Chola-era inscription discovered during pond restoration in Medavakkam

Officials from the Archaeological Survey of India making a paper impression of the inscription found in the Nalla Thanneer Kulam in Medavakkam. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement What began as an effort by residents to restore a pond in Medavakkam took an unexpected turn when a Chola-era stone inscription was discovered in the lakebed.Residents recalled that Nalla Thanneer Kulam near Pillaiyar Koil Street was a drinking water source for the locality until about three decades ago. It still remains largely unpolluted and a freshwater source. Like many other waterbodies being restored with support from non-government organisations (NGOs), residents sought to clean the waterbody with the aid of Rotary Club of Chennai Mid City and Yatha Green Council of India.Residents found the 13th Century CE stone inscription during the desilting exercise, offering a glimpse into the locality’s past. Arjun Shankar, a Medavakkam resident, said people from various parts of Medavakkam used to source drinking water from the pond until a few decades ago. The pond is near Medavakkam Sitheri, which is in dire need for restoration and falls under the St. Thomas Mount block development office.A team of officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently inspected the site to examine the inscription and have taken records of the inscription, including paper impressions, to assess its historical significance. According to the experts, the inscription has recorded the construction of a sluice in the ancient Monapakkam lake. Tamil scholar Ma. Poongundran said the inscriptions were deciphered along with senior epigraphist S. Rajavelu.The inscription, dating back to 1268 CE, was created during the rule of the Telugu Chola king Vijaya Ganda Gopalan, who reigned in Kancheepuram. The inscription has documented that a merchant of Monappakkam installed the sluice then. Monapakkam later came to be known as Modavakkam, Mr. Poongundran said.The inscription is an indication that several waterbodies were created for agricultural and drinking water needs around Chennai during ancient times. The Nalla Thanneer Kulam could have been part of a huge waterbody, he added.Residents sought the installation of the inscription near the pond along with an explanatory display highlighting its historical significance. Published - October 02, 2026 09:45 pm IST