W: 1.3 m x 1.16 m x 45 cm
Brief Description: The bust of Buddha. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes, deep-cut lips, half-closed eyes and flame-like ushnͅīśa. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. An oval-shaped arch is shown behind the head. The branches of the bōdhi tree are shown above his head. Buddha is probably shown seated on siṁhāsana and the traces of the siṁhāsana is shown behind him. Two standing attend figures are shown on either side of Buddha. Their outer hand is broken whereas the inner hand shown in adoration.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: State Government Museum, Tirucchira_ppal_l_i
Associated Findings: ---
Local Tradition: ---
Photo Reference: PLATE-XLVI
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.564; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p,113
ECAI note:

Name: KUL̤UMŪR
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.31853889
Longitude: 79.14921111
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 34
Name of the Site: The sculpture is kept in the open area at Kul̤umūr.
Location: ---
Name of the Village: Kul̤umūr
Taluk: Sentur_ai
District: Ariyalu_r
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 19
Seconds: 6.74
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 8
Seconds: 57.16
Approach to the Site: Situated near Tuṅkapuram. Kul̤umūr is about 16 km south-east of Titͅtͅakutͅi and 9 km north-west of Sentur̤ai.
Nature of the Findings: Stone Buddha image. Recently the head is missing.
Condition of the Findings: Nose and neck portions are slightly broken. The ushnͅīśa is also partly broken.
Size of the Findings: About 1.34 m high and 96 cm wide
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept in the lap in dhyāna pose. The right hand palm is shown with dharma-chakra. He has curly hair, half-closed eyes, pendent ear-lobes, deep-cut lips, button-like ūrnͅā on the fore-head and flame-like ushnͅīśa. The upper garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. (The head is missing recently)
Chronology: 10th -11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Village Administration
Associated Findings: Pottery of medieval period.
Local Tradition: -----
Photo Reference: PLATE-XLVII
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.564; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 111; Āvanͅam, ital̤, 18, 2007, p.196
ECAI note:

Name: KŪVAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 13.02118333
Longitude: 79.82688333
TimeBegin: 1300-01-08
TimeEnd: 1400-01-09
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 35
Name of the Site: ---
Location: Seated Buddha image originally found at Kūvam and presently kept in the Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai.
Name of the Village: Kūvam
Taluk: Tiruvallūr
District: Tiruvallūr
North: N
Degrees: 13
Minutes: 1
Seconds: 16.26
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 49
Seconds: 36.78
Approach to the Site: Kūvam is about 21 km south-east of Arakōnͅam; 25 km north-west of Kāñcipuram and 14 km east of Takkolam.
Nature of the Findings: Seated stone Buddha image.
Condition of the Findings: One of the ear and hand are slightly broken.
Size of the Findings: About 1.15 m high x 76 cm wide
Brief Description: The Buddha is seated in ardha-padmāsana over a lotus pedestal. He is in the dhyāna-pose with his right palm placed on the left palm in his lap. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes, deep-cut lips, and flame-like ushnͅīśa. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. There is an elaborate tōrana resting on pillars behind the image.
Chronology: circa 14th century CE
DateCertainty: century approximation
Ownership: Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai
Associated Findings: ------
Local Tradition: Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami in his book published an image of standing Buddha and mentioned that it was from Kūvam. But at present there is no such image found in Kūvam village.
Photo Reference: PLATE-XLVIII
Published Reference: Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami, Pauttamum Tamil̤ium, 1980, p.58; C. Minakshi, South Indian Studies-II, 1979, p. 111; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.562; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 75
ECAI note:

Name: MĀMALLAPURAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 12.62083333
Longitude: 80.19444444
TimeBegin: 0600-01-03
TimeEnd: 0800-01-05
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 37
Name of the Site: The torso of seated image in dhyāna mudra was originally found in the rock-cut tub near the so-called Drupati-tub on the hill at Māmallapuram while clearing the debris in the tub.
Location: At present the sculpture is kept in the sculpture shed within the ASI office complex at Māmallapuram.
Name of the Village: Māmallapuram
Taluk: Tirukkal̤ukkun̤r̤am
District: Kāñcipuram
North: N
Degrees: 12
Minutes: 37
Seconds: 15
East: E
Degrees: 80
Minutes: 11
Seconds: 40
Approach to the Site: Māmallapuram is well connected with Chennai, Kāñcipuram and other places by road
Nature of the Findings: Seated image in dhyāna mudra may be taken as either Buddha or Jaina Tīrthankara image and an inscription mentioning Buddha as one of the incarnations of Vishnͅu engraved in the Ātivarāha cave-temple at Māmallapuram
Condition of the Findings: Head-less image. Hands are also broken except the palms on the lap.
Size of the Findings: About 97 cm height
Brief Description: Torso of dhyāna Buddha or Jaina Tīrthankara. Seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. The Pallava-Grantha inscription engraved on the floor of the manͅdͅapa of the Ātivarāha cave-temple at Māmallapuram mentions Buddha as one of the incarnations of Vishnͅu. There are few loose sculptures of Buddha in a private collection at Māmallapuram. The original location of them is not known.
Chronology: 7th-8th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: ASI, Chennai circle
Associated Findings: Few pot-sherds of early medieval period and amphorae pieces are found along with the torso in the rock-cut tub.
Local Tradition: ---
Photo Reference: PLATE-L
Published Reference: The torso was exposed by the author. D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.562; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, pp.77-78
ECAI note:

Name: MAILĀPPŪR
SiteImage:

Latitude: 13.0335
Longitude: 80.26783333
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 36
Name of the Site: The torso of seated Buddha images were noticed while digging for foundation in Mailāppūr (Mylapore) area.
Location: The torso of Buddha figures are presently kept in the Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai (Acc. No. 1930/74 and 1931/74)
Name of the Village: Mailāppūr (Mylapore), Chennai
Taluk: Mylapore- Triplicane
District: Chennai
North: N
Degrees: 13
Minutes: 2
Seconds: 0.6
East: E
Degrees: 80
Minutes: 16
Seconds: 4.2
Approach to the Site: Mylapore is well connected with all localities of Chennai city.
Nature of the Findings: The torso of two seated Buddha figures
Condition of the Findings: The seated Buddha figures are headless. The hand portion of one of this figure is also broken.
Size of the Findings: Big headless Buddha:1.05 m high x1.10 m wide; Small headless Buddha:73 cm high x 85 cm wide
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. The upper garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare.
Chronology: 10th -11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai
Associated Findings: ---
Local Tradition: ----
Photo Reference: PLATE-XLIX
Published Reference: The Hindu, 7 Dec.1976; Natana Kasinathan, "Tonͅtͅaimanͅtͅalattin̤ Anͅmaikkālak Kanͅtͅupitͅippukalͅ" R. Nagaswamy (ed), Ceṅkai Māvatͅtͅa Varalār̤r̤uk Karuttaraṅku, Varalār̤r̤up Pēravai, Chennai 1978, p.92; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.563
ECAI note:

Name: MANͅALŪR
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.91786389
Longitude: 79.18185833
TimeBegin: 0700-01-04
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 38
Name of the Site: The image is found in the agriculture field in Manͅ alūr village
Location:
Name of the Village: Manͅ alūr
Taluk: Pāpanāsam
District: Tan̄ jāvūr
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 55
Seconds: 0.431
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 10
Seconds: 54.69
Approach to the Site: Manͅ alūr near Ganͅ apati Agrahāram is located about 6 km from Ayyampētͅtͅai
Nature of the Findings: Mutilated stone image of headless Buddha.
Condition of the Findings: The image is mutilated. The head is missing. A portion of the right hand is also broken.
Size of the Findings: About 80 cm height
Brief Description: Buddha is seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. He is in the dhyāna-pose with his right palm placed on the left palm on his lap. Buddha is draped in a long lower garment and an upper garment which leaves his right arm, chest and shoulder bare. The pleated end of the upper garment is seen on the left shoulder of Buddha.
Chronology: 11th -12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Private ownership
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: ----
Photo Reference: PLATE-LI
Published Reference: Tinͅ amalar 31.01.2015
ECAI note:

Name: MĀNͅĀMPĀTI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.06343333
Longitude: 79.42156667
TimeBegin: 1100-01-07
TimeEnd: 1300-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 39
Name of the Site: Originally found in the field and now the sculpture is kept near the Kālͅiyamman̤ temple.
Location: ---
Name of the Village: Mān̤āmpātͅi
Taluk: Tiruvitͅaimarutūr
District: Tañcāvūr
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 3
Seconds: 48.36
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 25
Seconds: 17.64
Approach to the Site: Mān̤āmpātͅi is about 2 km from Cōl̤apuram.
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: Smeared with oil and other material. Otherwise the sculpture is in good condition.
Size of the Findings: About 1.37 m high and 76 cm wide
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes, deep-cut lips, and flame-like ushnͅīśa. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. There is an ornated prabha crowned by kīrtimukha behind his head.
Chronology: 12th -13th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Village community
Associated Findings: Potsherds and brick-bats of medieval period.
Local Tradition: Local people worship the image
Photo Reference: PLATE-LII
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.563; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, pp.99-100
ECAI note:

Name: MANͅAPPATͅTͅU
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.79416667
Longitude: 79.78986111
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 40
Name of the Site: -----
Location: The torso portion of the Buddha was discovered in the sand dune on the north-eastern side of the Manͅappatͅtͅu village. At present the sculpture is kept in the Government Museum, Putuccēri (Pondicherry)
Name of the Village: Manͅappatͅtͅu (Mūrtikuppam)
Taluk: Putuccēri (Pondicherry)
District: Putuccēri (Pondicherry)
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 47
Seconds: 39
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 47
Seconds: 23.5
Approach to the Site: It is small village near the coast situated about 22 km south of Putuccēri (Pondicherry). To reach this place one has to go 17 km through Pondicherry--Cuddalore road and take a diversion near Kan̤n̤iyākkōyil and proceed further 4 km towards eastward along the metalled road.
Nature of the Findings: Stone image
Condition of the Findings: Mutilated and only the torso portion is available.
Size of the Findings: It measures about 1.37 m wide at the base and 1.02 m high
Brief Description: Buddha is shown seated straight in the vajrāparyaṅkāsana (sitting posture in which both the legs are firmly crossed so that the feet with soles visible rest on the thighs) attitude on the pericarp of a full blossomed lotus. He is in the dhyāna pose with his right palm placed on the left palm on his lap. Buddha is draped in a long lower garment and an upper garment which leaves his right arm, chest and shoulder bare. The pleated end of the upper garment is seen on the left shoulder of Buddha. The head of the Buddha is broken.
Chronology: 10th -11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Presently kept in the Government Museum, Putuccēri (Pondicherry).
Associated Findings: Many pot-sherds of Chinese and South- East Asian origin are found at the find place of the sculpture in addition to the Indian potteries of medieval period.
Local Tradition: The sculpture was noticed by the author during exploration in this area.
Photo Reference: PLATE- LIII
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, pp. 559-568; D. Dayalan, 2003, pp.174-186
ECAI note:

Name: MAṄGALAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.05063889
Longitude: 78.48008333
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 41
Name of the Site: Ar_ava_yi amman_ temple or Arava_n_t_i amman_ temple, Man_galam
Location: Ar̤avāyi amman̤ temple
Name of the Village: Maṅkalam
Taluk: Muciri
District: Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 3
Seconds: 2.3
East: E
Degrees: 78
Minutes: 28
Seconds: 48.3
Approach to the Site: Maṅgalam village is about 15 kms north-east of Muciri and 5 kms south-west of Tur̤aiyūr,
Nature of the Findings: Stone statue of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The nose and one of the fingers of left hand are broken.
Size of the Findings: Buddha: 145 x 110 x 47 cms; Pedestal: 25 x 118 x 53 cms
Brief Description: Seated Buddha in ardha-padmāsana over a high pedestal. The pedestal is relived with vyala and pilasters alternatively in the kanͅtͅha portion. He is in the dhyāna-pose with his right palm placed on the left palm in his lap. Buddha is draped in a long lower garment and an upper garment which leaves his right arm, chest and shoulder bare. He has elongated ear-lobes and broad shoulder. There is an ushnͅīśa, the cranial protuberance symbolizing Buddha hood, over the head in the form of flame. He has curled hair, moustache and prominent ūrnͅā on the fore-head.
Chronology: 10th -11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Ar̤avāyi amman̤ temple authorities
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: The local people worship the Buddha as Cetͅtͅiyār.
Photo Reference: PLATE- LIV
Published Reference: Tin̤amalar, 17.7.1999; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.566
ECAI note:

