Inscriptions on metal images
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It is well known that the exquisite bronze images of South India, especially Tamil
Nadu, were the products of utmost devotion and submission towards the
Lord. The donors who caused the images were so humble that they considered it inappropriate to disclose their names. But there are some images containing inscriptions on their pedestals. These inscriptions mention the names of the deity and the benefactor and, at times the name of the artisan who created the image.
For example, the bronze image of Uma battaraki (consort of Siva) in the standing posture
belonging to Karaiveeram (Nagapattinam District) can be
cited. The inscription engraved on its pedestal mentions that it was cast, while Parantaka Chola was ruling (beginning
of 10th century CE) by an individual, on behalf of Brahma Sri
Tongar. There are at times, lengthy inscriptions on the pedestal of such images.
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Paranthaka chola's Tamil inscription on the pedestal of a bronze image,
10thcentury CE,
Thanjavur ,Dist.
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A bronze image of Pradhoshamurti in the Siva temple at Tirttanagari
(Tiruttinai nagar) in South Arcot District contains an inscription on its pedestal, which reads as follows:
Swasti Sri Sakalabhuvana Cakravarti Kopperunjingan. This might indicate the ruling king in whose period it was donated.
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Saka year 1524 (1602 CE) inscribed Ayyanar
idol,
Thanjavur Dist.
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Some portrait bronze images have labels, mentioning the name of the individual. The images of a Nayaka
Chief Cirumallappa and a Maratha royal lady by name Ammani Ammal, containing inscription in Tamil in Thanjavur
District are examples. |
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Inscribed miniature plough in private collection ,17th
century CE,
Chennai
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