TERRACOTTA FIGURINES AT PARAMBATHUKAVU
If you want to have a boy child you may offer the Parambathukavu devi a “Kuthirapurathu Unnichekkan” ,A Doll of a boy astride a horse created in terracotta in an ancient sculptural style.Similarly if you have a fancy to have a baby girl you may offer EzhooriyuimMakkalum , the figurines of seven identical ladies or goddesses in sitting posture on a mud plate in an ancient abstract sculptural style.
TERRACOTTA FIGURINES AT PARAMBATHUKAVU
EzhooriyuimMakkalum , the figurines of seven identical ladies bares close similarities to the Pali canon which means triple basket.
The ritual of Ezhooriyum Makkalum can be traced back to Paleolithic mega eruption of volcano according to some scholars.Some others add that Ezhooriyum Makkalum the ritualistic figuarines reflect one of the belief system derived from ice age era. It is the story of the infertile earth of Seven Sun period.Rivers ran dry in the parts of northern India .It was resolved by the mythical refilling of river Prayaga, they say.
TERRACOTTA FIGURINES AT PARAMBATHUKAVU
Parambathukavu at Vendallur near Valanchery is a potential cultural site with archaeological and historical significance.Exploration and field studies were conducted at this village by a team of historians and archaeologists .The preliminary findings were presented.Further investigations are needed in this area and its surrounding to understand the history of this region.
POSTHOLES BIGGER THAN POST HOLES OF ANAKKARA SITE
While macro history is very essential for comprehending the broad historical process as a whole,local histories are also equally important for comprehending the historical development of a region.
POST HOLES
The archaeological materials such as written documents, ethnographic information and traditions preserved in memories of people play a vital role in the reconstruction of local history. Only through the investigation of History of Micro landscapes and small communities the historical process could be better understood.
EIGHT LARGE POSTHOLES
The postholes relics of an iron age settlement could mark the first stage in the evolution of social life around Vendallur .There have been other recent findings from this region including prehistoric cupules at Parambathukavu near Valanchery. Post holes here are different in size and number compared to that of Anakkara excavation site,Palakkad district which is 15 kilometres away from Parambathukavu. The post holes are bigger in size than that of Anakkara post holes and they are limited in number that is eight post holes.
HERE’S GOD’S PLENTY.
The petroglyphs on the laterite rocks dating back to iron age is another striking feature of this area. A cave and an undrground passage are identified in the eastern side of Parambathu kavu temple.
TERRACOTTA FIGURINES AT PARAMBATHUKAVU
A rock cut chamber is found on the site which is seen to be pot shaped.Though the opening area is small it is found to lead to a well like chamber ,it is believed.
TERRACOTTA FIGURINES AT PARAMBATHUKAVU
Hundreds of clay figurines of man,women and animals dating back to medieval period were unearthed from Parambathukavu Temple compound.The clay figurines or dolls were made by Anthoor Nair who lived in the area. Devotees offered the dolls to the Goddess. Such an ancient ritual that prevailed in this area since medieval ages.
The clay figurines or dolls were reportedly made using different style.The main school was that of Terracotta School.The created figurines were baked to make them last longer.
TERRACOTTA FIGURINES AT PARAMBATHUKAVU
The belief could be that when you dedicate Terracotta miniature of human being or cattle, the related issues whatever it may be, will be resolved soon.Hence devotees offered human figurines, their representation generally to recover from health issues.The figurines called “Kuthirapurathu Unnichekkan” is the special offering made by couples to have a boy child.Similarly to have a girl child devotees used to offer the figurine Ezhooriyuim Makkalum,the seven identical ladies in the sitting posture on a plate in Indian abstract sculpture art.
TERRACOTTA FIGURINES AT PARAMBATHUKAVU
They offer figurines of tortoise for health issues like stomach ache and rat figurines for protecting their agriculture from rat menace. Large collection of Terracotta figurines were recovered from the temple compounds in 1917 during the temple renovation work which might be of Archaeological importance.
TERRACOTTA FIGURINES AT PARAMBATHUKAVU
The Terracotta sculpture is an important medium of expression of archaeological relevance.They help us to understand the social economic and religious life of the mediaeval people.
TERRACOTTA FIGURINES AT PARAMBATHUKAVU
The Terracotta objects should be classified.. on the basis of how many of them belong to the category of human figurines, animal figurines, ornamental objects, playing objects and miscellaneous objects
TERRACOTTA FIGURINES AT PARAMBATHUKAVU
. Major studies and meticulously planned excavation work is needed to bring about the historical relevance of this region.