Name: MĀṄKĀTͅU
SiteImage:
Latitude: 13.0296
Longitude: 80.11126667
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1300-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 42
Name of the Site: ---
Location: The inscription found in the Kāmakshi amman̤ temple at Māṅkātͅu.
Name of the Village: Māṅkātͅu
Taluk: Sriperumputūr
District: Kāñcipuram
North: N
Degrees: 13
Minutes: 1
Seconds: 46.56
East: E
Degrees: 80
Minutes: 6
Seconds: 40.56
Approach to the Site: Māṅkātͅu is situated about 5 km from Pūntamalli (Poondamalli).
Nature of the Findings: Three stone Buddha images. Out of which one is without head. An inscription refers to land donation probable to a Buddha palͅlͅi
Condition of the Findings: At present the Buddha sculptures are not found at Māṅkātͅu. Probably the sculptures might have shifted to somewhere else.
Size of the Findings: ----
Brief Description: Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami in his book Pauttamum Tamil̤ium mentions that there were three stone images of Buddha found in Maṅkātͅu. Out of which one is headless. But all these sculptures are not available at the spot. An inscription of Sundarapānͅdͅiya dēva (1251-64 CE) found in the Kāmakshi amman̤ temple at Māṅkātͅu refers to a gift of land as a palͅlͅiccantam probably to a Buddha-palͅlͅi in this locality
Chronology: The sculptures belong to 11th-12th centuries CE and the inscription is of 13th century CE.
DateCertainty: century range approximaton of different period items
Ownership: ---
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: ----
Photo Reference: ----
Published Reference: Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami, Pauttamum Tamil̤ium, 1980, pp.59-60; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 76; ARE, 1908, Nos.358
ECAI note:

Name: MAN̤N̤ĀRKUTͅI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.66486667
Longitude: 79.457
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 43
Name of the Site: Kept inside the Jaina temple at Man̤n̤ārkutͅi on a platform under a tree in the northern section of the prākara. It is informed that the image came from the neighbourhood of Būtamangalam in Man̤n̤ārkutͅi taluk.
Location: Jaina temple at Man̤n̤ārkutͅi
Name of the Village: Man̤n̤ārkutͅi
Taluk: Man̤n̤ārkutͅi
District: Tiruvārūr
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 39
Seconds: 53.52
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 27
Seconds: 25.2
Approach to the Site: About 26 km south-west of Tiruvārūr and 40 km south-east of Tañcāvūr.
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The image is smeared with oil and other materials. The nose and one of the fingers is slightly broken.
Size of the Findings: About 92 cm height
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes, deep-cut lips, and flame-like ushnͅīśa. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The right palm is shown with dharma-chakra. There is a prominent circular ūrnͅā on the fore-head The image has flanked on either side by two attendant deities shown above the shoulder. The figures have nimbus behind their head. The back of the throne or āsana on which Buddha seated is placed on the heads of the standing lions (i.e., the uprights supporting the back are fashioned in lion form) carved on either side. The ends of the back of the throne are fashioned like a makara face.
Chronology: 10th -11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Temple authority
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: From local enquiry it is learnt that this image came from the neighbourhood of Būtamaṅgalam in Man̤n̤ārkutͅi taluk.
Photo Reference: PLATE-LV
Published Reference: C. Minakshi, South Indian Studies- II, 1979, pp.115-116; Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami, Pauttamum Tamil̤ium, 1980, p .43; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.563; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 98
ECAI note:

Name: MĀRANĀTͅU
SiteImage:

Latitude: 9.729888889
Longitude: 78.33097222
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 44
Name of the Site: Cantavelͅippan̤ai, once a sand mound but now converted into a field.
Location: Originally the sculpture was found by the side of Vīramahākālͅi amman temple located close to the tank bund. The area is known as Cantavelͅippan̤ai.
Name of the Village: Māranātͅu
Taluk: Mānamaturai
District: Sivaganga
North: N
Degrees: 9
Minutes: 43
Seconds: 47.6
East: E
Degrees: 78
Minutes: 19
Seconds: 51.5
Approach to the Site: Māranātͅu is about 6 km from Tiruppācētti which is situated on the Maturai-Ramanathapuram road. It is about 15 km south-east of Tirupuvanam and 17 km north-west of Mān̤āmatuari
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: A portion of head, legs, hands and the arch are broken. The facial details are worn out. The sculpture had been stolen about 15 years before and recently the sculpture is traced out and kept in the village itself.
Size of the Findings: About 1.24 m height
Brief Description: uddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a moulded pedestal. The left hand is kept on the lap in dhyāna pose whereas the right hand is shown in bhūmiparśa-mudrā. He has elongated ear-lobes and broad shoulder. There is an ushnͅīśa, the cranial protuberance symbolizing Buddha hood, in the form of flame. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. An arch is shown over the head of Buddha.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: ---
Associated Findings: In addition to the Buddha image few images of Hindu divinities and a Jaina image are also found in this area. Few potteries of early historic and medieval periods are also found in this locality.
Local Tradition: ---
Photo Reference: PLATE-LVI
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, pp. 559-568; D. Dayalan, 2003, pp.174-186; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p.86 (The name of the site is wrongly mentioned in all the above works as Tañcākkūr, a nearby village); Āvanͅam, ital̤, 19, 2008, p. 225-226
ECAI note:

Name: MATAKARAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.89896667
Longitude: 79.27373333
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 45
Name of the Site: Originally found at Manͅtͅānpitͅi in Matͅtͅaiyāntitͅal within the jurisdiction of Matakaram
Location: Originally found in Matakaram and at present kept in the Art gallery, Tañcāvūr
Name of the Village: Matakaram
Taluk: Valaṅkaimān̤
District: Tiruvārūr
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 53
Seconds: 56.28
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 16
Seconds: 25.44
Approach to the Site: The site is about 4 km south of Pa_pana_sam. From Pa_pana_sam one has to go on Pa_pana_sam-Ca_liyaman_galam road and take diversion to the left to reach the site.
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The right hand palm, nose and ears are partly broken and the ushnͅīśa projection also seems to be broken partly.
Size of the Findings: About 1.16 m high and 84 cm wide
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has broad shoulder, elaborated ear-lobes, curlly hair and prominent ūrnͅā on the fore-head.. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The symbol of dharma-chakra is shown in his right hand palm. He has the ushnͅīśa projection over his head.
Chronology: 11th century CE
DateCertainty: century approximation
Ownership: The Art gallery, Tañcāvūr
Associated Findings: Potsherds of Red and black ware of medieval period are found at the find spot.
Local Tradition: ---
Photo Reference: PLATE-LVII
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p. 564; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, pp.98-99
ECAI note:

Name: MĀTTŪR
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.87988333
Longitude: 79.1716
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 46
Name of the Site: ---
Location: Originally found in Māttūr and presently kept in the Tamil University Museum, Tañcāvūr.
Name of the Village: Ma_ttu_r
Taluk: Tañcāvūr
District: Tañcāvūr
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 52
Seconds: 47.58
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 10
Seconds: 17.76
Approach to the Site: Māttūr is about 12 km north-east of Tañcāvūr and 14 km south-west of Pāpanasam
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: Nose and hand are broken
Size of the Findings: About 84 cm high and 53 cm breadth
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a lotus pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes, deep-cut lips and flame-like ushnͅīśa. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. There is a prominent button-like ūrnͅā on the fore-head
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Tamil University, Tañcāvūr
Associated Findings: Not known
Local Tradition: -----
Photo Reference: PLATE-LVIII
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.564; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 100
ECAI note:

Name: MĒLAMATͅAI, MADURAI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 9.934533333
Longitude: 78.16838333
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 47
Name of the Site: Pānͅtͅimun̤īśvarar temple
Location: By the side of the main road to the east of Vanͅtͅiyūr tank
Name of the Village: Mēlamatͅai, Madurai
Taluk: Madurai North
District: Madurai
North: N
Degrees: 9
Minutes: 56
Seconds: 4.32
East: E
Degrees: 78
Minutes: 10
Seconds: 6.18
Approach to the Site: Situated on the Madurai-Mēlūr road, it is about 5 km north-east of Madurai proper
Nature of the Findings: Stone image. Partly altered
Condition of the Findings: The sculpture is modernized by local people and is in worship as Pānͅtͅimun̤īśvarar. There is a crown over his head and the body is also almost covered with various ornaments and draperies.
Size of the Findings: About a metre high
Brief Description: Seated Buddha in ardha-padmāsana perhaps over a moulded pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. It seems the facial feature has been modified recently. He has elongated ear-lobes, prominent nose, eye-brows and moustache. The shoulder is broad. The hair-style is not clear as it is covered by the crown. However it is informed that there is a prominent ushnͅīśa-like projection over his head. There is an elongated pillow-like carving behind the figure.
Chronology: About 10th-11th centuries CE sculpture. But the modification has been done recently.
DateCertainty: century range approximation - modification date not mapped
Ownership: Trustees of Pānͅtͅimun̤īśvarar temple and HR & CE, Gov’t of Tamil Nadu
Associated Findings: It is told that the sculpture was originally lying by the side of the bund of Vanͅtͅiyūr tank. From there the sculpture was shifted to the present modern temple.
Local Tradition: The local people worship this sculpture as Pānͅtͅimun̤īśvarar, a local Hindu god. Large number of devotees comes to the temple every day and particularly on Friday there will be heavy crowd.
Photo Reference: PLATE- LIX
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p.86; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., Part. 2, 2002, pp. 559-568; D. Dayalan, 2003, pp.174-186
ECAI note:

Name: OGALŪR
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.38226667
Longitude: 79.05885
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 50
Name of the Site: On a open raised platform by the side of a street near Varadarāja perumālͅ temple at Ogalūr.
Location: Near the Varadarāja perumālͅ temple at Ogalūr
Name of the Village: Ogalūr
Taluk: Kun̤n̤am
District: Perambalūr
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 22
Seconds: 56.16
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 3
Seconds: 31.86
Approach to the Site: About 33 km north-east of Perambalūr and 3 km from the main road of Lappaikkutͅikātͅu
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of seated Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The left palm is slightly broken.
Size of the Findings: About 1.37 m high and 1.06 m breadth
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. The right palm is shown with dharma-chakra. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes, deep-cut lips, prominent eye-brows and nose, half-closed eyes and flame-like ushnͅīśa. There is a halo behind the head. The upper garment has shown covering the left shoulder leaving the right bare.
Chronology: 10th-12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Village community
Associated Findings: ---
Local Tradition: The Buddha image is worshipped as 'Dubai God'. The local people who went to the Gulf region in search of job erected the platform for the Buddha image after their return as thanksgiving for their safe return. Moreover the local people believe that this Buddha image brings luck and protects them.
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXV
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.564; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 112
ECAI note:

Name: OTͅTͅIYAMPĀKKAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 12.8633
Longitude: 80.19003333
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 51
Name of the Site: Originally found in the house plot to the south-east of the temple and presently kept by the side of the temple
Location: By the side of the Otͅtͅīśvarar temple in Otͅtͅiyampākkam
Name of the Village: Otͅtͅiyampākkam (near Mētͅavākkam)
Taluk: Tāmbaram
District: Kāñcipuram
North: N
Degrees: 12
Minutes: 51
Seconds: 47.88
East: E
Degrees: 80
Minutes: 11
Seconds: 24.12
Approach to the Site: About 16 km south-east of Tāmbaram and 8 km south-west of Sholiṅganallūr
Nature of the Findings: Standing Buddha in stone
Condition of the Findings: The face and the forehands are mutilated
Size of the Findings: About 1.17 m high and 49 cm wide
Brief Description: Buddha is standing on a raised pedestal. There is an elaborately carved floral decoration behind the head and the whole body. The details of the hands are not known as the forehands are broken.
Chronology: 10th- 11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Village administration
Associated Findings: Not known
Local Tradition: The local people called this image as naked god (Ammanͅaswamy)
Photo Reference: PLATE-L XVI
Published Reference: The Hindu, 16.5.1996
ECAI note:

