Administrative Officers Known as “Palli Vēḷāṇs” in the Dindigul Region during the Pandyas’ Rule

பாண்டியர்கள் கால திண்டுக்கல் பகுதியின் அதிகாரிகள் “பள்ளி வேளான்கள்”

Abstract

The Dindigul region is geographically situated between the historically renowned cities of Madurai, Karur, and Uraiyur. In recent years, several inscriptions (epigraphs) have been discovered here, revealing significant details about its ancient historical background. Sangam literature also refers to locations within this region, such as Sirumalai, Kodaimalai, Thantrikudi, Pannimalai, and Pothinimalai. These references affirm the region’s ancient cultural and geographical prominence. From the inscriptions found in the area, it is understood that Dindigul comprised several territorial divisions (nāṭus), each governed by a group of chieftains known as Vēḷāṇs. During the Pandya period, regions such as Pallinādu, Andanādu, Ārūr Nādu, Nedungal Nādu, Vaikaviyūr Nādu, Perungal (or Pongalur) Nādu, and Kallaga Nādu existed. Among these, the Palli Vēḷāṇs, who ruled from the headquarters at Sriperumpalli, held administrative power for several centuries. This study focuses on these officials and their influence in the governance of the Dindigul region. The research is based on various inscriptions found in Ramanathapuram and Perumpulli, as well as newly discovered memorial stones and inscriptions identified by the author and other scholars — including those from Uluppakudi, Karattupatti, Puliyamarathukottai, Thottanampatti, Avilipatti, Pilathu, and Padiyur. These findings together contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the Pandya administrative system in this region.