Virinchipuram temple Inscription | Tamil History | Into the World of Inscriptions | Epigraphy Series

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The Virinchipuram temple Tamil inscription from 15th century throws a lot of light on socio-religious conduct of the then society. Issued in Salivahana Saka 1347 which corresponds with 1425 AD, this inscription talks about the abolishment of Kanya Shulka. It suggests the custom of "Kanyaa Daana" as a replacement to "Kanyaa Shulka."

This inscription can be seen inside the front Gopura of Virinchipuram temple. It is the 2nd inscription on the right side. It was during the reign of Virapratapa Devamaharaya that this inscription has been issued with certain new rules set against Kanya Shulka system.

Virinchipuram inscription clearly displays the independency of the communities living in Vijayanagara Empire. It also demonstrates the power of self-rule wielded by the community leaders.

This inscription also exhibits the social awareness of the community heads and their response to resolve the conflicts arising from the flawed customs. It also informs us that the Hindu Dharmik canons were periodically revisited and necessary amendments were effected with common consensus.

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Kanya Shulka or bride’s fee was a social custom prevalent in ancient times. Parents of daughters felt that it is their right to collect money from the groom before giving their daughters’ hand to them. However, the famous Hindu code giver, Manu, has despised Kanya Shulka and called the marriage as Asura Vivaha i.e demonic marriage. Manu severely condemns the practice of taking money or such gratuity by a girl’s father from the prospective groom. He calls this arrangement as “selling of daughter” and warns that such people will sink in Naraka. Though the Dharma Shastra was clear and vocal against taking money to marriage off the daughters, the custom of Kanya shulka or bride’s fee stayed in vogue from ancient times to medieval periods. It was this ill
fetched practice the 72 great wise men from different places of Vijayanagara Empire have reviewed at Virinchpuram and ruled against it.

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The 72 great wise men who voted against the practice of Kanya shulka have not minced their words in pronouncing the severe action to be taken against the violators of their resolution. The Virinchipuram inscription tells that the community leaders have decided to excommunicate the violators. They have also recommended severe punishment to be given by the rulers to those who took money for marrying off their daughters. It goes without saying that the citizens of Vijayanagara Empire would have followed the new resolution either by choice or for the fear of being excommunicated and punished by the administration.

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Noted historian T. V. Mahalingam has mentioned Virinchipuram inscription in his much acclaimed book “Administration and Social Life under Vijayanagara.” He concludes the description that “the communities made regulations for themselves and the king’s duty was only to enforce them.” Such was the grass root level democracy followed in a large empire being under monarchy style of administration.

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Virinchipuram inscription from Devaraya’s period clearly states that the practice of Kanya Shulka has been put to rest during 15th century itself. But somehow this abolished practice has taken a new form as Vara Katna and wrecked havoc in the society subsequently. Sadly, this menace is still in vogue in this modern age as well. We must learn lessons from Virinchipuram inscription as to how a resolute society led by wise men can successfully correct the mistakes and travel on the right path.

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Unfortunately, the names of the 72 wise men got obliterated due to ageing. Hence the historians could not decipher the names.

Anveshi dedicates this episode to the fond memory of those learned men from Karnataka, Dravida, Telugu & Laata regions of Vijayanagara who stood against a social evil called as Kanya Shulka and eradicated it
with immediate effect.

Let us celebrate the democratic spirit of Vijayanagara Empire and the visionary steps taken by the 72 wise men.

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