Mysore and Coorg from the Inscriptions c11.9

c11.9

The accounts of the decorations and titles conferred on men who had distinguished themselves are of interest. The most dignified seems to have been the *paṭṭa* or golden band to be worn on the forehead. It was a symbol of royalty, but was also bestowed as a mark of royal favour, or for other purposes of distinction. Thus the Chōla king in 1005 decorated Panchama-mahārāya with a *paṭṭa* bearing the title Kshattriya-śikhāmaṇi Kongālva (Cg 46). The Chālukya king Tailapa-Dēva in 1096 bound a *paṭṭa* on the victorious general Ereyamma, with the title *Rājya-samuddharanam* inscribed in gold, and gave him also *keysere* (? bracelets) for his children (Sa 80). The rāja-guru and other priests in 1254 bound the *vibhūti-paṭṭa* on the Gaṇa-kumāri Chandavve (Ak 108). But a high distinction often mentioned in connection with prominent public men is the *gaṇḍa-peṇḍāra* (see Dg 36, 44, etc.). This was a golden anklet, apparently worn on the right leg. From Bl 112 of 1220, relating to the prince Lakshma, it seems to have been set with clusters of pearls. He also had another decoration, called *toḍar*, which was a golden chain or ankle-ring, embossed with medallions, and was worn on the left leg. It seems to have been regarded specially as a pledge of unswerving fidelity, and hence, when the prince received it, his wife also bound a *toḍar* on her left leg to signify that she would never desert him for another.