A group of archaeological enthusiasts has identified a Chola era stone oil press (Kal Sekku) in Vengalam village in Perambalur district. Based on the pattern of the script engraved on the press, epigraphists estimated that the object may belong to the 11th century. The stone oil press is still being used by the villagers to grind flour while celebrating festivals in a temple nearby.<\/p>\n
The readable script says the stone press was installed in pandhal ambalam (community centre). Except for the top surface eroded due the weather, the rest of the stone structure is intact. Vengalam village could have served as a mercantile town during Chola kingdom. There were other archaeological evidence that a merchant guild functioned in the village.<\/p>\n
Usually, the stone oil press installed centuries ago mentions the purpose of press but such a mention was not found in this one. Senjeri and Chandramanai Velur in the Perambalur district have such similar stone oil press but their period was classified as the 18th century.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"