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{{short description|8th-century bilingual copper-plate grant from the Pandya kingdom of southern India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2020}}
[[File:Velvikudi inscription (cropped 1.1).jpg|thumb|Velvikudi inscription, plate 1|406x406px]]
[[File:Velvikudi inscription (cropped 2).jpg|thumb|Velvikudi inscription, plate 2|406x406px]]

The '''Velvikudi inscription''' is an 8th-century bilingual [[Indian copper plate inscriptions|copper-plate grant]] from the [[Pandya dynasty|Pandya kingdom]] of [[southern India]]. Inscribed in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and [[Sanskrit]] languages, it records the renewal of a [[brahmadeya|grant]] of the Velvikudi village to a [[brahmin|brahmana]] by the Pandya king Nedunjadaiyan Varaguna-varman I alias Jatila Parantaka (r. c. 768-815 CE) in c. 769-770 CE.

== Date ==

The grant was made in the third regnal year of the king Nedunjadaiyan (also transliterated as Neduncheliyan),{{sfn|S.C. Mishra|Manisha Agnihotri|2009|p=214}} whose reign is dated to c. 765-815 CE.{{sfn|Noboru Karashima|2014|p=88}} The grant recorded in the inscription was probably made in 769-770 CE, but there is some controversy about its actual date.{{sfn|Gaur|1975|p=3}}

== Physical features ==

* The record is in form of ten [[Indian copper plate inscriptions|copper plates]], each measuring 27.5 x 8 cm.{{sfn|Gaur|1975|p=2}}
* The plates are held together by a thin copper ring, without a seal.{{sfn|Gaur|1975|p=2}}
* [[British Museum]]'s ''Indian Charters on Copper Plates in the Department of Oriental Manuscripts and Printed Books'' (1975) states that these copper plates were found at Madakulam.{{sfn|Gaur|1975|p=3}}

== Language ==

The inscription consists of the [[Sanskrit]] language portions inscribed in the [[Grantha script]] (lines 1-30 and 142-150), and the [[Tamil language|Tamil]] language inscribed in the [[Vatteluttu script]] (lines 31-141 and 151-155). The Tamil portion also uses the Grantha script for words of Sanskrit origin, the spelling of these words is sometimes influenced by the rules of Tamil [[orthography]]. The sequential numbers on the copper plates are inscribed in the Grantha script.{{sfn|Gaur|1975|p=2}}

The Sanskrit portion was composed by Varodayabhatta, who is described as "a performer of all sacrifices" (''Sarvakratuyajin'').{{sfn|K. G. Krishnan|2002|p=11}} The Tamil portion was composed by ''[[Senapati]]'' Enadi, alias Chattan Chattan.{{sfn|K. G. Krishnan|2002|p=13}}

The inscription includes the ''[[Praśasti]]'' (eulogy) portions written in both Sanskrit and Tamil.{{sfn|Herman Tieken|2001|pp=135-137}} In the earlier inscriptions from the Tamil-speaking region, issued by the [[Pallava dynasty|Pallavas]], the ''Praśasti'' portion is written only in Sanskrit, while the use of Tamil is restricted to the transactional portions. The later inscriptions, issued by the [[Chola dynasty|Cholas]], also follow the Pallava model. The Velvikudi inscription is the earliest extant inscription that features ''Praśasti'' portions written in both Sanskrit and Tamil, a model also followed in other Pandya inscriptions, such as the Larger [[Chinnamanur]] (Sinnamanur) inscription and the [[Dhalavaipuram]] (Dalavayapuram) inscription.{{sfn|Herman Tieken|2001|p=137}} This appears to be the result of the Pandya attempts to raise the status of the Tamil language.{{sfn|Herman Tieken|2001|pp=137-138}}

[[H. Krishna Sastri]], who first edited and translated the inscription, suggested that the Sanskrit part may have been added later to give the inscription a "dignified appearance".{{sfn|Herman Tieken|2001|p=137}}{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=293}} However, this is unlikely, because similar Sanskrit portions also appear in other near-contemporary Pandya inscriptions. Moreover, the Tamil text of the Velvikudi inscription does not start on a new copper plate, but in the middle of the reverse of the third copper plate. The Sanskrit text that appears at the end of the inscription begins on the reverse of the ninth copper plate, but it is followed by Tamil text starting in the middle of the last copper plate.{{sfn|Herman Tieken|2001|p=137}}

== Content ==

=== Sanskrit portion: Mythical genealogy ===
{{wide image|Velvikudi_inscription_(1).jpg|500px|[[H. Krishna Sastri]]'s translation of the Velvikudi inscription}}

