The Tamil Nadu Government Gazette, published on May 13, 2009, includes notifications of interest to the general public issued by Heads of Departments. This edition specifically contains general notifications regarding archaeological discoveries under Section 4 of the Indian Treasure Trove Act of 1878.
**Notification 1:**
Ref: No. VI(1)/144/2009, (ந.க. எண் 55185/07/ஆர்4.)
In Dindigul District, Palani Taluk, and Thaalaiyuthu Village, during a field study on October 14-15, 2007, the following artifacts were discovered:
* Two stone-made oil presses (75 cm diameter, 210 cm circumference, and 85 cm diameter, 272 cm circumference) dating back to the 9th and 12th centuries AD, respectively.
* A memorial stone (156 cm height, 69 cm width) from the 12th century AD.
* An Ayyanaar statue (90 cm height, 90 cm width) from the 12th century AD.
* A Hero stone (63 cm height, 53 cm width) from the 12th century AD.
* A fragmented inscription from the 12th century AD.
* A symbol-marked plaque stone (5 ft height, 2.5 ft width) from the 10th century AD.
* Pottery shards dating back 2000 years.
Individuals claiming ownership of the treasure trove should appear before the Personal Assistant (General) to the District Collector of Dindigul, either in person or through an authorized representative, with evidence supporting their claim. The hearing is scheduled for April 27, 2009. If no claim is made or if the claim is rejected due to lack of evidence, the treasure trove will be declared ownerless.
**Notification 2:**
Ref: No. VI(1)/154/2009, (ந.க. எண் 88381/06/ஆர்4.)
In Dindigul District, Nilakottai Taluk, and Pillayarnatham Village, during excavation work for a stage construction on December 17, 2006, an earthenware pot was found containing:
* 726 small dot-sized coins (257.25 grams) composed of gold, silver, copper, and zinc.
* One Hanuman-figured coin (3.400 grams) made of gold and issued by the East India Company.
* One 36.5 cm long wedding pendant (10.300 grams), made of gold.
* One 40.0 cm long wedding pendant (5.930 grams), made of gold, silver and copper alloy, 10 to 12 carats.
* One 39.0 cm long wedding pendant (3.370 grams), made of gold, silver and copper alloy, 10 to 12 carats.
* Two pairs of ear studs (6.600 grams), made of gold, 10 to 12 carats.
* One comb-shaped nose ring (982 milligrams), made of gold, 10 to 12 carats.
* Four toe rings (15.870 grams), made of gold, approximately 22 carats.
* Seven black bead earrings (4.750 grams), made of gold, 10 to 12 carats.
* Six conch-wheel earrings (10.030 grams), made of gold, 10 to 12 carats.
Individuals claiming ownership of this treasure trove are required to appear before the Personal Assistant (General) to the District Collector of Dindigul, either in person or through an authorized representative, with supporting evidence. The hearing is scheduled for March 17, 2009. If no claim is made or if the claim is rejected due to insufficient evidence, the treasure trove will be declared ownerless.
The District Collector of Dindigul is Ira. Kirloskumar.
Key Entities Referenced
Tamil Nadu Government Gazette: Official gazette of the Government of Tamil Nadu, used to publish notifications and announcements.
Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878: The legal framework under which the treasure finds are notified and claimed.
Dindigul: The district where the treasure finds occurred and where claims are to be made.
District Collector of Dindigul: Authority to whom claims related to the treasure finds are to be submitted in Dindigul.