Mon Aug 18 10:48:30 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

A stone inscription discovered at Sankaranmalai in Karur district, Tamil Nadu, reveals that Chola kings documented endowments and records not only on stone but also on copper plates. The inscription, potentially dating back to the reign of Kulothunga Cholan, mentions the inscription of details on both stone and copper for donations made to the “Sankaramalai Udaiyarkovil.” The site also features line drawings, including depictions of a bull, men, a trishul, and a ritualistic scene involving a man and a sword.

**News Article:**

**Chola Kings Documented Endowments on Copper Plates, Stone Inscription Reveals**

**THANJAVUR, August 18, 2025 (The Hindu)** – A newly deciphered stone inscription in Sankaranmalai, Karur district, Tamil Nadu, has shed new light on the record-keeping practices of the Chola dynasty. The inscription indicates that Chola kings documented their endowments and other important information not only on stone but also on copper plates, suggesting a dual approach to preserving historical records.

The discovery was made following an inspection of stone inscriptions at Sankaranmalai, a site identified for further research by history enthusiasts keen to learn more about local Ponnar-Sankar lore. According to Mani Maran, a Tamil pundit from the Sarasvati Mahal Library in Thanjavur, the inscription specifically references the “Sankaramalai Udaiyarkovil” and explicitly states that details of donations and endowments should be inscribed on both stone and copper.

Maran believes the inscription dates back to either the 12th or 18th year of Kulothunga Cholan’s reign. In addition to the textual information, the stone also features intriguing line drawings, including images of a bull, two men, and a trishul. More significantly, a “navakandam” is depicted with an “agni kundam,” alongside a man seemingly preparing to sever his own head with a sword, potentially representing a ritualistic sacrifice.

This discovery provides valuable insight into the administrative and religious practices of the Chola period and highlights the importance of continued archaeological investigation in the Kongu region.

The research team was led by Mani Maran, in response to a request by Krishnakumar of Tiruppur and Thangaraj of Karur.

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