The inscription begins with a Sanskrit portion that invokes the God [[Shiva]], and describes the mythical lineage of the Pandya kings, naming the sage [[Agastya]] as their family priest. It also gives the following account of the dynasty's origin:{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=305}}

At the end of the previous ''[[kalpa (aeon)|kalpa]]'' (age), a king named Pandya ruled the coastal region. At the beginning of the present ''kalpa'', this king was reborn as [[Budha]], the son of the [[Chandra|Moon]].{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=293}} Budha's son [[Pururavas]] introduced the dynasty's emblem - a pair of fish, and shared his throne and taxes with [[Indra]].{{sfn|Herman Tieken|2001|pp=135-136}} Pururavas' descendant [[Maravarman]] was a patron of the learned, who conquered several enemies and gave away heaps of gold.{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=305}}

Maravarman's son Ranadhira was an able ruler like his ancestors, and Ranadhira's son Maravarman (II) alias Rajasimha was a powerful, prosperous, truthful and learned ruler. The enemy king Pallavamalla ran away from the battlefield when faced with Rajasimha, wondering if the Pandya king was Shiva, [[Vishnu]], or [[Indra]].{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=305}} Rajasimha generously distributed his wealth among the [[brahmin|brahmanas]], beggars and temples. He married the daughter of the Malava king, and their son was the next ruler, Jatila.{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=305}} (Sastri identified Malava with modern [[Malenadu|Mala-nadu]].{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=297}}) Jatila alias Parantaka was almost equal to [[Kartikeya|Skanda]], the son of Shiva.{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=305}}

=== Tamil portion: Historical context ===

The Tamil portion begins with the description of a past event, and goes on to describe the achievements of the issuer king's ancestors:

Narkorran ([[Tamil Lexicon]]: Naṟkoṟṟan), a [[brahmin|brahmana]] and a headman of [[Korkai]], completed a [[Historical Vedic religion|Vedic]] sacrifice at Velvikudi (Vēḷvikkuṭi), with support of the Pandya king Palyaga Mudukudimi Peurvaluti (Palyāka Mutukuṭumi Peruvaḻuti).{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=293}} The inscription defines the boundaries of the Velvikudi village with reference to landmarks such as vegetation, ponds, mounds, and other villages such as Payal and Kulandai;{{sfn|S.C. Mishra|Manisha Agnihotri|2009|p=215}} however, the modern identity of Velvikudi is uncertain.{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=297}} Both Korkai and Velvikudi were located in a subdivision called Paganur-kurram, which had fertile agricultural fields.{{sfn|S.C. Mishra|Manisha Agnihotri|2009|p=215}} Based on a petition from the brahmanas of the Paganur-kurram, the king granted the village to Narkorran.{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=293}}{{sfn|S.C. Mishra|Manisha Agnihotri|2009|p=215}}

Subsequently, a [[Kaliyuga|Kali]] king named Kalabhran (identified with the [[Kalabhras]]) conquered the whole Pandya country, including Velvikudi. After some time, the Pandya king [[Kadungon]] recaptured his ancestral territory from the enemies. Kadungon's son was [[Avani Sulamani|Avani Sulamani Maravarman]], whose son was [[Jayantavarman|Seliyan Vanavan Sendan]].{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=293}}

The next king in the line, [[Arikesari Maravarman|Arikesari Asamasaman Maravarman]], won a battle at Pali by driving into a herd of war elephants; defeated the ocean-like army of Vilveli at Nelveli; destroyed the [[Paravas|Paravar]] who did not seek refuge with him; annihilated the race of the people of Kurunadu; won a battle at Sennilam by driving into a herd of war elephants; defeated the king of Kerala several times at the strongly-fortified town of [[Puliyoor|Puliyur]]; performed ''[[hiranyagarbha (donation)|hiranyagarbha]]'' and ''[[tulabhara]]'' gift-giving ceremonies; and protected the brahmanas and the infirm.{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=307}}

Seliyan Sendan's son [[Kochadaiyan Ranadhiran|Sadaiyan]] (Caṭaiyaṉ), the lord of [[Kongu Nadu|Konga]], bore the titles Tenna-Vanavan, Sembiyan, Solan and Madura-Karunatakan.{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=293}} Sadaiyan won a battle at Marudur; defeated Ayavel in the battles at Sengodi and Pudankodu; and destroyed the ''maharathis'' at Mangalapuram. He stamped the symbols of bow, tiger and fish on [[Mount Meru]]{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=307}} (these are the symbols of the Chera, Chola and Pandya countries; thus, the inscription suggests that he held supreme authority over the Chera, Chola and Pandya territories).{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=294}}

