Madurai
A team led by V Rajaguru, President, Ramanathapuram Archaeological Research Foundation, was involved in research works at Shiva temple in Sembilankudi recently and while doing so, it found a stone sculpture near the temple.
When the stone was cleaned and studied it was found out that it was a ‘Navakandam sculpture’. Speaking to DTNext, Rajaguru said that the type of stone sculpture that shows the self-sacrifice is called a ‘Navakandam sculpture’.
The kind of self-sacrifice is done when a soldier wishes for the success of his king or a woman wishing for good health of her husband before goddess Kali or Kotravai. In this case, the solider should have committed suicide wishing for the success of his king and it was done before Kali. The sculpture shows the selflessness and the immense sacrifice made by the solider.
Also, such a practice is common in the places ruled by Chola kings and it is uncommon in areas ruled by Pandya kings. Also, the village name ‘Sembilankudi’ suggests a Chola name. Hence, it can be conferred that the sculpture would have been made in 11th century because at that time Pandya dynasty was under the rule of Chola kings.
This is also the first ‘Navakandam sculpture’ discovered in Ramanthapuram district, said Rajaguru.
He also added that the sculpture is 2.5 feet tall and the warrior in the sculpture is seen wearing a slipper.
Also, the warrior is seen dressed well with precious jewels. However, the face is damaged, similar to the letters on top of the sculpture.
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