The 8th century Maa Kotravai of The Marava tribe, The Eyinars, a branch of Maravars and their leader, The Pandya.



The Pandya era artifacts found in the Thoothai village, near Manamadurai in the Sivagangai district, The Little Marava Country, showcase the cultural richness of the Pandya dynasty during the eighth century. The right-handed idols feature weapons like the spear, sword, bow, and trident. The left-handed idols have conch shells, veena, and the discus. The central idol exhibits a combination of these elements. Adorned with a crown, earrings, and a nose ring, it holds a book in the hands. The unique attire worn from the waist to the ankles reflects the distinctive charm of this Pandya artifact.
The sculptures from different regions such as Thiruparankundram, Kundakudi, and Thiruthangal display the goddess Durga's attributes. The Durga sculpture near Thoothai is exceptional, depicting her standing with weapons, and it stands out for its artistic and individualistic qualities. Unlike other sculptures, Durga in Thoothai stands on the Earth in a dynamic pose, balancing on her left leg while lifting the right leg towards the sky during daytime.
The Pandya queens also seem to have wielded the sword and shield, symbolizing courage and bravery. The depiction of a female figure holding a plough and standing on an elephant in the literary works might be correlated with the Pandya artifacts, showcasing a unique blend of valor and femininity. The Pandya queens' sculptures reveal a distinct narrative, emphasizing the goddess Kali, who holds a trident and a skull, displaying her dominance over time and death.
The act of holding a skull on the right side, mirroring the gesture of Kali, symbolizes the triumph over ego. Though this gesture is not commonly seen in literature, it is visually represented in the songs praising Yapparungalam. The Pandya artifacts also portray Kali in a unique stance, holding a trident with a dagger, representing the fierce nature of this goddess. The inclusion of a parrot in the right hand and a dagger in the left hand adds to the symbolism, depicting Kali's prowess over death and her compassion towards life.
The depiction of Pandya queens embracing a parrot and holding a dagger against the backdrop of a rising moon reflects an artistic presentation that is not just confined to literature but is also found in Pandyan artifacts, highlighting the grace and bravery of these queens. The artistic expression of the Pandya queens, holding both a sword and a dagger, reveals their courage and valor, embodying the essence of femininity with strength.
The Pandya queens' depiction of holding a dagger while embracing a parrot signifies the battle against evil forces and the preservation of life. This portrayal resonates with the symbolism seen in literature, where Pandyan artifacts beautifully capture the essence of valor, uniqueness, and cultural richness.
🎏🌙🕉️🚩

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