Famed Cholapuram Elephant statue to be ‘protected monument’

A senior official from the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) told DT Next that the statue will be protected under the Tamil Nadu Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.

He said after the statue was repaired using modern plastering technology, tourist inflow to the particular site increased manifold in the recent days. “The statue, which is located in a wood-let outside Azhagarkoil temple at Elayaperumalnallur village, Udayarpalayam Taluk in Ariyalur District, has also attracted many foreign tourists,” he added. “In addition, may historians across the State had suggested and had also sent feedback to the government saying the excellent craftsmanship of the elephant statue be saved and preserved by being declared a protected site,” the official added.

Recollecting the history of the statue, the TTDC official said that it was constructed in the 16th Century during Vijayanagara dynasty and one of the tallest statues in Asia. According to the official, protected monuments in Ariyalur include -Agastheeswarar- Arunachaleswarar Temple at Erattaikoil taluk and Kalinga Sculptures at Maligaimedu village.

“The government decision to convert the elephant statue into a protected monument will soon be published in the State government gazette,” he said, adding that an official order will also be issued to carry out further facelift work in and around the monument. The official pointed out that once the statue is officially declared protected monument, the area extending to a distance of hundred meters in all directions will be prohibited for public entry. “Undertaking construction activity within the prohibited area without prior permission of authorities concerned under the Act will result in penal action under the rule against such persons or organisations, who violate the law,” he said.