Early Tamil Epigraphy: From the Earliest Times to the Sixth Century A.D. c20.s7.1

c20.s7.1

Unlike the elaborately carved rock-cut shrines of the later Pallava-Pāṇḍiya periods, the caves (or caverns) with Tamil-Brāhmī inscriptions are no more than naturally occurring rock shelters, mostly shallow, formed under one or more massive overhanging boulders that dot the hilly terrain. A drip ledge is cut into the brow of the overhanging boulder for the entire length of the opening of the cave below to prevent rain water from flowing inside (Fig. 1.13). On the rocky floor of the cave, a number of narrow stone beds are carved, generally provided with raised pillow lofts on one side (Fig. 1.14).¹ A number of post-holes are drilled into the brow of the cave and the rocky floor below indicating the earlier presence of props for a thatched roof overhead to provide some protection to the occupants of the cave from sun and rain. Drinking water was obtained from natural rocky pools on the hill or from a water reservoir or a water course nearby. Caves facing east or south with the cool breeze blowing in were the preferred locations.²