Name: PADͅAVĒTͅU
SiteImage:

Latitude: 12.66994722
Longitude: 79.28694444
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 52
Name of the Site: Found on the bank of Kamanͅtͅala river at Padͅavētͅu and presently kept at Tiruvanͅnͅāmalai under the custody of District Collector Office.
Location: On the bank of Kamanͅtͅala river at Padͅavētͅu
Name of the Village: Padͅavētͅu
Taluk: Pōlūr
District: Tiruvanͅnͅāmalai
North: N
Degrees: 12
Minutes: 40
Seconds: 11.81
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 17
Seconds: 13
Approach to the Site: Padͅavētͅu is about 26 km north-east of Pōlūr and 3 km south-west of Āranͅi.
Nature of the Findings: Mutilated headless stone Buddha image
Condition of the Findings: Headless Buddha image. The hand and feet are also broken and they are mended recently.
Size of the Findings: About 93 cm high
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a moulded pedestal. An elongated cushion is shown behind the seat of Buddha. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has broad shoulder. The upper garment has shown covering the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The pleated end of the upper garment is seen on the left shoulder of Buddha. The long lower garment reaches up to the ankles.
Chronology: 11th-12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Office of the District Collector, Tiruvanͅnͅāmalai
Associated Findings: ---
Local Tradition: ---
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXVII
Published Reference: Mālai Murasu (Vellore), 12.06.1997
ECAI note:

Name: PALͅLͅAPATͅTͅI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.13786111
Longitude: 77.91077778
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 53
Name of the Site: Not known
Location: The sculpture was originally found near the Mallaiyaswamy temple at Palͅlͅapatͅtͅi and presently kept in the Tirumalai Nāyakar mahāl, Madurai
Name of the Village: Palͅlͅapatͅtͅi
Taluk: Nilakkōtͅtͅai
District: Dindugal
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 8
Seconds: 16.3
East: E
Degrees: 77
Minutes: 54
Seconds: 38.8
Approach to the Site: It is about 36 km north-west of Madurai and 29 km south-west of Dindugal.
Nature of the Findings: Stone sculpture. Broken
Condition of the Findings: It is broken and only the upper portion of Buddha is available.
Size of the Findings: H x B x W: 3 cm x 44 cm x 25 cm
Brief Description: Buddha probably seated in dhyāna pose. The lower portion of the body is not available. The facial expressions are not clear as it is badly worn-out. He has a broad shoulder. There is a prominent ushnͅīśa projection over his head. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: The sculpture is presently kept in the Tirumalai nāyakar mahāl, Madurai
Associated Findings: There is hardly any archaeological remains of that period found at the finding spot. Presently there is a temple known as Mallaiyaswamy temple of late medieval period standing at the spot.
Local Tradition: Not known
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXVIII
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992. (Information collected from Dr. Vedachalam, Madurai)
ECAI note:

Name: PALͅLͅŪR
SiteImage:

Latitude: 12.84786111
Longitude: 79.71155556
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 54
Name of the Site: Buddharkōyil at Palͅlͅūr
Location: All the sculptures are recently installed in a modern structure.
Name of the Village: Palͅlͅūr
Taluk: Arakōnͅam
District: Vellore
North: N
Degrees: 12
Minutes: 50
Seconds: 52.3
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 42
Seconds: 41.6
Approach to the Site: One has to go to Tirumālpūr situated on the Kāñcipuram- Arakōnͅam road and then proceed further about 3 km to reach this place.
Nature of the Findings: Three stone images
Condition of the Findings: Except central figure all other figures are slightly damaged.
Size of the Findings: H x B x W: (1) 125 x 94 x 38 cm; (2) 141 x 100 x 44 cm; (3) 106 x 90 x 38 cm
Brief Description: The first figure is shown seated in ardha-padmāsana over a lotus pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes and flame-like ushnͅīśa. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The nose, lips and the arch over the head are slightly damaged. The second (Centre) figure is also shown seated in ardha-padmāsana over a lotus pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has curly hair, sharp nose, deep-cut lips, pendent ear-lobes and flame-like ushnͅīśa. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. There is an arch-like decoration around his head. The third figure is also in seated posture. He is in bhūmiparśa-mudrā, the right hand touching the ground and the left hand placed on the lap with the palm facing up. He has curly hair, sharp nose, deep-cut lips, pendent ear-lobes, prominent ūrnͅā on the fore-head and flame-like ushnͅīśa. The upper garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Village administration
Associated Findings: Not known. There is a locality known as Buddha mētͅu within the jurisdiction of Palͅlͅūr village. (Āvanͅam, ital̤, 20, July, 2009, pp. 212-215). A fragment of Tamil-Brāhmi script on pot-sherd is notice at this site.
Local Tradition: A person named Nagappa mudaliyar had noticed these sculptures accidently while playing in this area about a century before. They are housed in the find spot itself by constructing a building.
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXIX
Published Reference: C. Minakshi, South Indian Studies- II, 1979, p. 113; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part. 2, 2002, p.562; Āvanͅam, ital̤, 20, July, 2009, pp. 212-215
ECAI note:

Name: PARAVĀY
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.28972222
Longitude: 79.04294444
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 55
Name of the Site: ----
Location: Near the bus stop of Paravāy village.
Name of the Village: Paravāy
Taluk: Perambalūr
District: Perambalūr
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 17
Seconds: 23
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 2
Seconds: 34.6
Approach to the Site: About 7 kms from Kun̤n̤am village.
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: Good condition
Size of the Findings: About 1.36 m high and 78 cm breadth
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes, deep-cut lips, and flame-like ushnͅīśa. The upper garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare.
Chronology: 10th -11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Village community
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: The local people are worshipping this image as a Hindu deity.
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXX
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.564; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 111
ECAI note:

Name: PATͅTͅĪSVARAM (1)
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.9258
Longitude: 79.34443333
TimeBegin: 1300-01-08
TimeEnd: 1500-01-10
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 56(1)
Name of the Site: Originally found inside the compound wall of the Śiva temple at Patͅtͅīsvaram and presently kept in the Art Gallery, Tañcāvūr
Location: Originally found inside the compound of the Śiva temple at Patͅtͅīsvaram
Name of the Village: Patͅtͅīsvaram
Taluk: Kumbakōnͅam
District: Tañcāvūr
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 55
Seconds: 32.88
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 20
Seconds: 39.96
Approach to the Site: Patͅtͅīsvaram is about 6 km south-west of Kumbakōnͅam
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: ---
Size of the Findings: About 1.43 m high and 1.17 m breadth
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has broad shoulder and elaborated ear-lobes. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The symbol of dharma-chakra is shown in his right hand palm. He has a flame-like ushnͅīśa projection over his head. He has curled hair and prominent upright (inverted) question-mark like ūrnͅā on the fore-head.
Chronology: c. 14th -15th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Art Gallery, Tañcāvūr
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: ----
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXXI
Published Reference: C. Minakshi, South Indian Studies- II, 1979, pp. 114; Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami, Pauttamum Tamil̤ium, 1980, p.45; ARE, 1926-27, p. 116; D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.563
ECAI note:

Name: PATͅTͅĪSVARAM 2
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.92903333
Longitude: 79.33983333
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 56(2)
Name of the Site: ----
Location: Near the Gōpinātaperumalͅ temple on the Patͅtͅīsvaram-Tiruvalañcul̤i road. But the sculpture is missing now.
Name of the Village: Patͅtͅīsvaram
Taluk: Kumbakōnͅam
District: Tañcāvūr
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 55
Seconds: 44.52
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 20
Seconds: 23.4
Approach to the Site: Gōpinātaperumalͅ temple at Patͅtͅīsvaram is about 5 km south-west of Kumbakōnͅam on Patͅtͅīsvaram-Tiruvalañcul̤i road.
Nature of the Findings: Headless Buddha stone image
Condition of the Findings: Only the torso portion of the Buddha image is found. Even this also missing at present
Size of the Findings: About 61 cm high.
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has broad shoulder. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The head is missing. The symbol of dharma-chakra is shown in his right hand palm.
Chronology: 11th-12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Now missing
Associated Findings: Potsherds of medieval period.
Local Tradition: In the ARE, 1926-27, p. 58 and Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami in Pauttamum Tamil̤ium, p. 45 mentioned a stone Buddha statue in a small temple of village goddess at Patͅtͅīsvaram. But this is also not traceable.
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXXII
Published Reference: Āvanͅam, ital̤, 13, July, 2002, p.185
ECAI note:

Name: PATͅTͅU
SiteImage:

Latitude: 13.02341667
Longitude: 80.11763333
TimeBegin: 1200-01-08
TimeEnd: 1300-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 57
Name of the Site: ---
Location: The Buddha statue was originally kept near the Vin̤āyakar temple of the village. Presently it is kept in the Institute of Asian Studies, Chemmancherry, Chennai.
Name of the Village: Patͅtͅu (near Māṅkātͅu)
Taluk: Sriperumpudūr
District: Kāñcipuram
North: N
Degrees: 13
Minutes: 1
Seconds: 24.3
East: E
Degrees: 80
Minutes: 7
Seconds: 3.48
Approach to the Site: About 4 km south-east of Pūntamalli (Poonamalli)
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: Good condition
Size of the Findings: About 79 cm high and 68 cm breadth (cross the shoulders on the back)
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a raised pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes, deep-cut lips, prominent nose and flame-like ushnͅīśa. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The ornated prabhavali is shown behind Buddha.
Chronology: 13th century CE
DateCertainty: century approximation
Ownership: Institute of Asian Studies, Chemmancherry, Chennai.
Associated Findings: ---
Local Tradition: -------
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXXIII
Published Reference: ARE, 1908, No.358; Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami, Pauttamum Tamil̤ium, 1980, p.60; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.562; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 74
ECAI note:

Name: PENͅNͅĀDAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.40719444
Longitude: 79.24088333
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 58
Name of the Site: ---
Location: Buddhar street in the village
Name of the Village: Penͅnͅādam
Taluk: Titͅtͅakkutͅi
District: Katͅalūr (Cuddalore)
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 24
Seconds: 25.9
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 14
Seconds: 27.18
Approach to the Site: On the Virudācalam-Titͅtͅakkutͅi road at about 18 km from Virudācalam.
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: Nose and the flame-like ushnͅīśa are damaged.
Size of the Findings: About 1.41 m high and 92 cm breadth
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes and deep-cut lips. The flame-like ushnͅīśa above the head is damaged. The upper garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Village administration
Associated Findings: ---
Local Tradition: ---
Photo Reference: PLATE- LXXIV
Published Reference: K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p,93; Āvanͅam, ital̤, 18, 2007, p.197
ECAI note:

Name: PERANͅTͅĀKŌTͅTͅAI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.72895
Longitude: 79.22565
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 59
Name of the Site: Sāmpān̤kōyil in the grove
Location: The Buddha head is kept in the grove situated amidst the agriculture field.
Name of the Village: Peranͅtͅākōtͅtͅai
Taluk: Tañcāvūr
District: Tañcāvūr
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 43
Seconds: 44.22
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 13
Seconds: 32.34
Approach to the Site: About 12 km south-east of Tañcāvūr on Tañcāvūr-Man̤n̤ārkutͅi main road.
Nature of the Findings: Head of Buddha in stone.
Condition of the Findings: Only the head portion of Buddha is available at the site. The ushnͅīśa is broken.
Size of the Findings: About 15 cm high
Brief Description: Buddha head is shown with curly hair, elongated ear-lobes and delicate eye-lids and nose. On the forehead is a prominent button-like ūrnͅā. The ushnͅīśa, the cranial protuberance symbolizing Buddha hood, is broken.
Chronology: 11th century CE
DateCertainty: century approximation
Ownership: Local village community
Associated Findings: Some potsherds and bricks of medieval period
Local Tradition: Local people worship the Buddha head as Sāmpān̤. The location is known as Sāmpān̤kōyil. It is informed that other parts of the Buddha sculpture was also lying nearby this area. But it is not traceable at present.
Photo Reference: PLATE -LXXV
Published Reference: The Mail, 1978; B. Jambulingam, www. punni buddha.blogspot.com
ECAI note:

