Tamil Nadu
Explanation
Inscriptions from the Imperial Chola period serve as vital primary sources for understanding the socio-economic structure, caste dynamics, and occupational hierarchies of medieval South India.
Detailed Analysis:
- The inscription mentioned is found in Uyyakondan Udaiyar (also known as Uyyakondan Thirumalai), which is located near Tiruchirappalli in the present-day state of Tamil Nadu.
- This inscription dates back to the reign of the Chola monarch Kulothunga I (12th Century CE).
- It records the proceedings of a gathering of learned Brahmins (Bhattas) convened to define the social status of the Rathakaras (artisans/chariot makers).
- The inscription codified their lineage as anuloma (offspring of mixed-caste unions) and legally established their occupational rights and duties, such as constructing temple gateways (gopurams), building chariots, and crafting sacrificial instruments.
Key Takeaway:
The Uyyakondan Udaiyar inscription in Tamil Nadu is a critical piece of epigraphic evidence that documents the social consolidation and professional rights of the artisan class (Rathakaras) under the Chola administration.