ஞானதேசிகன் பிறந்த நாள்!!!

இசைத் தலை கொண்டு 

இசைத்தலை செய்து

இசைக்கலை உச்சம் தொட்ட 

இசைத் தலை நீ.

உன் இசை 

வெறும் இசையல்ல,

புவியின் மிசை 

பல கோடி காதுகளை ஈர்த்த 

செவி யீர்ப்பு விசை

நாடி நரம்பு தசை 

தாண்டி 

உள்ளத்தின் மிசை 

ஒட்டிய பசை

அன்னக்கிளி தொடங்கி 

70, 80 களில் 

நீ 

இசை போட்டு முடித்ததையே 

நாங்கள் இன்னும் 

அசை போட்டு முடிக்கவில்லை

உன் 

மொத்த இசையையும் 

ரசித்து முடிக்க 

போதாது வாழ் நாளே.

உன் இசையில் கிரங்காத 

ஓர் நாளும் 

பாழ் நாளே!

நீ பிறப்பிக்கும் 

இசையால் 

இருக்க முடியாது 

இலை மறை

எனவே தான் 

வரை முறை இன்றி 

ஒவ்வொரு முறையும் 

உன் இசை 

தாண்டிச் செல்கிறது - பல 

தலை முறை.

திரைக்கும் 

தரைக்கும் 

கோடம்பாக்கம் 

வரைக்கும் 

மட்டுமின்றி

வான் 

பிறைக்கும்

பிறை சூடும் 

இறைக்கும்

இறை சொல் 

மறைக்கும்

சென்று சேர்ந்த

உன் இசை 

இறை இசை.

அது என்றும் 

ஆனதில்லை இரை இசை

உடலுக்குத் தான் வயது 

எழுபத்து இரண்டு. 

உன் இசைக்கல்ல.

ஊனுக்கு வய துண்டு 

உனக்கு வய தில்லை

உடல் பெயர் தான் 

இளையராஜா 

உன் பெயர் இசை தான்.

இன்று போல் 

என்றென்றும் 

நல்லிசை பிறப்பித்து 

இசை உலகை சிறப்பித்து

இன்னும் நூறாண்டு 

இசைப் பாராண்டு

இசையே எல்லாமாய் 

எல்லாமே இசையாய்

ஞான தேசிகன் பல்லாண்டு 

கான தேசிகனாய் வாழ 

இறைவனை வேண்டுகிறேன்.

சங்கர குரு!!

விழுப்புரம்

மடியில் 

விழுந்த 

சிவப் பழம்

நீ. 

அந்த சமயம், 

பேறு பெற்றது 

இந்து சமயம்

பின்னாளில்  

எண் புறம் சென்று 

ஞாலத்துக்கு 

ஊட்டினாய்  

ஞானப் பழம்.

நீ பிறந்த 

நட்சத்திரம் 

பெற்றது 

நற் பத்திரம்  

அனுஷத்தில்

பலர் பிறக்கலாம்  - வெறும் 

மனுஷனாய் 

நீ மட்டுமே ஆனாய் - பெரும் 

புருஷனாய் 

உன் பாதம் 

தன் மேல் பதிய - இம் 

மண் தவம் செய்தது 

பல நூற்றாண்டு  

பின் 

உன் பாதம்

தன் மேல் 

பதியும் பேறு பெற்றது 

ஒரு நூற்றாண்டு  

உலக நன்மைக்காய் மட்டுமே 

தவம் 

செய்த 

சிவம் நீ. 

உலகம் உய்ய - அந்த 

சிவம் 

செய்த 

தவம் நீ.

என் னொத்த  

அறிவிலா  

மடங்களுக்கு

நின் மடம்  - நல்

வழித் தடம்.

நீ ஆட்சி செய்த 

கலவை பீடம் 

இந்து தர்மத்தை  

வெளுத்த    

சலவை பீடம். 

இறை நம்பிக்கை - ஒரு 

இழி நம்பிக்கை  - என நம்பிய 

கருங்கட்சி நகரான   

திருக்கச்சி நகர் 

நீட்டியது  

உனை 

நம்பி  கை. 

வீண் போகவில்லை 

நீட்டிய கையின் 

நம்பிக்கை. 

நான் இருக்கேன் என 

அபயக்கை தந்த துன் 

திருக் கை. 

அன்று தொட்டு  

காமாக்ஷித் தாய் மடியில் 

அமைந்தது உன்

இருக் கை.

