Cholan Inscriptions from Sri Lanka, at Colombo Museum

These photos are of 3 Chola inscriptions from 10th/11th centuries AD, from the Colombo National Museum. Although from SL, they are Chola, which also makes them heritage of Tamil Nadu too. Tamil Nadu and SL during mideaval and ancient times had amazing histories and heritages. (Courtesy of Colombo Museum)

The above '2 inscription 1 pillar' inscription, "refers to an endowment for the burning of the perpetual Lamp at Teruviramesvaram at Matota [Mannar] by a dignitary serving under king Rajendra Cola (1012-1044 AC). Three merchant had accepted responsibilties for the endowment". The Cholas had control over the three key seaports at Mannar, Jaffna, and even Trincomalee (Thirukkomalai/Thrikunaamalai), which is a huge leg-up in the Indian Ocean. The Merchant Guilds were an integral part of Chola way of doing things.. there are coins of Nanadesin and Ayinurwur merchant guilds even as south as Hambanthota, and this inscription depicts that aspect, that merchants were given key responsibilities.

The above inscription states the construction of the Buddhist stupa and monestary, under rule of Chola viceroy is significant.. as it's evidence of Anuradhapura being administered well. Although the Cholas used great violence and harsh means to expand and retain influence in SL, Chola empire had a very advanced and efficient Vaalanadu-Oor system of administration, and administered as such. The book "Tamils in Sri Lanka, a Comprehensive History" by Dr Murugar Gunasingham, which I had as a kid, states that when Polonnaruwa kingdom got independence from Chola empire, King Vijayabahu still employed the same lower leval Chola beaurocracy for the first 30 years of his reign. And that it was also within Chola rule that the capital shifted from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa, to be closer to Trincomalee. Part of why Polonnaruwa was so successful was that it was built of what the Cholas left behind, after the decadence of late Anuradhapura. Rajarata rebounded fine if not better after Chola rule, and only after Kalinga invasion did Rajarata era ended 200 years later.

And finally, the above inscription from Thirukethishwaran, is to commemorate the construction of a Rajaraja Ishwaram. Couldn't pinpoint where it was though. In SL, we have the Pancha Ishwarams ( https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancha_Ishwarams ), which have been here since ancient times, so it might be one of them or maybe not. I hope this context helps with these Chola inscriptions.. 9th to 12th centuries AD were interesting times.

Originally posted to r/TamilNadu as u/The_Cosmic_Learner

Achinthya Nanayakkara

26.03.2025