Sadaiyan's son [[Maravarman Rajasimha I|Ter-Maran]] defeated the enemies at Neduvayal, Kurumadai, Manni-Kurichchi, Tirumangai, Puvalur, and [[Kodumbalur]]. He defeated the Pallava king at Kulumbur, capturing the enemy's elephants and horses. He defeated his enemies at Periyalur, crossed the Kaviri ([[Kaveri River]]), and subdued the Mala-Kongam country. He reached [[Kodumudi|Pandi-Kodumudi]], and worshipped Pashupati ([[Shiva]]). He established a marital alliance with the Gangaraja.{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=294}} He performed the gift-giving ceremonies ''[[gosahasra]]'' (gift of cows), ''hiranyagarbha'', and ''tulabhara''. He relieved the distress of those who studied the Vedas, and repaired the fortifications at Kudal, [[Vanchi Muthur|Vanji]] and [[Uraiyur|Kozhi]].{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=307}}

Ter Maran's son Parantaka Nedunjadaiyan (the issuer king, also known as Jatila Parantaka) was a respected, merciful and militarily powerful king, who loved the learned people (''[[pandit]]a-vatsala''), and equalled [[Shraddhadeva Manu|Manu]]. He was like death to his enemies (''parantaka''), like [[Arjuna|Partha]] in wielding the bow, and like [[Kinnara]] in music.{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=307}} He defeated the [[Kadava dynasty|Kadava]] ruler at Pennagadam, forcing the enemy king to flee to the forest. He also won a battle against the [[Ay Vel]] chieftain.{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=294}}

=== Tamil portion: Grant ===

The Velvikudi inscription provides the earliest extant reference to the establishment of a [[Brahmadeya]] (land grant to a [[brahmin|brahmana]]) in the Tamil-speaking region.{{sfn|K. Lakshmi|2011|p=94}} It records Nedunjadaiyan's renewal of a grant made by his purported ancestor, the ancient Pandya king Palyaga Mudukudimi Peurvaluti.{{sfn|K. Lakshmi|2011|p=94}}{{sfn|Herman Tieken|2001|p=132}}

The inscription states that during the third year of Nedunjadaiyan's reign, a man arrived at the Pandya capital Kudal (Kūṭal or [[Madurai]]), and complained that Velvikudi had not been returned to Narkorran's descendants after the end of the Kalabhra interregnum. The king asked the complainant to prove the antiquity of the grant, which the complainant did. The king then granted the Velvikudi village to Kamakkani Narchingan (Kāmakaṇi Naṟchiṅgaṉ) alias Suvaran Singan, the headman of Korkai.{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=294}} The headman kept the one-third of the village for himself, and distributed the remaining part among fifty other brahmanas.{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=308}}

=== Sanskrit portion: imprecatory verses ===

The Sanskrit portion at the end names Mangalaraja Madhuratara of Karavandapura as the executor (''ajnapti'') of the grant.{{sfn|S.C. Mishra|Manisha Agnihotri|2009|p=215}} It describes him as a ''[[vaidya]]ka'', a master of the [[shastra]]s, a poet and an orator. This portion ends with four [[Vaishnavite]] imprecatory verses (cursing those who violate the grant deed).{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=294}}

=== Tamil portion: Colophon ===

The Tamil portion at the end states that the inscription was engraved by the order of the king himself, and names the engraver as Yuddhakesari (or Chuttakesari) Perumbanaikkaran.{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=294}}{{sfn|S.C. Mishra|Manisha Agnihotri|2009|p=215}} The engraver was allotted a house site, a [[paddy field|wet field]] and a dry field.{{sfn|H. K. Sastri|1983|p=309}}

== Historicity ==

Ignoring the mythical kings, the Sanskrit portion of the Velvikudi inscription mentions three immediate predecessors of the current king Jatila Parantaka (four generations in total). The subsequent Tamil portion mentions six such ancestors (seven generations in total), ignoring the legendary Palyāka Mutukuṭumi Peruvaḻuti. These numbers appear to have been determined by convention: the other near-contemporary inscriptions from the region variously name either four or seven generations of kings.{{sfn|Herman Tieken|2001|p=136}}