அண்டியவர்க்கு 

அருளை 

கிள்ளித் தராமல் 

அள்ளித் தந்தது 

உன் இரு கை. 

நாத்திகம் 

நகரா திருந்த 

கச்சி  நகர் 

ஆத்திக நகராய் 

திருந்தச் செய்தது 

உன் அருட் கை 

நின் 

சாத்வீக பலம்

கரைத்தது 

நாத்திகச்  செருக்கை 

உலகம் 

உவந்து 

உணர்ந்தது 

உன் அருட்

பெருக்கை   

அந்நாள் தொடங்கி 

இந்நாள் வரையில் 

திருக்கச்சி 

தலைநகராய்,  

காமாட்சி கட்சி 

காமகோடி ஆட்சி 

கச்சியில்அமர்ந்து 

அண்டம் 

ஆண்டது உன்

தண்டம்.

அண்டிய 

பேர்க்கேல்லாம் 

பிண்டம் கடைத்தேற 

வண்டி வண்டியாய் 

உன் அருள் 

அகண்டம். 

பாரதம் முழுதும் 

பாதம் கொண்டே 

ப்ரதக்ஷிணம் செய்த 

தட்ஷிணன் நீ. 

திருப் பாதம் தாங்கும் 

அரும் பேறு பெற்ற 

உம் கால் தூசி 

எங்களுக்கு  

இன்னொரு காசி

பெரியவாளாய் தோன்றி 

பெரியவாளாய் வாழ்ந்து  

அறியாதவாளின் 

அறியாமையை 

அறுத்தெறிந்த 

அரிய வாள்.

நீயே 

பெரியவா என்னும் 

பெரிய வார்த்தைக்கு 

உரியவா 

தர்மத்தை 

தழைக்கவிட 

வந்த 

வலியவா 

பெயர்  

புகழ் 

வலிய சென்று 

தேடாத 

அரியவா 

அதனாலேயே  

கோடானு 

கோடி பேரின் 

வழிபாட்டுக் 

குரியவா 

உலக இருளில் 

பொருளில்லா 

பொருள் தேடும் 

எம் பிறவிக் 

கடனை 

களைய வா 

எம் 

கர்ம வினைகளை 

அரிய வா 

அகந்தை 

அழிக்க வா 

மறைந்தும் 

மறையாமல் 

இறையாய் 

மறையாய் 

உறையும்  

மறையவா!  

எப்போதும் எம் 

மனதில்   

நீக்க மற 

நீர மர்க!  

நீர மரா 

இதயத்தில்  

நற் சிந்தை 

வந்த மரா !

இறுதிவரை    

என்  மனதில் 

நீ வாசம் 

செய்வதுவே 

நான் கோரும் 

ஒரே வரம். 

நீ வாசம் செய்திட்டால்  

உன் வாசம் எய்திட்டால் 

அத்தகு   

சுக வாசம் ஏதுமில்லை  

எத்தகு  

உபவாசம் தேவையில்லை. 

என்றும் நீ 

என் குரு 

என்றென்றும் 

என்னுடன் இரு. 

என் சிந்தை 

மறவா துன் உரு.

ஏனெனில் நீ 

கேட்காமலே கொடுக்கும் 

கற்பகத் தரு! 

Abaththa Vikatan (அபத்த விகடன்)

When it comes to secularism, none wants to express their actual views or the facts and everyone needs a safe hiding in the name of secularism. 

Viswaroopam has finally hit the theatres couple of days back and has got a grand opening which people say its going to be a grand hit! Kudos to Kamalhassan, who was not giving up till the last day but for a few cuts in the last minute. It's been told that the movie is of global standards in terms of story telling as well as the making. As usual, Kamal beats his own records and raises his own benchmarks, much to the pride of Thamizh Rasigan and Kollywood industry as a whole. 

Many mags and papers have reviewed the movie and have given their best appreciation to the whole movie. But, as many of the film makers, Directors and fans take Ananda Vikatan's review seriously majority including me don't miss to read AV review before watching any movie, irrespective of whether it matches my views or not.

Ananda Vikatan (13.02.13) has reviewed Kamal's Viswaroopam elaborately and has offered 46/100 to the movie. Means Vikatan has rated Viswaroopam as one of the good movies for to watch.

Like one of the dialogues in the movie, Vikatan too has played a double role here.

The review starts as...
குறிப்பு : அந்த ஏழு காட்சிகள் நீக்கப் படுவதற்கு முன் பார்த்த விஸ்வரூபம் படத்தின் விமர்சனம் இது.

