While numerous stone inscriptions referencing Jain monasteries have been discovered in the region, this is the first definitive record of a Buddhist monastic endowment, making it a landmark find for scholars of Buddhist history and South Indian archaeology.


Deciphering the Inscription: A Trader’s Gift to the Sangha

The partially damaged inscription, spanning nine lines, records a land revenue grant made by Mangalamudayan, likely a merchant from Thillai (modern-day Chidambaram), to a Buddhist monastery. The text mentions “Buddha Devan” (Lord Buddha) and begins with two crucial symbols—a chakra (wheel) and a stupa—key indicators of its Buddhist affiliation.

Govindaraj explains that while the chakra is a common motif in Vaishnavism, Jainism, and Buddhism, the presence of the stupa symbol strongly suggests a Buddhist context. This interpretation is supported by comparisons with similar carvings found near Kanikiluppai (Tiruvannamalai district) and on a Buddha statue in Sholinganallur’s Asiatic Society compound.

“For Jainism, inscriptions bear the triple umbrella (Mukkodai); for Vaishnavism, the conch and chakra; and for Shaivism, the trident (Tirusoolam). But until now, no stone inscription had been found to confirm Buddhist endowments in Tamil Nadu,” says Govindaraj.


Tracing the Monastery: Clues from Kadagathur

The inscription refers to the monastery’s location as “Kadaikoottur,” believed to be Kadagathur in Dharmapuri district. Intriguingly, two Buddha statues—a standing and a seated figure—were previously excavated in Kadagathur during the construction of a primary school. Additionally, an old Shiva temple in the area contains inscriptions mentioning lands belonging to “Buddhar Dhamam” (the Buddha’s abode), further supporting the theory of an ancient Buddhist presence.

Near the inscription site, archaeologists also found:
- A hillock bearing the chakra and stupa symbols
- A cavern with faded white-ochre writings, possibly a monastic retreat for Buddhist monks


Connections to the Chola Empire and Sri Vijaya

Prior to this discovery, the earliest known reference to a Buddhist monastery in Tamil Nadu came from the Anaimangalam Copper Plates of Raja Raja Chola I, now housed at Leiden University, Netherlands. These records mention the Chudamani Vihara in Nagapattinam, a grand monastery built by the Sri Vijaya king and supported by Chola revenue grants.

“The Nagapattinam monastery is well-documented in the Large and Small Leiden Copper Plates, but this stone inscription is the first physical proof of a Buddhist monastic endowment in Tamil Nadu,” notes Govindaraj.


A New Chapter in Tamil Buddhist History

This discovery reshapes our understanding of Buddhism’s reach in medieval Tamil Nadu, highlighting its integration into local economic and religious life. The Jagadap inscription not only confirms the existence of Buddhist institutions but also underscores the role of merchant patronage in sustaining the Sangha.

Further studies are underway, and the inscription will be preserved for future research. For followers of Buddhist heritage, this find is a rare and precious glimpse into a once-thriving tradition in South India.

For more on Buddhist archaeology, follow ongoing research at the Krishnagiri Historic Research and Documentation Centre.