{| class="wikitable"
|+Genealogy of the Pandya kings{{sfn|Herman Tieken|2001|p=136}}{{sfn|K. A. Nilakanta Sastri|1929|p=41}}
! rowspan="2" |Madras Museum Plates
! colspan="2" |Velvikudi Grant
! rowspan="2" |Smaller Sinnamanur Plates
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" |Larger Sinnamanur Plates
|-
! Sanskrit portion
! Tamil portion
|-
| rowspan="3" |
| rowspan="3" |
|[[Kadungon]]
| rowspan="2" |
| colspan="2" rowspan="2" |
|-
|[[Maravarman Avani Culamani|Maravarman Avanisulamani]]
|-
|[[Jayantavarman|Seliyan Sendan (or Sendan)]]
|Jayantavarman
| colspan="2" |
|-
|
| Maravarman
|[[Arikesari Maravarman]]
|Arikesari Maravarman
| colspan="2" |Arikesari Parankusa
|-
|
| Ranadhira
|[[Kochadaiyan Ranadhiran|Ko Chadaiyan]]
|
| colspan="2" |Jatila
|-
|Maravarman Pallavabhanjana
| Maravarman Rajasimha I
|[[Maravarman Rajasimha I|Ter Maran (or Maran)]]
|
| colspan="2" |Rajasimha
|-
|Jatilavarman Nedunjadaiyan
| Jatila Parantaka
| Nedunjadaiyan
(=Maranjadaiyan, Anamalai Inscription)
|
| colspan="2" |Varaguna Maharaja (Varaguna I)
|-
| rowspan="3" |
| rowspan="3" |
| rowspan="3" |
| rowspan="3" |
| colspan="2" |[[Srimara Srivallabha]]
|-
|[[Varagunavarman II|Varagunavarman II (Varaguna II)]]
|Parantaka Viranarayana
|-
| colspan="2" |[[Maravarman Rajasimha II]]
|}

The inscription presents the issuer king Nedunjadaiyan as a descendant of Palyāka Mutukuṭumi Peruvaḻuti, but this may be a false claim.{{sfn|Herman Tieken|2001|p=132}}

The inscription is notable for being one of few early sources that mention the [[Kalabhra]]s.{{sfn|S.C. Mishra|Manisha Agnihotri|2009|p=214}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===

{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |editor=Albertine Gaur |title=Indian charters on copper plates in the Department of Oriental Manuscripts and Printed Books |url=https://zenodo.org/record/375819 |year=1975 |publisher=British Museum |doi=10.5281/zenodo.375819 |last1=Gaur |first1=Albertine }}
* {{cite book |author=H. K. Sastri |author-link=H. Krishna Sastri |chapter=Velvikudi Grant of Nedunjadaiyan |title=Epigraphia Indica |volume=17 (1923-24) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0VwmsGA7ZuoC |year=1983 |publisher=Archaeological Survey of India }}
* {{cite book |author=Herman Tieken |title=Kāvya in South India: Old Tamil Caṅkam Poetry |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yXlkAAAAMAAJ |year=2001 |publisher=Egbert Forsten |isbn=978-90-6980-134-6}}
* {{cite book |author=K. A. Nilakanta Sastri |title=The Pandyan Kingdom |year=1929 |publisher=Luzac and Company }}
* {{cite book |author=K. G. Krishnan |title=Inscriptions of the Early Pāṇḍyas: From C. 300 B.C. to 984 A.D. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_yPrAAAAMAAJ |year=2002 |publisher=Northern Book Centre |isbn=978-81-7211-129-8 }}
* {{cite book |author=K. Lakshmi |chapter=The Priest under the Pallavas |editor1=S. Ganeshram |editor2=C. Bhavani |title=History of People and Their Environs: Essays in Honour of Prof. B.S. Chandrababu |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=crxUQR_qBXYC&pg=PA94 |year=2011 |publisher=Bharathi Puthakalayam |isbn=978-93-80325-91-0 }}
* {{cite book |editor=Noboru Karashima |chapter=Sixth Century to Ninth Century |title=A Concise History of South India: Issues and Interpretations |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fpdVoAEACAAJ |year=2014 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-809977-2 }}
* {{cite journal |author1=S.C. Mishra |author2=Manisha Agnihotri |title=Viewing the Kalabhras as a hoax or historical reality |journal=Proceedings of the Indian History Congress |volume=70 |year=2009 |pages=214–217 |jstor=44147670 }}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
* ''[https://archive.org/stream/in.ernet.dli.2015.70170/2015.70170.Epigraphia-Indica-Vol-17#page/n321/mode/1up Velvikudi Grant of Nedunjadaiyan]'': text and translation by H. Krishna Sastri, in ''Epigraphia Indica'' Volume 17.

[[Category:Indian inscriptions]]
[[Category:8th-century inscriptions]]
[[Category:Sanskrit inscriptions in India]]
[[Category:Tamil inscriptions]]
[[Category:Pandyan Empire]]

Velvikudi inscription - Revision history

Ilushiktka: added first page and citations