The name “Irumporai,” which appears as a suffix to the names of the Chera rulers, has been found inscribed in the Tamili script.
The name “Irumporai,” which appears as a suffix to the names of the Chera rulers, has been found inscribed in the Tamili script.
In Tamil Nadu, excavations conducted so far had not yielded archaeological evidence with Tamili inscriptions relating to the Sangam-era Cheras.
In the ongoing excavation carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India at Kumarikkalpalayam in Tiruppur district, a potsherd bearing the inscription “Irumporai” has now been discovered. Many other artefacts have also been unearthed.
“Irumporai” is a title associated with the names of Chera rulers, for example: Ilanjeral Irumporai, Perunjeral Irumporai, and Kanaikkal Irumporai.
“Irumporai” conveys the meaning of patience and composure as strong as iron; it can be understood to describe a person of great forbearance and harmony.
On a fragment of a storage jar made of Black-and-Red ware, discovered during the excavation, five Tamil-Brahmi letters have been inscribed. They read “Irumporai.” This serves as external archaeological evidence that strengthens literary sources.
Based on palaeographic analysis, these inscriptions have been dated to the late 1st century BCE or the early 1st century CE. The results of carbon analysis are still awaited.
This stands as evidence that the Cheras ruled the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu. The discovery of the “Irumporai” inscription in Tamil-Brahmi (Tamili) script is a matter of pride for the Archaeological Survey of India.
Translation by Hari
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