Early Tamil Epigraphy: From the Earliest Times to the Sixth Century A.D. c23.s20.t1: 4.17.1 Mason and master mason
Early Tamil Epigraphy: From the Earliest Times to the Sixth Century A.D. c23.s20.t1
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4.17.1 Mason and master mason
c23.s20.t1.1
The expression *u(p)paruva[ṉ\*]* which appears to be an occupational or family name occurs in an inscription at Kongarpuliyankulam (No. *11*, ca. 2nd century B.C.). The name is borne by an *upaca-aṉ* (*upaccaṉ*), a Jaina *upādhyāya*. The name seems to indicate that he belonged to a family of masons. Cf. Ta. *upparavar* 'tank and well-diggers', *uppāṟakkāraṉ* 'one who plasters a well'; Ka. *uppāṟa* 'brick-layer, plasterer, stone mason'. It is remarkable that a person who belonged to a family of masons became a Jaina *upādhyāya*.
c23.s20.t1.2
The expression *perunta(c)caṉ* 'master mason' occurs in the Early Vaṭṭeḻuttu inscription at Pillaiyarpatti (No. *117*, ca. 6th century A.D.).