வரலாற்று நோக்கில் விரையாச்சிலை

Virayachilai: A Historical Perspective

Abstract

Virayachilai is an ancient village situated about 23 km southwest of Pudukkottai in Thirumayam Taluk of Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu. The village occupies a significant place in the historical geography of the region owing to its rich epigraphical heritage. Inscriptions preserved in its temples constitute valuable primary sources for reconstructing the political, social, economic, religious, and cultural history of the village. They provide information on royal patronage, land endowments, temple administration, taxation, irrigation, and local self-governance during different historical periods. The epigraphical records indicate that Virayachilai flourished under the rule of the Pandyas, Cholas, Vijayanagara rulers, Nayaks, and Tondaimans. These records also demonstrate the continuity of settlement and the evolution of administrative institutions over several centuries. Despite its historical importance, Virayachilai has not received adequate scholarly attention. A comprehensive study of its inscriptions is therefore essential to reconstruct the historical development of the village and to understand its role in the wider historical context of Pudukkottai. Accordingly, this article critically examines the origin, historical growth, and significance of Virayachilai based on epigraphical evidence, thereby contributing to the regional historiography of medieval Tamil Nadu.