The Tamil Nadu Government Gazette, Part VI-Section 1, Number 18, was published on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 (Chithirai 30, Thiruvalluvar Aandu-2040). It contains notifications of interest to the general public issued by Heads of Departments. The Gazette includes general notifications specifically regarding archaeological findings, announced under Section 4 of the Indian Treasure Trove Act of 1878.
The Gazette details discoveries made in Dindigul District, Palani Taluk, Thalaiauthu Village (Reference No. 55185/07/R4) and Nilakottai Village, Pillaiyarnatham Village (Reference No. 88381/06/ஆர்4).
Thalaiauthu Village findings include:
* Two stone-made mortars dating back to the 9th and 12th centuries AD.
* A hero stone (Nadukal) and an Ayyanar statue from the 12th century AD.
* A hero stone and a fragmented inscription, both from the 12th century AD.
* A stone slab with symbols dating back to the 10th century AD.
* Pottery shards dating back 2000 years.
Pillaiyarnatham Village findings include:
* 726 small-sized coins made of gold, silver, copper, and zinc alloy.
* A gold coin (3.400 g.) with Hanuman image imprinted, issued by the East India Company.
* Three Thali cords (36.5 cm (10.300 g.), 40.0 cm (5.930 g.) and 39.0 cm (3.370 g.) long) of gold, silver and copper alloy.
* Two pairs of Kundalam (ear jewelry) (6.600 g).
* One Kompu (nose jewelry) (982 mg).
* Four Metti Valayam (toe ring) (15.870 g.)
* Seven Karugumani (ear jewelry) (4.750 g.)
* Six Sangu Chakkaram (ear jewelry) (10.030 g.)
Claims of ownership for these treasures should be made to the Personal Assistant (General) to the District Collector of Dindigul, either in person or through an authorized representative, with supporting documentation. For Thalaiauthu Village findings, the deadline to appear before the Personal Assistant was 27-04-2009 and for Pillaiyarnatham Village findings the deadline was 17-03-2009. The District Collector of Dindigul, Ra. Kirloeshkumar, will declare the treasure ownerless if no claims are made or if the claims are unsubstantiated.
Key Entities Referenced
Tamil Nadu Government Gazette: Official gazette of the Government of Tamil Nadu
Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878: The law under which the announcements about the discovered treasures are being made.
Dindigul: District where the treasure was found, and where claims can be made.