TIRUCHY: A historical inscription documenting a land donation by the Tondaiman kings has been discovered at Senayakudi village in Pudukkottai's Kulathur taluk during a recent field study by the Pudukkottai Archaeological Research Forum.
According to A Manikandan, founder of the forum, the inscription was discovered in a private field at Periya Vayalakkadu, on the border of Senayakudi village. The stone slab bears a bas-relief of Vamana, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, on one side - a traditional symbol indicating land grants made for charitable purposes. The reverse side carries an inscription dedicating the land "to the Thirumalai Raya Puram Anna Chathiram", a food rest-house. Manikandan noted that the area now known as Chinnaiya Chathiram was originally called Thirumalai Raya Puram.
During the reign of Ragunatha Raya Tondaiman, such chathirams provided free food and shelter to travellers and pilgrims. While Brahmins were served cooked meals, others were given raw materials and provisions for cooking.
The newly discovered inscription confirms that the ValayanKulam pond and surrounding agricultural lands in Senayakudi were donated to meet the expenses and food requirements of the Thirumalai Raya Puram Chathiram. Manikandan said local farmers continue to cultivate and protect these lands in keeping with tradition.
He added that the Tondaiman rulers established an extensive network of chathirams over the past 300 years, including Ayipatti Chathiram (1779), Onangudi Chathiram (1783) and Vadavalam West Chathiram. Records show these centres served porridge (Kadalai Koozh) and buttermilk daily, with special feasts held on every Dwadasi. He further said that these 300-year-old structures were vital hubs for weary travellers, providing water, food, and facilitating rest for both humans and cattle.