The recently unearthed Chola-era copper plates reveal a forgotten aspect of the reach of Buddhism in south India, showcasing the diplomatic relations between the Buddhist Sri-Vijaya empire of Indonesia and the Shaivite-Vaishnavite Cholas.
The plates, weighing 30 kilograms and made of copper, contain a legal decree recording the grant of Apainmangalam village by emperor Rajendra Chola I's father RajaRaja I in 1006 CE, for the upkeep of a Buddhist temple and monastery in Nagapattinam.
The grant awarded Buddhists possession of wet lands, dry lands, and various other rights, including the right to dig and maintain water channels for irrigation and drinking.
Less than two decades after the grant, Rajendra Chola I launched a successful naval campaign that plundered the Sri Vijaya capital Palembang, looting the royal treasure and taking prisoner the king himself.
The second set of copper plates, issued by Rajakesharivarnam Kulottunga Chola I in 1090 CE, renewed the grant and provided exemptions of taxes to Buddhist ambassadors from the court of the king of a Sumatran kingdom known as Kadaha.
The plates also reveal that while Chola and Sri Vijayan kings often went to war against each other, it did not permanently damage relations between the two kingdoms.
