A stone sculpture dating back to 11th century AD was discovered recently by a group of researchers nearDharapuram.
A team of researchers from Tirupur-based Virarajendran Archaeological and Historical Research Centre carried out a field survey in February-end.
It is mentioned in one of the inscriptions as Rajarajapuramana Adikkizhthalam, a place where soldiers of the merchant guild stayed in groups. The first merchant guild in the Sangam Age of Naduwas known as Nigamam.
On the 1000-year-old stone sculpture, the inscriptions of 13 symbols of the elephant, horse, Money purse, small chisel, measuring rod, axe were found, thereby hinting that the forces stand along the ancient trade route for the safety of traders.