New Inscription About Rudramadevi Discovered At Chidambaram

The inscription, which is engraved in classical Tamil (Centamil), is located on the western ‘gopuram’ (left of entrance) to the temple. It is composed in verse praising the victory of the king Vikrama Pandya over Travancore (Venadan) of present day Kerala.

ASI epigraphy director K Munirathnam Reddy recently noticed the verses while re-reading the inscriptions while preparing a reply to a Parliament question asked by a member of Parliament from Tamil Nadu, which is to be answered on July 28 by the ministry of culture.

He said, “It is interesting to note that the inscription in the second and third verse mentions that the King Vikrama Pandya during his conquests did not go further north as that region was ruled by a woman i.e., Rudramadevi, daughter of the Kakatiya King Ganapati.”

According to Reddy, the inscription was significant as it refers to contemporary regional political history in neighbouring territories. “The inscription dates back to the 13th century. While the name of Rudramadevi is not mentioned, it shows her strength. The inscription was not referred to anywhere by the epigraphists, and not even mentioned in history books on the Kakatiya Dynasty,” he said.

Historian Dr Dyavanpalli Satyanarayana said Ganapati Deva, the Kakatiya king, had two daughters, Rudraamba (Rudramadevi) and Ganapaamba, with Rudraamba being the elder and recognised heir to the throne. “Ganapati Deva trained Rudraamba in all aspects of state administration and ensured she was well-prepared to succeed him. Ganapaamba, on the other hand, was married to Beta of the Kota family for political reasons,” he said.

Further, the historian said, “Rudramadevi was a remarkable female ruler of the Kakatiya Dynasty, reigning for three decades (1259-1289 CE). She proved to be one of India's greatest rulers, known for her bravery, administrative reforms, and patronage of arts and culture. Attired in male garments, she presided over the durbar, led troops in battle, and emerged victorious against mighty kings.”

“Her administrative reforms, including the Nayankara system, ensured safety and efficient governance. She promoted social equality, treated all castes and creeds equally, and constructed public facilities like maternity hospitals. Rudramadevi also patronized popular culture, celebrating festivals like Bathukamma and Bonalu, and commissioned beautiful sculptures and structures, including the ornate Mandapa in Warangal fort and in the Ramappa temple,” he explained.