Name: PERIYA TIRUKŌNͅAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.06380556
Longitude: 79.16625
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 60
Name of the Site: Originally two Buddha images are found in the Ayyanār temple complex. Of which one Buddha image is presently kept in the Elementary School campus of the village.
Location: Inside the School campus
Name of the Village: Periya Tirukōnͅam
Taluk: Ariyalūr
District: Ariyalūr
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 3
Seconds: 49.7
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 9
Seconds: 58.5
Approach to the Site: This village can be approached from Ariyalūr by road
Nature of the Findings: Seated Buddha image in stone
Condition of the Findings: Facial details are slightly worn out
Size of the Findings: H x B x W: 1.21 m x 1.05 m x 42 cm
Brief Description: Seated Buddha in ardha-padmāsana. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has an elongated ear-lobes, curly hair and broad shoulder. There is a prominent ushnͅīśa in the form of flame. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare.
Chronology: 11th-12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Govt. School authorities.
Associated Findings: The details of the contemporary associated finds with the Buddha statues are not known.
Local Tradition: It is informed that there are two Buddha images kept in the school campus after shifting them from the Ayyanār temple. Of this one is taken away few years ago during the Tamil conference.
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXXVI
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.565; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 111
ECAI note:

Name: PERUÑCĒRI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.04283333
Longitude: 79.6585
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 61
Name of the Site: Originally the sculpture was found in a grove near the village and at present it is kept in a cell at Peruñcēri.
Location: At present the image is kept in a small shrine at Peruñcēri.
Name of the Village: Peruñcēri
Taluk: Kuttālam
District: Nāgapatͅtͅinͅam
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 2
Seconds: 34.2
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 39
Seconds: 30.6
Approach to the Site: About 2 km north of Maṅkanallūr on Mayilāt̤utur̤ai-Tiruvārūr railway line.
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of seated Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The sculpture is in good condition. The whole body of the image is smeared with scented ash-powder (tirunīru).
Size of the Findings: About 1.56 m height and 82 cm breadth
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes, deep-cut lips, and flame-like ushnͅīśa. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The button-like ūrnͅā is shown on the fore-head prominently. There is an inscription on the pedestal of the sculpture. But the inscription is illegible and badly worn out.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Village Administration
Associated Findings: Potsherds of medieval period are found in the locality where the Buddha statue was originally found.
Local Tradition: The local people worship the image as a Hindu deity.
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXXVII
Published Reference: Annual Report of the Archaeological Department, Southern Circle, Madras for the year 1912-13, Government Press, Madras, 1913, p.75; Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami, Pauttamum Tamil̤ium, 1980, p.46; C. Minakshi, South Indian Studies- II, 1979, p. 115; Kalvetͅtͅu, kālānͅtͅital̤, 44, October, 1995, p. 34; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p. 563; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 98
ECAI note:

Name: PĒTͅTͅAVĀYTTALAI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.89802778
Longitude: 78.98516667
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 62
Name of the Site: Originally found in Devasthanam, Pētͅtͅaivaitalai pētͅtͅai
Location: Originally found near the Madhyārjunēśvara temple at Pētͅtͅavāyttalai and from there the sculpture is shifted to State Government Museum, Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi
Name of the Village: Pētͅtͅavāyttalai (Devasthanam Pētͅtͅaivaitalai pētͅtͅai)
Taluk: Sriraṅgam
District: Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 53
Seconds: 52.9
East: E
Degrees: 78
Minutes: 59
Seconds: 6.6
Approach to the Site: About 23 kms from Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The prabha and ushnͅīśa portion are broken. The facial features are worn out.
Size of the Findings: H x B x W: About 1.25 m x 1.08 m x 50 cm
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a lotus pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes and deep-cut lips. The flame-like ushnͅīśa and the arch-like prabha behind the head are broken. The upper garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: State Government Museum, Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi
Associated Findings: ---
Local Tradition: ----
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXXVIII
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; Indian Archaeology 2000-01- A Review, p.184; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.565; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 114
ECAI note:

Name: PŌLͅUVĀMPATͅTͅI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.96138889
Longitude: 76.86472222
TimeBegin: 0500-01-02
TimeEnd: 0700-01-04
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 63
Name of the Site: Kōtͅtͅaikkātͅu area. Presently kept in the State Archaeology Museum, Coimbattūr
Location: Kōtͅtͅaikkātͅu area in Pōlͅuvāmpatͅtͅi
Name of the Village: Pōlͅuvāmpatͅtͅi
Taluk: Coimbattūr South
District: Coimbattūr
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 57
Seconds: 41
East: E
Degrees: 76
Minutes: 51
Seconds: 53
Approach to the Site: About 13 km south-west of Coimbattūr
Nature of the Findings: Terracotta figures.
Condition of the Findings: Only the head portion of the figurines are available
Size of the Findings: About 19 cm high
Brief Description: Head of the terracotta figures of Buddha (?) and Maitrēya (?). Both the figures have smiling face. They have curly hair, distinct eye-brows and lips, and elongated ear-lobes.
Chronology: 6th-7th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: State Archaeology Department, Government of Tamil Nadu
Associated Findings: Large number of brick bats and pottery of early- historic and medieval periods are found in the Kōtͅtͅaikkātͅu area.
Local Tradition: ----
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXXIX
Published Reference: Āvanͅam, ital̤, 11, 2000, p. 6
ECAI note:

Name: PON̤PAR̤R̤I
SiteImage:
Latitude: 9.956919444
Longitude: 79.08524167
TimeBegin:
TimeEnd:
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 64
Name of the Site: ---
Location: ---
Name of the Village: Pon̤par̤r̤i (Pon̤pētti)
Taluk: Āvutͅaiyārkōyil
District: Pudukkōtͅtͅai
North: N
Degrees: 9
Minutes: 57
Seconds: 24.91
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 5
Seconds: 6.87
Approach to the Site: About 20 km south-west of Manͅamēlkutͅi
Nature of the Findings: Although there is no material evidence associated with Buddhist affiliation found in this place, it is told that this place was once an important Buddhist centre and the Buddhist scholars like Buddhamitra was supposed to be born in this place.
Condition of the Findings: ---
Size of the Findings: ---
Brief Description: Once this place was an important Buddhist centre.
Chronology: ----
DateCertainty: No dated finds
Ownership: ----
Associated Findings: --
Local Tradition: Buddhamitra, the author of Vīracōl̤iyam was supported to be born in this village. He was one of the renowned Buddhist scholars.
Photo Reference: ---
Published Reference: Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami, Pauttamum Tamil̤ium, 1980, p.45; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p.129
ECAI note:

Name: PRATĀPARĀMAPURAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.66255833
Longitude: 79.8467
TimeBegin: 1100-01-07
TimeEnd: 1300-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 65
Name of the Site: Originally found in Pratāparāmapuram and presently kept in the Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai
Location: ---
Name of the Village: Pratāparāmapuram
Taluk: Kīl̤vēlūr
District: Nāgappatͅtͅinͅam
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 39
Seconds: 45.21
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 50
Seconds: 48.12
Approach to the Site: Pratāparāmapuram is about 15 km south of Nāgappatͅtͅinͅam
Nature of the Findings: Bronze image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: Good condition. Few pitting are found on the body of the bronze image due to corrosion.
Size of the Findings: About 65 cm to 80 cm high
Brief Description: Standing Buddha on lotus pedestal which in turn rest on a raised moulded platform. He is shown with curly hair with a protuberance in the form of flame at the top. The whole body is covered with long cloth and folds of the cloth are clearly shown. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. He has elongated ear-lobes, broad shoulder and prominent ūrnͅā on the fore-head. The right hand is in abhaya (protection) or vyākhyāna-mudra and left hand is perhaps in katͅaka-mudrā.
Chronology: 12th-13th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai
Associated Findings: ---
Local Tradition: The manner of fabrication of the pedestal indicate that it was perhaps used as a procession deity
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXXX
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.564
ECAI note:

Name: PUSHPAVAN̤AM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.46375
Longitude: 79.8419
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 66
Name of the Site: Below the banyan tree behind an house at Pushpavan̤am
Location: Below the banyan tree at Pushpavan̤am
Name of the Village: Pushpavan̤am
Taluk: Vēdāranͅyam
District: Nāgappatͅtͅinͅam
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 27
Seconds: 49.5
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 50
Seconds: 30.84
Approach to the Site: Pushpavan̤am is about 12 km north of Vēdāranͅyam
Nature of the Findings: Seated stone Buddha image
Condition of the Findings: Good condition
Size of the Findings: About 1.53 m high and 1.02 m wide
Brief Description: Buddha is shown seated straight in ardha-padmāsana. He is in dhyāna-pose with his right palm placed on the left palm in his lap. The right palm is shown with dharma-chakra. Buddha is draped in a long lower garment and an upper garment which leaves his right arm, chest and shoulder bare. The pleated end of the upper garment is seen on the left shoulder of Buddha. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes, deep-cut lips and flame-like ushnͅīśa.
Chronology: 10th -11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: The village community
Associated Findings: ---
Local Tradition: The local people worship the image as a Hindu deity.
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXXXI
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; Kalvetͅtͅu, kālānͅtͅital̤, 44, October, 1995, p.34; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.563
ECAI note:

Name: PŪTAMAṄKALAM
SiteImage:
Latitude: 10.72846667
Longitude: 79.52758333
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 67
Name of the Site: ------
Location: -------
Name of the Village: Pūtamaṅkalam (Palͅlͅivritti Pūtamaṅkalam)
Taluk: Man̤n̤ārkutͅi
District: Tiruvārūr
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 43
Seconds: 42.48
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 31
Seconds: 39.3
Approach to the Site: Pūtamaṅkalam is about 12 km north-east of Man̤n̤ārkutͅi
Nature of the Findings: Ancient mound probably contain Buddhist remains and stone Buddha images (now missing)
Condition of the Findings: ------
Size of the Findings: -----
Brief Description: It is reported that some Buddha images were removed from this place to various other places of Tañcāvūr district and elsewhere.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: ---
Associated Findings: -----
Local Tradition: In the Pāli work, Vinayaviniccaya, composed in the 5th century CE by the eminent south Indian Buddhist scholar Buddhadatta, it is stated that this work was written by him for the benefit of the Buddhist bhikkus in the monastery built by Venhudāsa at a place called Pūtamaṅkalam. The translation of the relevant portions pertaining to this place is as follows: “In the tranquil village of Pūtamaṅkalam where inhabit different classes of people which was the naval of the famous Cōl̤a country filled with groves of plantains, sal-wood, palmyra and coconuts, as well as cool tanks adorned with lotuses and utpala flowers, and the whole soil anointed by the flowing waters of the Kāveri, and a Maṅkala endowed with all the elements of prosperity, in the beautiful and pleasant monastery surrounded by well- built outer walls and moat belonging to Venhudāsa …by me who lived (in ..Pūtamaṅkalam) in a mansion .. was composed … this work on the principles of Vinaya for the good of bhikkus who desired to learn the Vinaya text in a short time without difficulty…”
Photo Reference: ----
Published Reference: A.P. Buddhadatta (ed), Buddhadatta’s Manuals-Part II Vinayaviniccaya and Uttaraviniccaya, Pali Text Society, London, 1980 (1915, 1928); Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami, Pauttamum Tamil̤ium, 1980, pp. 41-43; C. Minakshi, South Indian Studies- II, 1979, pp. 91-93; Kalvetͅtͅu, kālānͅtͅital̤ , 44, October, 1995, p.29
ECAI note:

Name: PUTTAVĒTͅU
SiteImage:

Latitude: 13.0006
Longitude: 80.11015
TimeBegin: 1100-01-07
TimeEnd: 1300-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 68
Name of the Site: The Buddha image was lying in the field and it is presently installed in a shrine in the C. K. S. road, Puttavētͅu in Iranͅtͅāṅkatͅtͅalai
Location: The sculpture is placed on a raised platform within a shrine in C. K. S. road, Puttavētͅu.
Name of the Village: Puttavētͅu/ Puttapētͅu in Iranͅtͅāṅkatͅtͅalai
Taluk: Sriperumpudūr
District: Kāñcipuram
North: N
Degrees: 13
Minutes: 0
Seconds: 2.16
East: E
Degrees: 80
Minutes: 6
Seconds: 36.54
Approach to the Site: About 7 km south-east of Pūntamalli (Poonamalli)
Nature of the Findings: Seated stone Buddha and the remains of Buddhist temple.
Condition of the Findings: Buddha statue is in good condition
Size of the Findings: About 1.07 m high
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a high moulded pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes, deep-cut lips, and flame-like ushnͅīśa. The upper garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. There is a prominent ūrnͅā on the fore-head. The elaborately decorated prabhavali is shown behind Buddha
Chronology: 12th -13th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Village administration and Buddhist community
Associated Findings: The debris of brick is found in the original place of occurrence of this sculpture
Local Tradition: Local community construct a new temple for Buddha and worship the image.
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXXXII
Published Reference: Āvanͅam, ital̤, 5, July 1994, pp. 60-61; ARE, 1930, No.224
ECAI note:

Name: PUTŪR
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.65156667
Longitude: 79.6384
TimeBegin: 0800-01-05
TimeEnd: 1000-01-06
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 69
Name of the Site: Originally found in the tank called Buddhan̤ kutͅtͅai and presently kept on the bank of the tank known as Perumal Kulͅam
Location: Found in the tank called Buddhan̤ kutͅtͅai
Name of the Village: Putūr near Tirunellikkāval
Taluk: Tiruvārūr
District: Tiruvārūr
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 39
Seconds: 5.64
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 38
Seconds: 18.24
Approach to the Site: Putūr is about 13 km south of Tiruvārūr and 16 km north of Tirutur̤aipūnͅtͅi
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The ushnͅīśa and nose are slightly broken
Size of the Findings: About 1.34 m high and 1.09 m wide
Brief Description: Buddha is seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has elongated ear-lobes, curly hair and broad shoulder. There is an ushnͅīśa, the cranial protuberance symbolizing Buddha hood at the top of his head. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. There is a necklace with prominent pendent. The eye-brows, nose, lips are prominent. The dharma-chakra is shown prominently in his right palm.
Chronology: 9th-10th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: The local village community
Associated Findings: Few potsherds and brick-bats of medieval period. It is informed that one more Buddha statue is also found in this village
Local Tradition: There is a local tradition that the unmarried girls will get married if any worship this deity.
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXXXIII
Published Reference: Information from Dr. P. Jambulingam
ECAI note:

Name: RĀJĒNTIRAPATͅTͅINͅAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.42428611
Longitude: 79.34676111
TimeBegin: 0800-01-05
TimeEnd: 1000-01-06
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 70
Name of the Site: ---
Location: The Buddha image is in the bushes situated amidst the agriculture field in Rājēntirapatͅtͅinͅam.
Name of the Village: Rājēntirapatͅtͅinͅam (Erukkattampuliyūr)
Taluk: Virudācalam
District: Katͅalūr (Cuddalore)
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 25
Seconds: 27.43
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 20
Seconds: 48.34
Approach to the Site: About 11 km south-east of Virudācalam
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: Nose, ears and lips are damaged. The statue is partly buried.
Size of the Findings: About 1.33 m height
Brief Description: Buddha is perhaps seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has elongated ear-lobes, half-closed eyes and broad shoulder. There is an ushnͅīśa in a form of a knot at the top of the head. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare.
Chronology: 9th-10th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Private Ownership
Associated Findings: Lot of pottery and brick bats of Medieval period.
Local Tradition: Local people called this sculpture as Cetͅtͅiyār
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXXXIV
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.562; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 94
ECAI note:

Name: RĀYAMPURAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.21761667
Longitude: 79.15838056
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 71
Name of the Site: The sculpture was found below a banyan tree on the bund of a tank at Rāyampuram. But now it is missing.
Location: Below the banyan tree on the bund of a tank at Rāyampuram
Name of the Village: Rāyampuram
Taluk: Utͅaiyārpālͅayam
District: Ariyalūr
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 13
Seconds: 3.42
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 9
Seconds: 30.17
Approach to the Site: Rāyampuram is about 5 km from Centur̤ai
Nature of the Findings: Headless stone Buddha image. But now it is missing.
Condition of the Findings: Headless Buddha figure.
Size of the Findings: About 1.07 m high and 63 cm breadth
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: ---
Associated Findings: ---
Local Tradition: ----
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXXXV
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.564; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 111
ECAI note:

Name: RĀYAPPĒTͅTͅAI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 13.0505
Longitude: 80.26766667
TimeBegin: 0199-12-31
TimeEnd: 0400-01-02
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 72
Name of the Site: Originally the panel was cemented to an ant-hill in the premises of the Periyapālͅaiyattu Māriyamman̤ temple, Rāyappētͅtͅai and presently kept in the reserve collection of the Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai
Location: Periyapālͅaiyattu Māriyamman̤ temple, Rāyappētͅtͅai
Name of the Village: Rāyappētͅtͅai, Chennai
Taluk: Mylāpore-Triplicane
District: Chennai
North: N
Degrees: 13
Minutes: 3
Seconds: 1.8
East: E
Degrees: 80
Minutes: 16
Seconds: 3.6
Approach to the Site: Rāyappētͅtͅai is well connected with any part of Chennai city.
Nature of the Findings: Buddha panel of palnad limestone
Condition of the Findings: The figures in the panel are much defaced and the bottom portion of the panel has been broken. The minute details of the figures are not so clear.
Size of the Findings: About 35 cm length and 15 cm height
Brief Description: The panel has the depiction of two seated Buddha figures (?) on either side of a stūpa. The Buddha figures are shown seated on ornated throne and flanked on either side by fly-whisk bearers. The stūpa has high raised drum (medhi) with an elongated anͅdͅa and harmikā above. The characteristic feature of the figures in the panel is much similar to the Amaravati-Nāgarjunakonda sculptures. Perhaps the panel might have been come from Andhra Pradesh.
Chronology: c. 3rd-4th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai
Associated Findings: ---
Local Tradition: 0
Photo Reference: PLATE- LXXXVI
Published Reference: The Hindu, 7 Dec.1976; Kalvetͅtͅu, ital̤, 11, 1976-77, p. 40; Natana Kasinathan, "Tonͅtͅaimanͅtͅalattin̤ Anͅmaikkālak Kanͅtͅupitͅippukalͅ", R. Nagaswamy (ed), Ceṅkai Māvatͅtͅa Varalār̤r̤uk Karuttaraṅku, Varalār̤r̤up Pēravai, Chennai 1978, pp. 85-97; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part. 2, 2002, p.563
ECAI note:

Name: RŌSALPATͅTͅI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.07691389
Longitude: 77.58843889
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 73
Name of the Site: Naththathi mētͅu in Rōsalpatͅtͅi
Location: ----
Name of the Village: Rōsalpatͅtͅi, a suburb of Ānͅdͅippatͅtͅi
Taluk: Ānͅdͅippatͅtͅi
District: Tēn̤i
North: N
Degrees: 9
Minutes: 64
Seconds: 36.89
East: E
Degrees: 77
Minutes: 35
Seconds: 18.38
Approach to the Site: Rōsalpatͅtͅi, a suburb of Ānͅdͅippatͅtͅi, is about 5 to 6 kms from the centre of Ānͅdͅippatͅtͅi.
Nature of the Findings: Unfinished stone image
Condition of the Findings: Unfinished Buddha image in stone. The right cheek portion is also partly broken.
Size of the Findings: About 97 cm high
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a raised moulded platform. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has broad shoulder and elaborated ear-lobes. The indication of garment covering the left shoulder but leaving the right bare is shown roughly. The ushnͅīśa projection over his head is roughly worked out. The chisel marks shown all over the sculpture indicate that the sculpture was left unfinished.
Chronology: 10th -11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: ----
Associated Findings: -----
Local Tradition: -----
Photo Reference: PLATE- LXXXVII
Published Reference: The Hindu, 30, August, 2015 (Sunday)
ECAI note:

Name: SALEM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.65488889
Longitude: 78.15427778
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 74
Name of the Site: Talaivetͅtͅimun̤iyappan̤ Kōyil
Location: Bazaar road, opposite to the Collector Office
Name of the Village: Salem
Taluk: Salem
District: Salem
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 39
Seconds: 17.6
East: E
Degrees: 78
Minutes: 9
Seconds: 15.4
Approach to the Site: Salem (Cēlam) is well connected from any part of Tamil Nadu
Nature of the Findings: Stone image
Condition of the Findings: Mutilated and only the torso portion is available. The sculpture is totally modified. It seems that the head was chopped off long back and the same was re-fixed recently. The legs and hands are also partly broken. The sculpture is kept in a modern shrine constructed for this purpose.
Size of the Findings: About one metre high
Brief Description: Seated Buddha in ardha-padmāsana over a plain pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. It seems the head has been added at a later stage. He has an elongated ear-lobes and prominent nose and eye-brows. The shoulder is broad. There is an ushnͅīśa-like projection over his head.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: HR & CE, Government of Tamil Nadu
Associated Findings: Not known. It seems the sculpture is removed from the original place and housed in a modern temple.
Local Tradition: This image is locally known as Talivet_t_i Mun_iyappan_. It is told that the head was chopped off during the war and the local people re-fixed the head recently and worshipped as a god of Hindu pantheon
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXXXVIII
Published Reference: Kalvetͅtͅu, ital̤, 16, 1983, p. 4; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., (eds)., Part. 2, 2002, p. 565
ECAI note:

Name: SUNDARAPĀNͅDͅIYAN̤ PATͅTͅINͅAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 9.82135
Longitude: 79.08731667
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 75
Name of the Site: Originally found in the debris nearby the Ekambarēśvarar temple.
Location: Presently kept in the Ekambarēśvarar temple at Sundarapānͅdͅiyan̤ Patͅtͅinͅam
Name of the Village: Sundarapānͅdͅiyan̤ Patͅtͅinͅam
Taluk: Tiruvādānai
District: Rāmanātapuram
North: N
Degrees: 9
Minutes: 49
Seconds: 16.86
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 5
Seconds: 14.34
Approach to the Site: Sundarapānͅdͅiyan̤ Patͅtͅinͅam is located about 75 km north/north-east of Rāmanātapuram and 24 km from Tiruvādanai.
Nature of the Findings: Standing stone Buddha statue
Condition of the Findings: There is a thick encrustation over the image.
Size of the Findings: About a metre high.
Brief Description: The Buddha is shown standing on a plain pedestal. The conical stone projection at the base of the pedestal of the standing Buddha image indicates that it was originally installed in the sanctum by inserting over a pedestal. The right hand of Buddha is in abhaya whereas the left hand in katͅaka-hasta. He is wearing a close fitting long robe extending from neck to ankles. The pleats of the cloth are shown prominently. He has elongated ear-lobes, broad shoulder, curly hair and prominent ūrnͅā on the fore-head. There is an ushnͅīśa in the form of flame. The symbolic representation of dharma-chakra is shown in his right hand palm within a diamond shaped design.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Temple authorities.
Associated Findings: Not known
Local Tradition: It seems the Buddha image was originally lying in the debris nearby the temple and later the same was brought to the temple.
Photo Reference: PLATE-LXXXIX
Published Reference: The New Indian Express, 22.11.2002; The New Indian Express, 23.01.2003
ECAI note:

Name: TTAṄKACCIMATͅAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 9.282802778
Longitude: 79.244625
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 76
Name of the Site: Offshore of Taṅkaccimatͅam
Location: The Buddha head and other materials are caught in the net of the fishermen while fishing in the sea nearby Taṅkaccimatͅam. Presently they are kept in the State Archaeology Museum, Rāmanātapuram.
Name of the Village: Taṅkaccimatͅam
Taluk: Rāmēśvaram
District: Rāmanātapuram
North: N
Degrees: 9
Minutes: 16
Seconds: 58.09
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 14
Seconds: 40.65
Approach to the Site: About 8 km west of Rāmēśvaram
Nature of the Findings: Bronze head of Buddha and a pedestal of a Buddha image perhaps with an attendant deity on one side.
Condition of the Findings: The images are corroded and encrustation is formed over them.
Size of the Findings: (a) Buddha head is 4 cm wide and 5.5.cm height; (b) Width of the Pedestal is 13.6 cm at base and 12.2 cm at the top and its height is 6.8 cm; (c) The attendant deity is 3 cm wide and 9.8 cm height.
Brief Description: Buddha head is shown with a circular ūrnͅā, elongated ear-lobes, thick lips, curly hair and prominent eye-brows and nose. The two-armed attendant figure is standing in straight and hands are in the position of holding something. He is well dressed and wearing crown (kirīta) on his head. The pedestal is elaborately decorated with vyāla figurines and other motifs.
Chronology: 11th-12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: State Archaeology Museum, Rāmanātapuram
Associated Findings: The Chinese and South-East Asian pottery are found along with the images.
Local Tradition: -----
Photo Reference: PLATE- XC to XCI
Published Reference: Tin̤amanͅi, 28.4.1992; D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.565
ECAI note:

Name: TEN̤KARAI
SiteImage:
Latitude: 8.407963889
Longitude: 77.709525
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 77
Name of the Site: ----
Location: -----
Name of the Village: Ten̤karai
Taluk: Tiruccentūr
District: Tirunelvēli
North: N
Degrees: 8
Minutes: 24
Seconds: 28.67
East: E
Degrees: 77
Minutes: 42
Seconds: 34.29
Approach to the Site: About 27 km south-west of Sattan̤kulͅam and 23 km north-east of Pan̤aikkutͅi
Nature of the Findings: ----
Condition of the Findings: Missing
Size of the Findings: ----
Brief Description: In the Annual Progress Report of the Archaeological Survey Department, Southern Circle, Madras for the year 1916-17 it is reported that a fair sized Buddha image was found in Ten̤karai. But at present it is not available at the site.
Chronology: May be of 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: The statue is missing
Associated Findings: ---
Local Tradition: -----
Photo Reference: ----
Published Reference: Annual Progress Report of the Archaeological Survey Department, Southern Circle, Madras for the year 1916-17, Government Press, Madras, p.1; C. Minakshi, South Indian Studies- II, 1979, p. 115; Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami, Pauttamum Tamil̤ium, 1980, p. 63; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.566
ECAI note:

Name: TIRUCCHIRĀPPALͅLͅI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.77033333
Longitude: 78.68561111
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 78
Name of the Site: Kājā malai, Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi
Location: Periyār Nūr̤r̤ānͅtͅu Kalvi Valͅākam, Kājā malai, Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi
Name of the Village: Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi (Kājā malai)
Taluk: Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi
District: Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 46
Seconds: 13.2
East: E
Degrees: 78
Minutes: 41
Seconds: 8.2
Approach to the Site: Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi is well connected both by road and rail to all the important places in Tamil Nadu
Nature of the Findings: Stone Buddha image
Condition of the Findings: Nose and lips are slightly worn out.
Size of the Findings: About 72 cm high
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. There is a dharma-chakra symbol in the right hand palm. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. He has elongated ear-lobes, curly hair, deep-cut lips and broad shoulder. The ūrnͅā is shown prominently in between the eye-brows.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi Municipality
Associated Findings: While digging for channel within the campus of Periyār Nūr̤r̤ānͅtͅu Kalvi Valͅākam, Kājā malai the Buddha sculpture was noticed.
Local Tradition: ----
Photo Reference: PLATE-XCII
Published Reference: Āvanͅam, ital̤, 20, July, 2009, p. 205
ECAI note:

Name: TIRUCCŌPURAM
SiteImage:
Latitude: 11.66011667
Longitude: 79.74626667
TimeBegin: 1200-01-08
TimeEnd: 1300-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 79
Name of the Site: Maṅkalͅapurīśvara temple
Location: The inscription on stray stone was noticed on the roof of the manͅdͅapa in front of the central shrine of Maṅkalͅapurīśvara temple
Name of the Village: Tiruccōpuram
Taluk: Kuriñcipātͅi
District: Katͅalūr (Cuddalore)
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 39
Seconds: 36.42
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 44
Seconds: 46.56
Approach to the Site: Tiruccōpuram is located about 16 km south of Katͅalur (Cuddalore) and 19 km from Kuriñcipātͅi
Nature of the Findings: Inscription
Condition of the Findings: Inscription is worn out at many places
Size of the Findings: -----
Brief Description: This inscription registers a gift of a land to a temple for the expense of worship and offerings on the new moon and full moon days (uvāppatͅi) by Cāriputtira panͅtͅitan̤, probably a Buddhist disciple. Mention is also made of the Saṅghattār, evidently the members of Buddhist Saṅgha in the vicinity of this place.
Chronology: The inscription is of Jatͅāvarman̤ Sundarapānͅdͅya period and palaeographically it may be assigned to the 13th century CE
DateCertainty: century approximation
Ownership: Temple authorities
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: ---
Photo Reference: ----
Published Reference: ARE, 1903-04, No.113; SII, XVII, pp. VI-VII, No. 131; C. Minakshi, South Indian Studies-II, 1979, p.103; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.562
ECAI note:

Name: TIRUNĀKĒŚVARAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.96529722
Longitude: 79.42875833
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 80
Name of the Site: Śri Girikujāmbāl amman̤ shrine of the Nāganāthaswamy temple complex at Tirunākēśvaram
Location: Two images probably of Buddha are kept just abutting to the inner prākāra wall of Śri Girikujāmbāl amman̤ shrine of the Nāganāthaswamy temple complex at Tirunākēśvaram
Name of the Village: Tirunākēśvaram
Taluk: Kumbakōnͅam
District: Tañcāvūr
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 57
Seconds: 55.07
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 25
Seconds: 43.53
Approach to the Site: Tirunākēśvaram is about 7 km north-east of Kumbakōnͅam
Nature of the Findings: Two seated stone images of Buddha (?)
Condition of the Findings: They are badly worn out and the details are not clear. Moreover there is a thick encrustation over the images.
Size of the Findings: About 83 cm height and 76 cm width
Brief Description: Both the images are shown seated in ardha-padmāsana over a plain pedestal. They are in the dhyāna-pose with their right palm placed on the left palm on their lap. It is not clear whether these images are shown with the upper garment which covering only the left shoulder and leaving the right bare as usually found in the Buddha images. However there is an indication of ushnͅīśa, the cranial protuberance symbolizing Buddha hood, over the head of one of the image. Probably there is an indication of dharma-chakra symbol in the right hand palm of the same image.
Chronology: 11th -12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Temple Authorities
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: The local people believe that these images and few other images kept all along the prākāra wall of Śri Girikujāmbāl amman̤ shrine are the guardian deities of the shrine.
Photo Reference: PLATE-XCIII
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.563
ECAI note:

Name: TIRUNAL_L_A_R_U
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.92556667
Longitude: 79.79167222
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 81
Name of the Site: Presently the statue is kept in the campus of Dr. Ambedkar Centenary Memorial Community Health Centre, Tirunalͅlͅār̤u
Location: In the campus of Dr. Ambedkar Centenary Memorial Community Health Centre, Tirunalͅlͅār̤u
Name of the Village: Tirunalͅlͅār̤u
Taluk: Kāraikkāl
District: Putuccēri (Pondicherry) State
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 55
Seconds: 32.04
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 47
Seconds: 30.02
Approach to the Site: About 6 km west of Kāraikkāl
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The statue is smeared with sacred ash powder (tirunīru).
Size of the Findings: About 1.38 m height
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a plain pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has broad shoulder, curly hair, pendent ear-lobes, deep-cut lips, prominent nose and flame-like ushnͅīśa. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare.
Chronology: 11th -12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: The local community
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: The local people worship the image
Photo Reference: PLATE-XCIV
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.566; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p,121
ECAI note:

Name: TIRUNĀTͅTͅIYATTĀN̤KUTͅI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.69791667
Longitude: 79.61943333
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 82
Name of the Site: Two Buddha statues are found while digging in the field. One is kept in the bamboo grove near the Tirunātͅtͅiyattān̤kutͅi village and another in the field by the side of the digging of small tank.
Location: One kept in the bamboo grove near the Tirunātͅtͅiyattān̤kutͅi village and another in the field about 200 m from the former.
Name of the Village: Tirunātͅtͅiyattān̤kutͅi
Taluk: Tiruvārūr
District: Tiruvārūr
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 41
Seconds: 52.5
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 37
Seconds: 9.96
Approach to the Site: Tirunātͅtͅiyattān̤kutͅi is about 10 km south-west of Tiruvārūr
Nature of the Findings: Stone images
Condition of the Findings: The right hand, neck, ushnͅīśa and part of the face of the Buddha image kept in the bamboo grove are broken (Now the head is also missing). The ushnͅīśa and shoulder of other image is partly broken. The head of Buddha is separated from the body and both are now fixed together.
Size of the Findings: About 83 cm high x 96 cm wide (head-less Buddha); About 1.03 m high x 89 cm wide (intact one)
Brief Description: Both the Buddha images are shown seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Their hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. The garment has shown covering the left shoulder leaving the right bare. They have elongated ear-lobes, curly hair and broad shoulder. There is a dharma-chakra symbol in the right hand palm.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Private ownership
Associated Findings: Large number of potsherds and bricks of medieval period are noticed in the trenches and nearby areas where the Buddha statues dug out. It seems their existed a temple of medieval period for these Buddha statues in this place.
Local Tradition: It is believed by the local people that the Buddha image kept in the bamboo grove near the village bestowed rain if they worship him.
Photo Reference: PLATE- XCV
Published Reference: The New Indian Express, 20.3.2003; Āvanͅam, ital̤, 14, July, 2003, p.145. The second one is noticed by the author on 20 July 2014 during the course of documentation.
ECAI note:

Name: TIRUPPARĀYTTUR̤AI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.883775
Longitude: 78.56537778
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 83
Name of the Site: Originally found at Tirupparāyttur̤ai and presently kept in Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Museum, Tirumalai Nayakar Mahal, Madurai.
Location: Now kept in the Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Museum, Tirumalai Nayakar Mahal, Madurai
Name of the Village: Tirupparāyttur̤ai near Ānͅalai
Taluk: Sriraṅgam
District: Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 53
Seconds: 1.59
East: E
Degrees: 78
Minutes: 33
Seconds: 55.36
Approach to the Site: Tirupparāyttur̤ai is about 19 km north-west of Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The face details are not clear and a portion of the right shoulder is broken.
Size of the Findings: About 1.07 m high and 96 cm width
Brief Description: Buddha is seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes and prominent ushnͅīśa. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. At the bottom, the garment reaches up to the ankles. There is an ornated tōranͅa supported by pilasters shown behind him.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Tamil Nadu State Archaeology Museum, Tirumalai Nayakar Mahal, Madurai.
Associated Findings: -----
Local Tradition: ----
Photo Reference: PLATE-X CVI
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p. 564
ECAI note:

Name: TIRUPUVAN̤AM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 9.827888889
Longitude: 78.25827778
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 84
Name of the Site: Southern bank of river Vaigai
Location: The sculpture was originally found on the southern bank of river Vaigai at Tirupuvan̤am. Presently kept in the State Department of Archaeology, Tirumalai nāyakar mahāl, Madurai
Name of the Village: Tirupuvan̤am
Taluk: Tirupuvan̤am
District: Sivagaṅga
North: N
Degrees: 9
Minutes: 49
Seconds: 40.4
East: E
Degrees: 78
Minutes: 15
Seconds: 29.8
Approach to the Site: About 20 km east of Madurai on the Madurai-Rāmēśvaram main road.
Nature of the Findings: Stone sculpture. Broken
Condition of the Findings: It is broken and only the torso portion is available. The original features are intact.
Size of the Findings: H x B x W: 70 cm x 79 cm x 38 cm
Brief Description: Seated Buddha in ardha-padmāsana on a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. The head and part of hand portions are not available. He has a broad shoulder. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: State Department of Archaeology, Tirumalai nāyakar mahāl, Madurai
Associated Findings: There is hardly any archaeological remains of that period found at the finding spot.
Local Tradition: Not known
Photo Reference: PLATE-XCVII
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artifacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p.87; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al. Part. 2, 2002, pp. 559-568; D. Dayalan, 2003, pp.174-186
ECAI note:

Name: TIRUVALAÑJUL̤I
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.94588333
Longitude: 79.32891667
TimeBegin: 1200-01-08
TimeEnd: 1400-01-09
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 85
Name of the Site: ----
Location: Previously kept near the compound of Śiva temple at Tiruvalañjul̤i. Now displayed in the Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai
Name of the Village: Tiruvalañjul̤i
Taluk: Kumbakōnͅam
District: Tañcāvūr
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 56
Seconds: 45.18
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 19
Seconds: 44.1
Approach to the Site: Tiruvalañjul̤i is about 7 km south-west of Kumbakōnͅam.
Nature of the Findings: Standing stone Buddha
Condition of the Findings: Almost intact
Size of the Findings: About 2.36 m high and 74 cm wide
Brief Description: The Buddha is shown standing on a plain pedestal. His right hand is in abhaya or vyākhyāna-mudrā and the left hand in katͅaka-mudrā. He is wearing a close fitting long robe extending from neck to ankles. He has elongated ear-lobes and broad shoulder. There is an ushnͅīśa in the form of flame. He has curly hair and prominent upright (inverted) question-mark-like ūrnͅā on the fore-head.
Chronology: 13th -14th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Government Museum, Egmore, Chennai
Associated Findings: ------
Local Tradition: ----
Photo Reference: PLATE-XCVIII
Published Reference: Mayilai. Cini. Venkatacami, Pauttamum Tamil̤ium, 1980, p.45; C. Minakshi, South Indian Studies- II, 1979, p.114; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.563; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p.99
ECAI note:

Name: TIRUVALLIKKĒNͅI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 13.05830556
Longitude: 80.27733333
TimeBegin: 0199-12-31
TimeEnd: 0400-01-02
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 86
Name of the Site: Ellaiyamman̤ temple at Tiruvallikkēnͅi, Chennai
Location: In one of the niche of the Ellaiyamman̤ temple at Tiruvallikkēnͅi
Name of the Village: Tiruvallikkēnͅi, Chennai
Taluk: Mylapore-Triplicane
District: Chennai
North: N
Degrees: 13
Minutes: 3
Seconds: 29.9
East: E
Degrees: 80
Minutes: 16
Seconds: 38.4
Approach to the Site: Tiruvallikkēnͅi is one of the main centres in Chennai city and is well connected with all places of the city.
Nature of the Findings: The panel is made of palnad limestone
Condition of the Findings: Only a portion of the panel is available. Thick lime coat is found over the panel.
Size of the Findings: About 72 cm height
Brief Description: The panel consists of six standing figure in two rows one behind the other in añjali or adoration pose. All wear distinctive head-gear and patra-kunͅdͅalas in their ears. The thick rolled cloth tied round the waist (katͅi-bandha) with the knot on the sides is hanging down in large folds and tassels. This is probably a part of a huge panel of Buddhist affinity. Similar type of panels are found in many of the Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh such as Amaravati, Nagarjunakonͅdͅa, etc.
Chronology: 3rd-4th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Ellaiyamman̤ temple authorities
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: The panel might have come from Andhra Pradesh particularly from Guntūr region. Buddhist artefacts made of similar material are also found at Rāyappētͅtͅai (Chennai), Kāverippūmpatͅtͅinͅam, Chin̤n̤amētͅu and few other places in Tamil Nadu
Photo Reference: PLATE-XCIX
Published Reference: Āvanͅam, ital̤, 7, 1996, pp.187-88
ECAI note:

Name: TIRUVATIGAI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 12.86441667
Longitude: 78.80041667
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 87
Name of the Site: Vīratͅtͅānēśvarar temple
Location: Within the prākāra enclosure of the Vīratͅtͅānēśvarar temple.
Name of the Village: Tiruvatigai
Taluk: Cuddalore
District: Cuddalore
North: N
Degrees: 12
Minutes: 51
Seconds: 51.9
East: E
Degrees: 78
Minutes: 48
Seconds: 1.5
Approach to the Site: About 3 km south-east of Panrutti
Nature of the Findings: Stone images of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The nose, lips and the hands of the Buddha image are slightly damaged. But they are all mended recently and the sculpture is presently installed on a modern platform below the shade of temporary shed.
Size of the Findings: About 1.32 m high and 79 cm wide
Brief Description: Buddha is seated in ardha-padmāsana over a lotus pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes, deep-cut lips, well-marked eye-brows, half-closed eyes and flame-like ushnͅīśa. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. At the bottom the garment reaches up to the ankles.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Temple administration
Associated Findings: Not known
Local Tradition: Originally the sculpture was kept inside the sanctum of the temple. But at a later stage it has been removed from there and kept outside within the temple complex. The seated image in dhyāna pose in the Selva Vin̤āyakar temple at Tiruvatigai is also identified by some scholars as Buddha. But the features of the image are more akin to Jaina Tīrthaṅkara than Buddha.
Photo Reference: PLATE-C
Published Reference: C. Minakshi, South Indian Studies-II, 1979, p.112; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.562; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 93
ECAI note:

Name: TIYĀKAN̤ŪR (1)
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.56083333
Longitude: 78.78025
TimeBegin: 1100-01-07
TimeEnd: 1300-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 88(1)
Name of the Site: Buddhar Kōyil
Location: The temple is located at the junction of the main road with the kaccha (rough) road leading to the village
Name of the Village: Tiyākan̤ūr
Taluk: Āttūr
District: Salem
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 33
Seconds: 39
East: E
Degrees: 73
Minutes: 46
Seconds: 48.9
Approach to the Site: Tiyākan̤ūr is located to the south-east of Āttūr and Salem. There are regular buses to the village from Āttūr and many other places.
Nature of the Findings: Stone image
Condition of the Findings: The sculpture is in good condition and it is kept within a small shrine constructed for it.
Size of the Findings: H x B x W: About 1.94 m x 1.84 m x 1.42 m
Brief Description: Seated Buddha in ardha-padmāsana over a plain pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has elongated ear-lobes, broad shoulder, curly hair, prominent ūrnͅā between the eye-brows and an ushnͅīśa over the head. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare.
Chronology: 12th-13th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Local village community
Associated Findings: Not known
Local Tradition: The local Hindu population worship this image as Buddha and they have great belief on this deity.
Photo Reference: PLATE-CI
Published Reference: Kalvetͅtͅu, ital̤, 16, 1983, p.3; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.565
ECAI note:

Name: TIYĀKAN̤ŪR (2)
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.5585
Longitude: 78.77977778
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 88(2)
Name of the Site: Kept in the field very close to the village.
Location: In the field to the south-west of the village
Name of the Village: Tiyākan̤ūr
Taluk: Attūr
District: Salem
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 33
Seconds: 30.6
East: E
Degrees: 78
Minutes: 46
Seconds: 47.2
Approach to the Site: Tiyākan̤ūr is located to the south-east of Āttūr and Salem.
Nature of the Findings: Stone image
Condition of the Findings: At present it is kept in the open area and the construction of a temple to house this sculpture is in progress at the site.
Size of the Findings: H x B x W: About 1.52 m x 1.24 m x 54 cm
Brief Description: Seated Buddha in ardha-padmāsana over a plain pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has elongated ear-lobes and broad shoulder. There is an ushnͅīśa in the form of flame. He has curly hair and prominent ūrnͅā on the fore-head. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare.
Chronology: 11th-12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: The local community
Associated Findings: Not known. No archaeological remains found in the field where the sculpture is kept at present.
Local Tradition: The local Hindu community worship the image as Buddha
Photo Reference: PLATE-CII
Published Reference: Kalvetͅtͅu, ital̤, 16, 1983, p.3; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.565
ECAI note:

Name: ULͅLͅIKKŌTͅTͅAI
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.59805
Longitude: 79.41738333
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 89
Name of the Site: The Buddha statue was found in the field locally known as Cetͅtͅiyār mētͅu in Ulͅlͅikkōtͅtͅai. But the statue is missing and not traceable at present.
Location: Cetͅtͅiyār mētͅu in Ulͅlͅikkōtͅtͅai
Name of the Village: Ulͅlͅikkōtͅtͅai
Taluk: Man̤n̤ārkutͅi
District: Tiruvārūr
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 35
Seconds: 52.98
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 25
Seconds: 2.58
Approach to the Site: Ulͅlͅikkōtͅtͅai is about 9 km south-west of Man̤n̤ārkutͅi.
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of seated Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The nose, ushnͅīśa, hands and legs are partly broken. Now the sculpture is missing
Size of the Findings: About 1.04 m high
Brief Description: It seems that the Buddha figure is shown seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are perhaps kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes and broad shoulder.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Now missing
Associated Findings: Few potsherds of medieval period are reported in the place where the Buddha statue was originally found.
Local Tradition: There is a belief among the local people that the Cetͅtͅiyār (merchant) or prince came on horse to this place and became this stone image after bunged by the thieves.
Photo Reference: PLATE-CIII
Published Reference: Āvanͅam, ital̤, 17, July, 2006, pp.220-221
ECAI note:

Name: VALͅAIYAMĀPURAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.87953333
Longitude: 79.40408333
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 90
Name of the Site: -----
Location: By the site of the road leading to Valͅaiyamāpuram from Valaṅkaimān̤
Name of the Village: Valͅaiyamāpuram
Taluk: Valaṅkaimān̤
District: Tiruvārūr
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 52
Seconds: 46.32
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 24
Seconds: 14.7
Approach to the Site: Valͅaiyamāpuram is about 3 km south-east of Valaṅkaimān̤.
Nature of the Findings: Stone image
Condition of the Findings: Head is missing and only the rest part of the image is available.
Size of the Findings: About 94 cm high and 1.10 m width
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana on a plain pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The head is missing. The right hand palm has dharma-chakra symbol.
Chronology: 10th -11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Village administration
Associated Findings: -----
Local Tradition: ---
Photo Reference: PLATE-CIV
Published Reference: Tin̤amanͅi, 28.5.2007; Āvanͅam, ital̤, 19, July, 2008, pp.226-227; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.564
ECAI note:

Name: VAN̤N̤ICIPATͅTͅINͅAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.00101944
Longitude: 79.21938611
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 91
Name of the Site: Cin_an_tit_al (the mound of China) in the Van_n_icipat_t_in_am village.
Location: The sculpture was originally found in the field known locally as Cin̤an̤titͅal (the mound of China) in Van̤n̤icipatͅtͅinͅam village. The find spot is very close to the coast. Later the sculpture was brought to Putukkutͅi village. But now it is missing
Name of the Village: Van̤n̤icipatͅtͅinͅam near Putukkutͅi
Taluk: Manͅamēlkutͅi
District: Putukkōtͅtͅai
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 0
Seconds: 3.67
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 13
Seconds: 9.79
Approach to the Site: About 5 km south of Manͅamēlkutͅi
Nature of the Findings: Stone image of seated Buddha (now missing)
Condition of the Findings: ---
Size of the Findings: About 1.37 m high
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has elongated ear-lobes, curly hair and broad shoulder. There is an ushnͅīśa in the form of flame. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The ornated arch is shown behind the head of Buddha.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Now missing
Associated Findings: The Cin̤an̤titͅal, where the Buddha image originally found, has yielded large number of Chinese and South-East Asian potteries in addition to the local potteries.
Local Tradition: Buddhamittiran̤, the author of Vīracōl̤iyam, a grammar work was said to have born at Pon̤par̤r̤i (Pon̤pētti), a place not far away from Putukkutͅi. He was a notable Buddhist follower. Manͅalmēlkutͅi had served as sea-port in the medieval period and there was a busy maritime trade activity from here to China and South-East Asian countries.
Photo Reference: PLATE-CV
Published Reference: Āvanͅam, ital̤, 13, July, 2002, pp.113-114. The sculpture was noticed by J. Raja Muhammad, Former Curator, Government Museum, Putukkōtͅtͅai in 2002. But the sculpture was reported to have been missing in 2008 and the same was published in The Hindu 30 June 2008; Tin̤amalar 29.06.2008 and Tin̤amanͅi 28.06.2008.
ECAI note:

