Hero stones
Also called: Natukal, Virakal, Virakkal · Topic: Southern Dynasties: Chalukyas, Pallavas, Cholas · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 3 "Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries"
Meaning
A hero stone (natukal or virakal) is a stone set up in memory of a person who died bravely. This was often while defending the village, its cattle or its honour. Hero stones usually carry a carving of the hero and sometimes a short inscription. They are common across south India. They tell us about the lives of ordinary local people, not just kings.
Example
A 7th-century hero stone at Eduthanur (Tamil Nadu) honours a local chief who died fighting cattle thieves. It also honours his loyal dog, who died with him. Both are named on the stone.
Don't confuse with
- Sati stones: memorials for women who died on their husband's funeral fire. Hero stones honour those who died fighting.
- Prashasti: a royal poem of praise, such as Ravikirti's at Aihole for Pulakeshin II. Hero stones honour local people, not kings.
Related concepts
- Temple economy
- Vellanvagai
- Chola patronage of bhakti
- Periya Puranam
- Kamban
- South Indian merchant guilds