700-year old ancient inscriptions found in Villupuram

In a significant discovery, two ancient inscriptions, approximately 700 years old, were found in Karunguzhi village, near Gingee in Villupuram district, during a field survey led by Dr. E Suthakar, head of the Tiruvannamalai District Historical Research Center. The first inscription, from the Sambuvaragar era, was discovered in a cave-like site and consists of four lines. It mentions a place called "Rajanarayana Kalapalar Inn," where people from Seyanga Nallur were accommodated during the time of Rajanarayana Sambuvarayara, an officer of royal descent. The inscription also references Tiruvaipadi, now known as Thirumalpadi, revealing a connection between this area and Karunguzhi.
Interestingly, the term "Vidhuthi," meaning a place providing accommodation and food, is mentioned, marking this as the first known Tamil Nadu inscription referring to a hostel. The details about why the hostel was established remain unclear, but the discovery offers unique insights.
The second inscription, found on a stone slab engraved with a wheel-engraved Tiruvazhi stone, dates back to the 14th century. It records a donation to the Perumalsriranganatha temple in Karunkuhi, part of Ponnoor district. These inscriptions, along with Tamil rock paintings and sculptures, enrich the historical understanding of the Gingee region.