Name: VĒLͅAṄKAN̤N̤I
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.68193333
Longitude: 79.84368333
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 92
Name of the Site: Near Cetͅtͅiyār street
Location: In the field near the Cetͅtͅiyār street in Vēlͅaṅkan̤n̤i
Name of the Village: Vēlͅaṅkan̤n̤i
Taluk: Kīl̤vēlūr
District: Nāgapatͅtͅinͅam
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 40
Seconds: 54.96
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 50
Seconds: 37.26
Approach to the Site: Vēlͅaṅkan̤n̤i is about 13 km south of Nāgapatͅtͅinͅam
Nature of the Findings: Headless stone image of Buddha
Condition of the Findings: The Buddha image is found without head. The hand is also partly broken.
Size of the Findings: About 70 cm height and 87 cm width
Brief Description: Buddha is shown seated in ardha-padmāsana over a plain pedestal. He is in the dhyāna-pose with his right palm placed on the left palm in his lap. Buddha is draped in a long lower garment and an upper garment which leaves his right arm, chest and shoulder bare. The pleated end of the upper garment is seen on the left shoulder of Buddha.
Chronology: 11th 12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: -----
Associated Findings: The Buddha image is lying on the sandy ground and many potsherds of medieval period are found nearby the statue.
Local Tradition: ---
Photo Reference: PLATE-CVI
Published Reference: The Buddha image is reported by Mr. Ramachandran, Nagapattinam
ECAI note:

Name: VELͅLͅAN̤ŪR
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.91947222
Longitude: 78.867
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 93
Name of the Site: Originally found in the field to the south-west of Itͅaiyamaṅgala Vellan̤ūr village and presently kept on the bund of the tank within the village
Location: Originally found in the field to the south-west of Itͅaiyamaṅgala Velͅlͅan̤ūr
Name of the Village: Velͅlͅan̤ūr (Itͅaiyamaṅgala Velͅlͅan̤ūr)
Taluk: Lālkutͅi
District: Tirucchirāppalͅlͅi
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 55
Seconds: 10.1
East: E
Degrees: 78
Minutes: 52
Seconds: 1.2
Approach to the Site: Itͅaiyamaṅgala Velͅlͅan̤ūr is about 8 km north-east of Lālkutͅi on Lālkutͅi- Ariyalūr road.
Nature of the Findings: Buddha stone statue
Condition of the Findings: Nose and other facial features are worn out.
Size of the Findings: About 1.41 m high, 96 cm wide from knee to knee and 66 cm wide across the shoulder.
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. The dharma-chakra is shown in the right hand palm. He has curly hair and pendent ear-lobes. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. There is a prominent ushnͅīśa on top of the head.
Chronology: 10th-11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Village administration
Associated Findings: Potteries of medieval period are found at the find spot of the Buddha statue.
Local Tradition: ---
Photo Reference: PLATE-CVII
Published Reference: C. Minakshi, South Indian Studies-II, 1979, p.116; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.565; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p,112
ECAI note:

Name: VIKKARAMAṄKALAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.04416667
Longitude: 79.22305556
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 94
Name of the Site: There are two Buddha images presently kept on a modern raised cement platform constructed by the side of the road
Location: By the side of the road
Name of the Village: Vikkaramaṅkalam
Taluk: Utͅaiyārpālͅaiyam
District: Ariyalūr
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 2
Seconds: 39
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 13
Seconds: 23
Approach to the Site: The village can be approached from Ariyalūr (via) Kīl̤nattam and Ālavāy. Vikkaramaṅkalam is about 24 kms from Ariyalūr
Nature of the Findings: There are two seated Buddha images in stone
Condition of the Findings: A part of arch and the ushnͅīśa are broken in one case. The noses of both the Buddha images are partly mutilated.
Size of the Findings: L x B x W: 1. About 1.20 m x 98 cm x 40 cm; 2. About 76 cm x 62 cm x 31 cm
Brief Description: Both are shown seated in ardha-padmāsana over a padma-pītͅha. The pedestal is low in one case and in the other case it is high and has various mouldings. The hands of the Buddha in both the cases are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. They have elongated ear-lobes, curly hair, thick lips and broad shoulder. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The circular ūrnͅā is shown prominently in between their eye-brows. There is an ushnͅīśa in the form of flame in one case, whereas the ushnͅīśa portion is broken in the other case. The arches over the head of Buddhas are decorated with flame-like ornamentation all along them. In one case (i.e., the broken one) the arch is decorated with floral design. The arches rest over the decorated pillars.
Chronology: 11th-12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Local community
Associated Findings: They are found by the side of the road as loose sculptures and no associated remains of ancient period found in this area.
Local Tradition: Of the two Buddha images one is called by the local people as money lender and the other as money borrower.
Photo Reference: PLATE-CVIII
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.564; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 110
ECAI note:

Name: VIKKRAMAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.45688333
Longitude: 79.41693333
TimeBegin: 0900-01-05
TimeEnd: 1100-01-07
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 95
Name of the Site: The site is known as Buddhatͅikkollai in Vikkramam
Location: Buddhatͅikkollai in Vikkramam
Name of the Village: Vikkramam
Taluk: Patͅtͅukkōtͅtͅai
District: Tañcāvūr
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 27
Seconds: 24.78
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 25
Seconds: 0.96
Approach to the Site: Vikkramam is about 2 km from Matukkūr.
Nature of the Findings: Seated stone Buddha image and a site known as Buddhatͅikkollai. Chinese potteries and coins are also found at the site.
Condition of the Findings: Nose of Buddha image is damaged
Size of the Findings: The size of Buddha image is about 1.27 m height and 1.06 m breadth
Brief Description: Buddha seated in ardha-padmāsana over a plain pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has curly hair, pendent ear-lobes, deep-cut lips and half-closed eyes. There is an ushnͅīśa in a form of a knot at the top of the head. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare. The excavations at Buddhatͅikkollai in Vikkramam revealed a single course brick wall in east-west alignment. The length of brick wall is 4.15 m and the maximum breadth is 25 cm. The wall seems to be constructed out of broken bricks. Another brick structure of 4 courses in east-west alignment was also noticed in the excavations. Apart from broken bricks, some full size bricks (24 x 12.5 x 4.5 cm) were also used for construction of this structure. The length of this structure is about 1.58 m. This structure is in ‘L’ shape with an offset. In addition to these structures, the remains of perhaps another brick wall of 5 courses were also noticed in the excavations. All these structures are perhaps a part of Buddhist edifice of medieval period.
Chronology: The Buddha statue is of c. 10th -11th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Village community and individual ownership
Associated Findings: Lot of pottery of medieval period is found in Buddhatͅikkollai. Chinese potteries and Chinese coins of the Tang dynasty (618- 807 CE) and Emperor Zhen Zong (988- 1023 CE), Shen Zong (1068-1085 CE) and Zhe Zong (1086-1100 CE) of Northern Song dynasty (960-1127 CE) are also found at Vikkramam.
Local Tradition: -----
Photo Reference: PLATE-CIX
Published Reference: D. Dayalan, "Recent finds of Buddhist Artefacts and Architecture in Tamil Nadu", 1992; D. Dayalan in Peter Schalk, et.al., part 2, 2002, p.564; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p. 100
ECAI note:

Name: VĪRAKANŪR
SiteImage:

Latitude: 11.47547222
Longitude: 78.73988889
TimeBegin: 1000-01-06
TimeEnd: 1200-01-08
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 96
Name of the Site: In the 1st ward of the Vīrakanūr village near a modern temple.
Location: In the Cetͅtͅiyār street or Tanͅtͅiyakāran̤ street of the village. Originally the sculpture was found by the side of the Talivāsal-Perambalūr main road close to the Ambedkar statue. Recently it was shifted to the present location.
Name of the Village: Vīrakanūr
Taluk: Keṅkavalͅlͅi
District: Salem
North: N
Degrees: 11
Minutes: 28
Seconds: 31.7
East: E
Degrees: 78
Minutes: 44
Seconds: 23.6
Approach to the Site: Vīrakanūr is located to the south-east of Āttūr. It is about 13 km from Talivāsal.
Nature of the Findings: Stone image
Condition of the Findings: The sculpture is kept open by the side of the street. The hands are slightly broken.
Size of the Findings: H x B x W: About 1.48 m x 1.24 m x 58 cm
Brief Description: Seated Buddha in ardha-padmāsana over a plain pedestal. Both of his hands are kept on the lap in dhyāna pose. He has elongated ear-lobes, broad shoulder, curly hair and prominent ūrnͅā on the fore-head. There is an ushnͅīśa over the head in the form of a flame. The garment has shown covered the left shoulder leaving the right bare.
Chronology: 11th -12th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Local community
Associated Findings: Not known
Local Tradition: There are no elaborate pūjas or offering to the deity. But often, in the silent night, people come to place a stone on the idol's head. To them, it is an offering that will help to get rid of headache and body pain related to headache.
Photo Reference: PLATE-CX
Published Reference: Āvanͅam, ital̤, 18, 2007, p.196; K. Sivaramalingam, 1997, p,130
ECAI note:

Name: NĀGAPATͅTͅINͅAM
SiteImage:

Latitude: 10.77483333
Longitude: 79.84583333
TimeBegin: 0800-01-05
TimeEnd: 1700-01-01
AppendDataColumnsToDescription: Yes
ID: 49
Name of the Site: ----
Location: The diggings in the localities known as Velͅippālͅayam, Nānͅayakkāra street, Maruntukkottala street and few other places in Nāgapatͅtͅinͅam have yielded Buddhist vestiges.
Name of the Village: Nāgapatͅtͅinͅam
Taluk: Nāgapatͅtͅinͅam
District: Nāgapatͅtͅinͅam
North: N
Degrees: 10
Minutes: 46
Seconds: 29.4
East: E
Degrees: 79
Minutes: 50
Seconds: 45
Approach to the Site: Nāgapatͅtͅinͅam is about 87 km east of Tañjāvūr
Nature of the Findings: Nāgapatͅtͅinͅam was an important centre of Buddhism and also of maritime trade. Buddhist bronzes, stone sculptures and the structural remains of Buddhist affiliation were found here.
Condition of the Findings: The Buddhist bronzes and stone sculptures found here are housed in various Museums in India and abroad. The so-called Buddhist edifice here was pull down in the 19th century CE.
Size of the Findings: -----
Brief Description: The diggings in the localities called Velͅippālͅayam, Nānͅayakkāra street and Maruntukkottala street in between 1856 to 1934 have yielded as many as 350 Buddhist bronze images mainly comprise of Buddha both in seated and standing postures, Avalōkitēśvara, Maitrēya, Padmapāni, Siṁhanāta, Lokēśvara, Tāra, Jambhala, Vasudara, Votive Stūpas, etc., ranging from 9th century to 16th-17th centuries CE. Many of the bronze images are inscribed. It is well known that a broken brick tower had been standing in Nagapattinam till 1867 when it was pulled down by the Jesuits. It was variously known as the Putuvelikopuram, Old Pagoda, Black Pagoda, China Pagoda and Jaina Pagoda. This tower had close resemblance to the Sat-Mahal-Pasada, a brick tower at Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka.
Chronology: The Buddhist vestiges found at Nāgapatͅtͅinͅam are datable from 9th century to 16th-17th centuries CE
DateCertainty: century range approximation
Ownership: Many of the bronze and stone images are kept in the Government and Private museums and somebody's personal collection
Associated Findings: ----
Local Tradition: A Brahmin settlement (agrahāra) known as Buddha kōtͅtͅam in Nāgapatͅtͅinͅam is said to be the location of ancient Buddhist edifices.
Photo Reference: PLATE- LX to LXIV
Published Reference: T.N. Ramachandran, The Nagapattinam and Other Buddhist Bronzes in the Madras Museum, Bulletin of the Madras Government Museum, (Reprinted by the Udhaya Printers, Madras on behalf of the Director of Museums), 1992; Kalvetͅtͅu, kālānͅtͅital̤, 44, October, 1995, pp. 26-35; Sir Walter Elliot, “The Edifice known as the Chinese or Jaina Pagoda at Negapatam, ”The Indian Antiquary A Journal of Oriental Research 1872-1933, Vol. VII (1878), Swati Publications, Delhi, 1984, pp. 224-227; Sir Walter Elliot (communicated), “ A Further Notice of the Ancient Buddhist Structure at Negapatam,” The Indian Antiquary A Journal of Oriental Research 1872-1933, Vol. XV (1886), Swati Publications, Delhi, 1984, pp. 234-236
ECAI note: