While it is easy to come across inscriptions bearing the names of the royals in heritage sites, inscriptions with names of the sculptors who worked on it are a rare find. It is even more rare to find them at a distance from the heritage site.
But one such important site – the Poonjeri inscriptions that list some of the Perunthachan’s (sculptors) who built the world heritage site in Mahabalipuram – has seen better days. Ever since Tamil Nadu Road Development Company’s (TNRDC) road expansion on the ECR a few years ago, the site of important historical record bearing seventh-century inscriptions lies almost forgotten, not befitting the status of an important archeological treasure.
Presently, the stone slabs that lie right next to the road’s barricade, are hidden from view by shrubs and creepers growing all around them. There are no indications to mark their importance making them prone to vandalism. Deepika, an archeologist from Chennai, who visited the site recently says, “The Poonjeri inscriptions are of great value and it is ironic that they lie forgotten and hidden from view. At least a signboard will help locals understand their importance, especially since the area is rapidly developing with new buildings coming up. The inscriptions can't be lost forever.”
While these stone slabs lie just a few kilometres south of the famous Pallava heritage site in Mahabalipuram and are an important historical record, unfortunately they do not fall under the protection of the World Heritage Site and consequently the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). Some of the names of the sculptors inscribed in these stones, in Grantham script, are Kevatha Perunthachan, Ravi Perunthachan, Paiyamizaippaan, and Lalithangkuran.
Speaking to TNM, Deputy Superintending Archaeologist at ASI Chennai Circle, Narasimham says, “A few years ago, when the road expansion was taking place, we helped put up a fence around it otherwise it might have been lost forever. The inscriptions are documented in our records, but ASI is not responsible for its maintenance.” He further adds that listing it under the world heritage site is a tedious process involving approval from UNESCO.
But Narasimhan suggests that the Village Panchayat could come forward to maintain the inscriptions. “The site that has these inscriptions does not fall under the purview of ASI nor the state archeology department. We would recommend the village panchayat or any other local body to take better care of it,” he adds.
He also advises against moving these stone slabs to a museum or to Mamallapuram itself explaining that it would lose its relevance.
Calling for support from NGOs interested in protecting this important site, KT Gandhirajan, art historian says, “People believe that it was the area of residence of these sculptors. It is also the very first find of inscriptions bearing the names of architects in Tamil Nadu. A simple shelter around it and a name board explaining its significance would make a huge difference.”