Brahmi Inscription

HISTORICAL BACKGROUNDS :

An archaic Tamil inscription (Tamil –Brahmi) is engraved on the rock wall deep inside the cave. The inscription reads ”Satiyaputo Atiyan Netuman Anci itta Pali”. It means that ‘The hermitage was given by Atiyan Netuman Anci, the Satyaputo’. This Record can be dated I Century CE on Palaeography style, Atiyaman Netuman Anci, the famous Chieftain of Takatur (modern Dharmapuri) is refered in Sangam classic, Purananuru.

The title Satyaputo occurs in Asoka rock edict along with Ceras, Colas and Pandyas. Hence, Jambai inscription provides conclusive evidence in support of this identification.