Early Tamil Epigraphy: From the Earliest Times to the Sixth Century A.D. c28.s6.t1.46

c28.s6.t1.46

In the present context where stone beds and drip ledges were hammered and chiselled into shape from live rock in natural caves, the verb *koṭṭu* is best translated 'to carve'. The usage is attested in later Tamil inscriptions also. Cf. *paṭimam koṭṭuvittāṉ* 'he caused the image to be carved' (*Pallava Inscrs.* No. 85, 8th cent. A.D.). The word has been borrowed by IA from Dr. Cf. *koṭṭēti* 'to pound', *silā-koṭṭakō* 'stonecutter, mason' (Pāli).