After the narration of the story and crediting Kamal's action etc, Vikatan goes on to write...
"தீவிரவாதியை கடவுள் தான் காப்பாத்தணும்" என்று  பூஜா குமார் சொல்ல, "எந்தக் கடவுள்?" என்று கமல் கேட்பதும், "நான் இந்து. என் கடவுளுக்கு நாலு கை இருக்கும்", "அப்படீன்னா அவரை எப்படி சிலுவையில் அறைவீங்க?"   "நாங்க சிலுவையில் அறைய மாட்டோம். கடல்ல தூக்கி போட்ருவோம்" போன்ற வசனங்களும் கமல் பிராண்ட் கிண்டல்ஸ்.

Here Vikatan actually enjoys the so called 'kindals' of Kamal on the Hindu Gods (or Christian!?) and faiths. Here Vikatan takes a stand of a real appreciator of art. Wonderful! Hey people!! Please don't see through your religious glasses here. Its a movie review by a No.1 Tamil Magazine, which is renowned for generations. Just read and go on.

Again towards the end, Vikatan writes...

கமல் என்கிற நடு நிலையான கலைஞனுக்கு என்று ஒரு சமூக பொறுப்பு உண்டல்லவா? அந்த விதத்தில் குர் ஆன் ஓதிவிட்டு கழுத்தை அறுப்பது, வெடி குண்டை வெடிக்கச் செய்யும் முன் தொழுவது, 'முஸ்லிம் அல்லாதவர்களைக் கொல்ல வேண்டும்' போன்ற வசனங்களை தவிர்த்திருக்கலாமே  கமல்! 

Watch here! Vikatan has wore 'Secularist' Glasses. He asks Kamal gently and politely 'Why do you do this Kamal? You could've avoided such scenes like a person chopping another's head after reading Quran or a character saying 'kill all non muslims' na please?'. Means, Vikatan humbly requests Kamal to consider it. 

But not the dialogue which says  "நாங்க சிலுவையில் அறைய மாட்டோம். கடல்ல தூக்கி போட்ருவோம்"!

Doesn't it show your dual stand Vikatan? Is it fair on you after seeing generations of readers, you show pseudo secularism, that too in a review. 

Kamal has always been a good friend of Muslims (he never gives them up for anything, even with his atheist school of thought)  but he had guts to talk about Islamic terrorism. Unlike the opportunistic politicians or fundamentalist groups, you don't have any necessity to take sides for any benefit for that matter. 

Then why take this shameful stand, Mr. Vikatan????

Thiruvaabaranam

Last Saturday night, I got a call from my Guruswami, with a surprise message that the Thiruvaabaranam box (Jewel box of Lord Ayyappa) of Sabarimala will be in Chennai on 10th May. Happy news added to it was that the box would be kept at an office belonging to our friend and a fellow pilgrim to Sabarimala, Mr. Jayakumar located on Tharamani Road and we can have dharshan between 7 am and 9 am. What a way to start a Sunday!

Woke up a bit early and informed many of my friends and fellow devotees and went to Mr. Jayakumar’s office, M/s Kanya Homes on Tharamani Road. Mr. Jayakumar has been successfully promoting various residential projects in Chennai. I was a bit late there and was told that the sacred box arrived at around 8 am.

Went in to the office where the holy box was kept. The office was so amazing with wonderful interiors with the sight of Thiruvaabaranam box kept right at the middle of the office majestically. The whole place looked very divine with the presence of the box. The whole office was decorated with full of flowers and a Ganapathi Homam was arranged.

The box is being taken to Bangalore via Chennai for reducing the whole weight of it. Every year, the Thiruvaabaranam (sacred jewels) for the Lord is carried from Pandhalam to Sabarimala by a single person belonging to the Pandhala Raja family. It is carried throughout by foot and takes 3 full days for them to reach the temple.

The box is completely made of sandalwood topped by silver with lots of designs and engravings. The box weighs heavy with the weight of the wood used. So it is taken to Bangalore to chip down the weight of the box without altering the size. It was said that the box was kept in many places like Sri Kapaleeswarar temple etc, for the people to have dharshan.

Mr. Jayakumar and his colleagues were blessed enough to have that holy box for couple of hours at their office premises and perform Ganapathi Homam. And I was blessed enough that I know him and have traveled with him to Sabarimala once and also was informed by my Guru at the right time.

