AMMACHATRAM WHOLE CAVE

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

SI no. 102 is a so-called whole cave (note 1) characterised by two Jain figures on the rock over it and damaged inscription (rock art: epigraphy), which is suspected to consist either a modified natural sacred temple cave or a man-made rock chamber (cave temple) excavated from the granite or laterite occurring in Pudukkottai (note 2). ETYMOLOGY: Chattram [note 3] -- A resthouse for pilgrims or high-cast travellers, Madras (IMPERIAL GAZETTEER 1907-1909, 25: viii). SITUATION: Archaeological Survey of India, Chennai (ex Madras) circle, places this whole cave in Pudukkottai district somewhere at the locality: Ammachatram or Ammachathiram, Ammani Chattram and Ammanichattram (note 4) on the sea side of the Palk Strait.SI no. 102 is a so-called whole cave (note 1) characterised by two Jain figures on the rock over it and damaged inscription (rock art: epigraphy), which is suspected to consist either a modified natural sacred temple cave or a man-made rock chamber (cave temple) excavated from the granite or laterite occurring in Pudukkottai (note 2). ETYMOLOGY: Chattram [note 3] -- A resthouse for pilgrims or high-cast travellers, Madras (IMPERIAL GAZETTEER 1907-1909, 25: viii). SITUATION: Archaeological Survey of India, Chennai (ex Madras) circle, places this whole cave in Pudukkottai district somewhere at the locality: Ammachatram or Ammachathiram, Ammani Chattram and Ammanichattram (note 4) on the sea side of the Palk Strait.