A group of archaeologists from Tirupur-based Virarajendran Archaeological and Historical Research Centre have found two Aiyanar sculptures that were more than 1,000 years old along the route used by the then spices traders to travel in the sectors between West and East coasts.

“The sculptures have been found at Kovilpalayam and Kandiyankoil in the district. Though the Aiyanar sculptures have been there at the spots where we noticed them, it was found that the present villagers have not been aware of its importance or historical value,” S. Ravikumar, one of the archaeologists in the team, told The Hindu .

According to Mr. Ravikumar, the sculptures are placed by the traders in those times along the routes frequented by them so that they could worship and pray for a smooth and fearless journey.

Ornaments

“The deities in the stone wearing certain types of ornaments and the seating postures, are carved in peculiar styles that depicts that era and belong to same guild. The sculptures of these styles have found mentions in Tamil literature,” he added.

One of the fascinating aspect of the two sculptures was that were of identical in height and overall thickness. The height was 100 cm and thickness about 35 cm.

“Another noticeable thing was that both sculptures have been found in identical backdrop of megalithic sites, which itself is about 2,500 years old,” Mr Ravikumar explained.