Madurai district’s Mangulam Jain beds drew attention on Sunday as Tamil Nadu’s School Education and Archaeology Minister Rajmohan visited the site and reviewed its ancient rock-cut resting platforms.
Officials briefed the minister on the Sangam-era Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions and the stone-bed structures, noting that Jain monks who came to spread the faith are believed to have stayed there for meditation and rest. The minister also lay down on the rock slab, stretching out his legs, to understand the structure firsthand.
Following the inspection, Rajmohan asked Archaeology Department officials to take steps to upgrade the Mangulam Jain beds into a world-class tourism spot. He said the Mangulam Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions, reflecting the history of Sangam-era Pandya rulers, are a “historical treasure.”
He added that departments have been instructed to improve basic amenities for visitors and install digital guide boards. Speaking about the Keezhadi excavation, he said it is significant not only for Tamils but for world civilisation, and that further scientific proof would be established in consultation with the Union government, with more updates to be announced at the appropriate time.
Archaeology Director Jayaseelan, Joint Director Bayathees Kumar, Collector Nishanth Kumar and MLAs Karthikeyan and Karuppaiya were present during the visit.
