Hero Stone Found in India

An ancient hero stone with inscriptions has been unearthed at Karattampatti near Thuraiyur. It was discovered in a field by a research team led by Subash Chandira Bose, advisor for the archaeological wing of the Center for Cultural Studies in Coimbatore, following a tip given a local resident.

Bose said the bas-relief stone measuring 30 centimeters in width and 92 centimeters in height has been carved within a rectangular vertical frame. It depicts a warrior holding a sword in his left arm.

The inscription belongs to the 31 regnal year of Paranthaga Chola-I (AD 938), also known as Madurai Kondan, he said. The inscription says the people of Viriyur had donated a non-taxable land to the daughter of a hero known as Nagan who sacrificed his life to bring back a herd cows taken away by a group.

The inscription also refers to a few names of places such as Miamaa Nadu, Valluvappadi, Viriyur, Oottrathur Nadu, Paadaavur and Ainjurinimangal.