Discovery of Eighth-Century Kotravai Sculpture Unveiled in Kallakurichi

A team of archaeological researchers made a significant discovery of an eighth-century Kotravai sculpture, shedding light on the Pallava period.

The sculpture was unearthed near Ulundurpet, specifically in farmland at Pilrampattu village in Kallakurichi.

Raj Paneer Selvam, president of Tiruvannamalai Marabusaar Amaippu, along with Sridar C and Tharamai Kannan R of Arupukottai, inspected the sculpture.
They confirmed its age, dating it back 1,200 years to the Pallava period.
The sculpture was identified as an artefact used for worship.

Physical Dimensions: The Kotravai sculpture is a slab stone measuring five feet in height and four feet in width.
Features:
- Depiction with eight hands, indicating its origin in the eighth century during the Pallava period.
- Notable features include a local artistic style, crown, batrakundalams on ears, sarapali neck ornament, tholvalai on shoulders, kaivalai in all hands, and marbu kachai covering the chest.
- Various elements such as chakkara, sword, bell, and abhaya mudra are depicted in the right hands, while conch, bow, shield, and Uru Mudhra are shown in the left hands, along with bangles in all hands.
- Presence of trishul (soolam) and lion (simmam) on the right side of the head, and blackbuck (kavarimann) on the left side.
- Kotravai is portrayed standing on the head of a buffalo, with two guards on each side.

The sculpture’s crown is noted for its uniqueness compared to other eighth-century Kotravai sculptures found in the area.