The box is about 5 feet length and 3 feet width completely made of Sandalwood. Wonderful carvings are done all over the box. On the top portion Gaja Vaahana (Elephant, Lord Ayyappa’s carrier) is beautifully etched on silver and fixed. It is made in such a way that the entire image of the elephant is embossed and the two tusks are completely protruding out from the surface.

I had an opportunity to touch and feel the box and offer Namaskarams. I’ve seen it in Sabarimala from a distance amidst lakhs of people, where the box would be carried on the head and accompanied by the Brahman Kite (Garudan) throughout the way till it reaches the sanctum. It was definitely a blessing to have dharshan of the box at arm’s reach to touch, feel and offer prayers.

For more on Sabarimalai Sri Ayyappan click here and Sabarimalai Pilgrimage trek click here.

Where Gods sell Goods….

I had a chance to visit Thirupporur Murugan Temple recently. For those who don’t know, Thirupporur is the holy place where Lord Muruga waged a war against the demon king Soorapadhman and killed him.

In Thamizh, ‘Thiru’ means sacred, ‘Por’ means war and ‘Oor’ means a place and thus the name Thirupporur formed. It is a very holy place and one can see pilgrims visiting this place from all parts of the country.

This temple also has a very vast pond called ‘Saravana Poigai’ adjacent to it. This is a very huge and also an ancient temple. The temple is built on a very vast area with huge pillars and ancient sculptures and carvings all over. Lord Muruga gives dharshan and blesses the devotees here.

One will take at least 45 minutes to go around the temples to have dharshan of various deities and to admire the architectural brilliance completely.

There is a magnificent Mandapam which has about 16 pillars, in front of the temple. There are lot of sculptures and images of Gods carved on all sides of the pillars.

It is our tradition (!?) to have lots of petty shops selling flowers, coconuts and fruits for the devotees to buy and offer to the Gods. Abiding by the tradition, one can see many such shops near the temple.

Most importantly, in such tourism spots one can see lots of platform shops selling balloons, sticker bindhis, plastic cricket bats and cheap goggles for kids, junk jewels and many other plastic items. Many such shops are available in plenty near this temple.

Next time when you visit the temple, even if you forget to visit the God, please don’t forget to visit these shops where you get such wonderful goods.

Need to know where to locate them????

It’s all right in front of the temple, inside this 16 pillared stone Mandapam. I think no authorities have stopped them from putting up shops there.

You know why? The shopkeepers seem to be more powerful than any other authorities. They have even tied the Gods on pillars, punishing them by making them display stands for their goods.

Where else you can find such an historic market where Lord Muruga is being tied up (arrested rather) in front of His own temple.

They didn’t leave the parents of Lord Muruga. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi are seen arrested that too during their Godly wedding ceremony itself.

In one of the pillars, Lord Muruga appears with his peacock (His carrier) and 4 hands holding His Godly weapons. May be He thought they will stop their act on seeing Him with weapons. He was in no way powerful than those shopkeepers. He too was tied on the pillar along with his peacock.

Again, this time, Lord Muruga had appeared with 6 faces (Sri Shanmugar) and 12 hands with weapons in all of them, trying to stop them from arresting Gods and making Gods as their slaves to sell junk goods. And Sri Shanmugar got it from them. He had been made the main display stand there.

I had to request the shopkeepers to remove a few items so that I can take a photograph of the poor Lord Shanmugar. They removed a few which helped me take a snap after which the items were hung covering Lord Shanmugar immediately. I thanked them for allowing me to have a special dharshan for a moment.

Forget the religious importance of the place. Isn’t it a historic monument? In today’s scenario, having all these so called technological advancements, constructing even a small house for ourselves has become so difficult and tedious.

Can any of these temple authorities at least think as to how long it will take to construct such a huge temple or what kind of time; efforts and money are required for it?

We are not kings of those days to build number of temples and monuments. And we can't do that too. When we can’t build up such treasure houses, is it not our responsibility to at least preserve those monuments, which stand testimony to our culture, tradition and heritage?

I know by pointing this out I may even be called as religious fundamentalist by those so called secularists. Why because I am trying to spoil the business (??) of many petty shop keepers who are dependant on their small income.

But is it fair that what we see?? Will any one allow any other such monument to be spoiled like this? Do the temple authorities really justify allowing such shops there?? Or is there no other space in Thirupporur for allotting to the petty shops??

Or have they left it to Lord Muruga to protect His own self?

Kaakka Kaakka Kanagavel Kaakka !

From Sri Rangam to Vaikuntam

It’s a wonderful journey what he had passed through. Though born in Triplicane, Chennai, he grew up at Sri Rangam spending his childhood there.

He had been a multi dimensional personality as an engineer, scientist, columnist and a novelist too. It was during my college days, I got introduced to his novels.

There was nothing that he cannot write about. Has written, over 100 novels, 250 short stories, 10 science books, around 10 stage plays and a few poems too.

One can easily relate themselves to his writings. The way he presented his columns like “Katradhum Petradhum” was wonderful and gained very high readership. Moreover, he had his own style of narration and usage of words. Without anyone telling, by just reading his lines one can say that it’s Sujatha’s writings.

Readers can’t forget his nostalgic thoughts he narrated in “Sri Rangathu Dhevadhaigal”. He showed a very high sense of humor in most of his writings, especially about his childhood cricket experiences on the streets of Sri Rangam.

He wrote about everything with ease from Dhivya Prabhandham to Carnatic Music to Nano Technology.

One can never forget the “Mexico Salavaikkari” joke, which was often mentioned in his novels but was never revealed till now.

His writings were never boring, as he had deep understanding on the pulse of the people and their tastes. Sujatha’s age can never be predicted from his writings. He can write even for the next generation (Remember ‘Boys’?). He had an in depth knowledge on whatever he wrote.

He had done a commendable contribution to Kollywood too. “Priya” which was based on his novel was received well as it had fresh thoughts and a different plot at that time. His “Vikram” will speak a lot for him even in future, which is a fore runner to bring Science fiction into Tamil films and not risked by many. Many of us saw a PC for the first time, in Vikram.

And his dialogues in many films from 90s had that Sujatha effect to them. Especially Roja, Ayudha Ezhuthu, Indian, Mudhalvan (That was a good interview!) and the recent block buster Sivaji – the boss displayed his caliber in dialogue writing.

It’s highly unfortunate that we missed him before we could see his Robo.

The Democracy of India can call him the father of Electronic Voting Machines. It was during his tenure in BEL, EVM was devised.

We can’t just forget his contribution to Tamil language in modern days.

I am sure that he had lived a very satisfied life throughout. A journey that started at Sri Rangam has reached the Lotus feet of God at Vaikuntam.

Ganesh & Vasanth have lost you!

And we too miss you as well!

Is the trade "Fair" ??

Been to the Trade Fair last Sunday....

The whole Chennai was up and alive there.... If you think most of the Chennai crowd hangs around on Marina, City Center, Satyam, Spencer's, Ranganathan Street, Pondy Bazaar or Mylapore... you are wrong.

It’s been many years since I went there. I think I had been there somewhere in early 90’s. Nothing has changed through the times for this Trade Fair at Island Grounds...

The two wheeler parking was full and packed. Lengthy queues for entry tickets. I could see people celebrating such an event, with family and friends, with their shopping bags in hand and refreshing themselves with Karumbu juice or some snacks.

A huge arch welcomes you to the “34th India Tourist and Industrial Fair”. Once you enter inside and walk through along the side of the parking lot there’s another entry point with counters for buying entry ticket.

A huge hoarding is displayed there against Child Labor which gives a good impression. With lakhs of people visiting everyday, such message will surely reach the masses to provide awareness.


Before you could be happy, there comes the first stall in front of which there is a petty shop selling some plastic goods. The seller is … an young boy. What a contrast!!


Next comes a “small watch kadai” selling watches with “Discound Sale” (watch the spelling!). Again…. It’s another young boy. Donno whether he is within the age limit of Child labor. But am sure he may not be the owner of the shop or his son. Is it a Fair Trade at the Trade Fair???


There are some good entertainments like Ghost Show, Mickey mouse show, Magic show etc., which children enjoy a lot.


Just walk through… you find a petty shop again… selling everything including Gutkha, Pan Parag, Hans and what not….

Knowingly, one can’t miss out the big Appalam with Chilly Powder and the great Molaga Bajji in the Trade Fair. There are couple of shops selling hot hot Appalams and Molaga Bajjis. A Feast, indeed.

Entire place gets illuminated when the sunset starts. It was just great to see the Coovum passing by, on which a small bridge is done up for people to walk on. What a sight! Imagining what would the Coovum be thinking of the people who spoiled it.


Good to see people totally forgotten their worries and enjoying the rides on Giant wheel and other things.


There are some good stalls and displays by various Government departments. Well done and explaining about the various activities of the Government.

Co-optex


Department of Industries

HR & CE (There's a huge board explaining the 19 months achievements of the present Govt)

Rural Development



Department of Police



Reserve Bank of India



Hey don’t miss that mini 'Chicku Bukku Rayilu' to go around the island ground.

Good & economical entertainer for a family outing!

Election Commission 750 A.D

Street Campaigns… Public meetings… Manifestos (Manipulatos rather!?), Rally… Hoardings… Crores of Rupees… Freebies, Goondas… Rivalry… Booth Capture… Biryani Potlams… Bit notice… Liquor supply…

If these are what you experienced in today’s election scenario, here’s a look at how election systems and rules were constituted and implemented as early as 1250 years ago. Not somewhere in Washington or New York or London, but here in Uthiramerur, a small village, just 85 kms from Chennai.

Uthiramerur, which was under Thondai Naadu territory, today stands testimony to our culture and heritage.

Many sculptures and stone inscriptions are seen here in this place on Sri Sundara Varadhar Temple as well as Lord Shiva temple which is situated near the Bus Stand.

Along the walls of this Shiva Temple, many inscriptions were found which belongs to early centuries. It is now preserved by Archeological Society of India.

According to historians and inscriptions the election (Ballot) system followed here is the fore-runner of today’s election systems in India. These inscriptions have been placed on stone as records, during the reign of Parantaka Chola 1 on the 14th year and 16th day of his tenure.

As per the inscriptions, a huge mud pot (Kudam) would be placed at an important location of the town or village, which will serve as the ballot box. The voters have to write the name of their desired candidate on the palm leaf (Panai Olai) and drop it in the pot. End of which, the leaves would be taken out from the pot and counted candidate wise. Whoever gets the highest number of votes would be selected as the member of village assembly.

This was called as Kudavolai (குடவோலை) system of elections by the people. Kudam means Pot and Olai means leaf in Tamil. The elections were held fair and free with strict terms conditions.

Uthiramerur inscriptions also reveal the conditions for eligibility to contest the elections. The conditions laid by them over 1200 years back (in the pic below) shows how transparent and fair the elections were held.

Contents of the above pic translated :

Eligibility criteria for Candidates:

• He should own at least Kaal Veli land (Kaal means Quarter and Veli is the unit measured for lands those days)


• He should live on his own land (means own house)


• Should be over 35 years of age and below 70


• Should have mastered in Vedhas and basic studies


• Shouldn’t have possessed the same position in the past 3 years

Disqualifications:

• He, who hasn’t shown his income to Government during his tenure


• If one has been proved corrupt during his tenure, he, his family members and even his blood relatives cannot contest elections for next 7 generations


• He, who hasn’t paid taxes


• Who has extra marital affairs with married women


• Murderers, Liars, Drunkards


• Who swindled other’s money in the past


• He who eats the uneatable by humans

It also says that the tenure is only of 360 days (1 year, those days), after which he will have to voluntarily withdraw from the capacity. If he is found guilty during the tenure, he will be removed by force.

These inscriptions not only showcase the brilliance of our ancestors in administration and politics but also show the world how a public servant should be in his personal and social life.

A 10th Century record also reveals how the fines imposed on the wrong doers of the village were administered. Those who were fined for wrong deeds were called “Dhushtargal” (means criminals). The fines were imposed on them by the village assembly and the sitting elected members.

The assembly also decides that the said fines imposed should be collected from the “Dhushtargal” and settled by the village administrators through the assembly, within the same financial year, failing which the assembly would interfere and get the matter settled.

Delayed payment of penalties also had late fees attached to them. What a judiciary? That too 1000 years back?

It also clearly states that, even the elected members of village assembly cannot escape fines or punishment, using their powers. They will be dealt severely if found guilty.

There are many more such inscriptions talking about testing of gold and its quality for trading. It seems there was a 10 member committee in every territory for gold testing and certifying for trading etc. Once in 3 months the members of gold committee have to appear in front of the assembly and swear in open that they did not commit any fraud while testing. They were ready to sacrifice their lives than breaking their sworn statements.

Similarly there were committees like Tank committee (for water storage and distribution), Field committee, Garden committee etc., under the governance of Annual Administrative committee.

Those who framed the above laws, weren’t from any college or they didn’t graduate in Sociology or Political administration.

Watch out beloved Vattams, Vattaaram, MLAs, MPs and Ministers of today!!!

Are you ready for such an election or administration????

(Sources: Uthiramerur inscriptions & The Hindu)