Trichy: A group of archaeological fans have identified the Chola (KAL Sekku) stone oil press in the village in the region district.
Based on the Tamil script pattern engraved on the press, Epigraphy estimates that the object may belong to the 11th century.
The stone oil press is still used by villagers to grind flour while celebrating a festival at the nearby temple.
The team consisting of M Selvapandian, Ramesh Karuppiah and P Vasanthan saw the stone press near the seller’s temple on the outskirts of the village of Villages.
It is 33cm and 71mm diameter.
The press well is 30cm in diameter in and 20cm.
The press side is carved with several lines in Tamil.
Bachelor’s research and iconography Selvapandian said the manuscript identified the ‘Malladi Naattan’ as a sponsor or press stone maker.
“Definitely established for general use, it is possible to produce oil for lights in the temple or for food or treatment purposes.
There is a similar stone oil that was identified in the region district but found in the village in the world was the oldest identified so far,” Selvapandian said.
The script that can be read said the stone press is installed in the ‘Pandhal Ambalam’ (Community Center).
Except for the top surface eroded because of the weather, the remaining stone structure is intact.
“Villages of Villages can serve as a mercantile city during Chola Kingdom.
There is another archaeological evidence that the Guild merchant who functions in the village,” Ramesh Karuppiah, an archeological fan told toi.
Usually, the press Stone Press installed centuries ago mention the press purpose but such mention was not found in this one, added Karuupahi.
Senjeri and Chandramanai Velur in the Screening District have a similar oil press but their period is classified as the 18th century.