Epigraphia Indica Vol 17

SR No.: 032571
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: F W Thomas, H Krishna Sastri
Publisher: Archaeological Survey of India
Publication Year: 1923
Total Pages: 426
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 16 MB

Page 337

[VOL. XVII.
"Please hear (O king)" explained the petition (of Narkorran), stood in front of the sacrificial hall and blessed that spot to grow in prosperity under the name Vēlvikudi.1
(L. 38). The king at once gave it with libations of water and it was since long (80) enjoyed.
(L. 39). Then a Kali' king named Kalabhran took possession of the extensive earth driving away numberless great kings (adhiraja) and resumed the (village mentioned) above.
806
EPIGRAPHIA INDICA.
(L. 40). After that, like the sun rising from the expansive ocean, the Pandyadhiraja, named Kadungon, the lord of the South of sharp javelin who wore (the cloak of) dignity and was the leader of an army, sprang forth, occupied (the throne), spreading round him the brilliant splendour of (his) expanding rays (prowess), destroyed the kings of the extensive earth surrounded by the sea together with (their) strongholds and (their) fame, wielded the sceptre (of justice) and removed by his strength the evil destiny of the goddess of Earth whose splendour deserved to be under the shade of (his) white umbrella, by terminating by his strength the possession of her under others and establishing her in his own possession in the approved manner and destroyed the shining cities of kings who would not submit to him.
(L. 46). Then came his son Avanichülamani Maravarman, who removed the common ownership of the earth (by making it his own), who was wedded to the goddess (born) of the flower (i.e., Lakshmi), the leader of a faultless army of fighting spearsmen, and the infuriated elephant who destroyed by all (possible) means the power (of enemy kings).
(L. 48). Then came his son, a lovely one and incomparable, the just ruler, Seliyan Vanavan, Sēndan, the lord of the hill-chiefs who throw weapons (dexterously), who removed the spot from the goddess of the earth, who became well known by his prowess and who possessed long hands (holding) the bow, and furious elephants.
(L. 51). Then to him (was) born, a son, Arikesari, Asamasaman éri-Maravarman. whose high jewelled crown was adorned with ornamental hangings; who, like the brilliant Sun from the middle of the eastern mountain, came out spreading his rays, causing the quarters to tremble; won the battle at Pali by driving into the field of battle caparisoned elephants; conquered the ocean-like army of Vilvēli" in the battle of Nelveli; destroyed the Paravas who did not seek refuge by approaching him; annihilated the race of the people of Kuru-nadu where crowds of beetles abounded on all sides; won a victory at the battle of Sennilam by driving into battle (a herd of) elephants of strong trunks; conquered many a time during the day, in the terrible battle-field of Puliyur of strongly fortified walls, the Kerala (king) whose matchless sway (extended) over the whole earth together with (his) near relations and their clephants and captured them alive?; marched against, attacked and destroyed unopposed the sea of weapons, and the high mountains (of that country); performed many times on earth (the gifts called) hiranya-garbha and tulabhāra, and gave (the same) with pleasure to Brahmans and the infirm inviting them to come and assemble.
1 In blessing it, they actually suggested that the king might grant the village to the Brahman Narkograp under the name Vēlvikudi.
Mr. K. V. Lakshmana Rao, M.A., has suggested in an article entitled The Kopparam Plates of Pulakesin II, contributed to the Annals of the Bhandarkar Institute, Vol. IV, Part I, pp. 48 to 54, that Kali-kula occurring there in text-l. 8 is possibly a reference to the Kalabhras. He seems to be right; for the phrase Kalabhran=ennun= Kali-araisag in l. 40 of the Volvikudi Plates properly translated means 'a Kali king named Kalabhra.'
Tiravidin is interpreted by Pandit R. Raghava Aiyengar of Ramnad to mean by his strength."
As usual this spot of the earth is her being in possession of kings other than himself.
Dr Winslow gives under vali, the phrase valittonral in the sense of a son."
Dr Krishnaswami Aiyyangar holds the view that Vil-vēli means a hedge of bows,' but here it must refer
to a nume.
1 The word -igavamai is explained by Pandit Raghava Aiyangar of Ramnad to mean ' in a moment.'