Tamil Nadu News

Chola-Era Inscription in Medavakkam

October 4 , 2026 12 hrs 0 min 35 0

A 13th-century Chola-era stone inscription was discovered during the restoration and desilting of Nalla Thanneer Kulam in Medavakkam, Chennai.
The inscription dates to 1268 CE, during the rule of Telugu Chola king Vijaya Ganda Gopalan, who ruled from Kancheepuram.
It records the construction of a sluice in the ancient Monapakkam lake by a merchant from Monappakkam.
Monapakkam later became known as Modavakkam, indicating the historical evolution of the locality’s name.
The inscription shows that ancient waterbodies around present-day Chennai were developed for agricultural and drinking-water needs.
Nalla Thanneer Kulam was reportedly a drinking-water source for local residents until about three decades ago.