Harvesting water, Chola style

At a time when political leaders and experts are talking about water conservation and water harvesting, discovery of a recent inscription of eighth century Chola period has thrown light that the Sivaganga tank, built the Raja Raja Chola, was actually a rain water harvesting system to collect water for the famous Big Temple at Thanjavur.

At a time when political leaders and experts are talking about water conservation and water harvesting, discovery of a recent inscription of eighth century Chola period has thrown light that the Sivaganga tank, built the Raja Raja Chola, was actually a rain water harvesting system to collect water for the famous Big Temple at Thanjavur.

The tank was a water source for the people in the area also, Kudavayil Balasubramanian, a historical researcher and incharge of the of Saraswathi Mahal Library, said here today in a release.

Balasubramanian, said the inscription on stone in ancient Tamil authored by Rajathiraja Chola, grandson of Raja Raja Chola, also contained details about Pooja articles including Gold coins gifted to the temple by the King.

Quoting from records, he said that "Seppanavari", another rain water tank dug by Nayak king, Chevappa Nayak, had been in existence near the big temple but had vanished over a period of time.

Meanwhile, four inscriptions of 11th century and pieces of Megalithic pottery had been discovered at Oliyamangalam in Pudukottai district, the release said.

One of the inscriptions mentioned about the Sluice gifted by Muvendavelan Chola Narayanan, a local chieftain of Rajakesari Veera Rajendran (1063-1069) who ruled an extensive area during the short span.