Dr. Dayalan Duraiswamy is a renowned archaeologist and art historian, who made remarkable contributions in the field of archaeology and conservation of cultural heritage for more than three decades. He has noticed a large number of archaeological vestiges through his explorations in several states and also brought to light cultural vestiges through archaeological excavations at various part of India. Many of his discoveries and excavations have been remarkable and are valuable in writing and interpreting Indian history and culture. Dayalan is an accomplished scholar and author of twelve books on archaeology, art and architect, Buddhism, epigraphy conservation and heritage management in addition to the submission of many excavation and exploration report to the Archaeological Survey of India. Apart from this he has contributed more than 100 research papers in many national and international reputed journals. Address: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Paper presented a special Memorial lecture in the Odisha Hisotry Congress, 2024
India is well known for its unity in diversity, where the people of different race, culture, lang... more India is well known for its unity in diversity, where the people of different race, culture, language and religion lived together in harmony. Indians show a sense of unity and mutual interactions of people despite of so many differences among them. Interestingly, Odisha and Tamil Nadu have a long historical and cultural connections right from prehistoric time. The historical, cultural and commercial networks between Tamil Nadu and Odisha are well-attested by the archaeological, epigraphical and literary sources. Both the states have a long cherishing history and repository of rich natural and cultural heritage right from the prehistoric time. These states have inherited a remarkable variety of monuments and sites of unsurpassed architectural beauty and grandeur. Splendid glimpses of the remarkable past of these states are found in many literatures and epigraphical sources. There is a many commonness between these states. Odisha and Tamil Nadu maintained their political vigour with successive ruling dynasties and achieved a distinction of their own, within the wider intricacies of Indian civilisation.
The Nayaks of Kandy (Kaṇḍi Nāyakkar in Tamil) were the rulers of the Kingdom of Kandy in Sri Lank... more The Nayaks of Kandy (Kaṇḍi Nāyakkar in Tamil) were the rulers of the Kingdom of Kandy in Sri Lanka between 1739 and 1815. The area of the central highlands in which the Kandyan kingdom was situated had the natural protection of rivers, waterways, hills and rocky mountain terrain. The prominent location of the Kandyan kingdom with its cool climate had greatly contributed to protecting the independence of the nation for many centuries. For centuries Kandy, originally known as Senkadagala, has been the bastion of Sri Lanka's culture and its spiritual centre.
The Nayaks of Kandy (Kaṇḍi Nāyakkar in Tamil) were the rulers of the Kingdom of Kandy in Sri Lank... more The Nayaks of Kandy (Kaṇḍi Nāyakkar in Tamil) were the rulers of the Kingdom of Kandy in Sri Lanka between 1739 and 1815. The paper discuss in detail about their rule and their contribution to this region
The extensive maritime trade network between the Harappan and Mesopotamian civilizations as early... more The extensive maritime trade network between the Harappan and Mesopotamian civilizations as early as the 3rd millennium BCE is a testimony to the long maritime trade history of India. From the dawn of the historical epoch, the maritime trade network of India expanded extensively. The findings of a large number of coins, pottery, amphorae and other materials from Italy and various other European countries, west Asia, China, Korea, Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and Far-East countries in India, particularly in the coastal regions, are a testimony to the dynamic maritime trade of India with other countries in the early period. Similarly, pottery, sculptures, inscriptions and other materials of Indian origin are also found in those countries. The depiction of different types of ships on the coins, paintings, sculptures, seals and sealing, exhibit the variety of vessels used for navigation and other purposes in the early period. The over 7500 km-long coastline o...
The paper discuss about the origin and evolution of silk and cotton production in ancient India a... more The paper discuss about the origin and evolution of silk and cotton production in ancient India and their commericial importance through the ages.
HNN has proven to be an extremely valuable experiment for rapid and unambiguous backbone (H(N), (... more HNN has proven to be an extremely valuable experiment for rapid and unambiguous backbone (H(N), (15)N) assignment in ((13)C, (15)N) labeled proteins. However, low sensitivity of the experiment is often a limiting factor, especially when the transverse relaxation times (T(2)) are short. We show here that BEST modification Schanda et al. (2006) [2] increases the sensitivity per unit time by more than a factor of 2.0 and thus substantially increases the speed of data collection; good 3D data can be collected in 8-10h. Next, we present a simple method for amino-acid type identification based on simple 2D versions of the HNN experiment, labeled here as 2D-(HN)NH. Each of these experiments which produce anchor points for Gly, Ala, Ser/Thr residues, can be recorded in less than an hour. These enable rapid data acquisition, rapid analysis, and consequently rapid assignment of backbone (H(N), (15)N) resonances. The 2D-(HN)NH experiment does not involve aliphatic/aromatic protons and hence can be applied to deuterated protein samples as well, which is an additional advantage. The experiments have been demonstrated with human ubiquitin (76 aa) and acetic-acid denatured HIV-1 protease (99 aa), as representatives of folded and unfolded protein systems, respectively.
Kāveripūmpatͅtͅinͅam (10o 46’ N; 79o 51’ E), the celebrated port city of the illustrious Cōl̤as... more Kāveripūmpatͅtͅinͅam (10o 46’ N; 79o 51’ E), the celebrated port city of the illustrious Cōl̤as of the Saṅgam age is said to have been situated on the confluence of the Kāvēri River and the Bay of Bengal. Periplus of Erythraean Sea calls it “Camara” whereas Ptolemy refers to this place as “Kaberis Emporion”. The Tamil literature of the 3rd -2nd centuries BCE to 1st -2nd centuries CE and archaeological excavations revealed the cosmopolitan character of the city also gives a vivid account of this celebrated port city, its harbour, well planned lay-out, beautiful mansions, sailors, merchants, and merchandise.
India has occupied the most important position of sea trade in the entire South Asian region sinc... more India has occupied the most important position of sea trade in the entire South Asian region since the beginning of maritime trade. The extensive maritime trade network between the Harappan and Mesopotamian civilizations as early as the 3 rd millennium BCE is testimony to the long maritime trade history of India. The Harappans constructed many seaports including the first high-tide dockyard in the world for berthing and servicing ships at the port town of Lothal, Gujarat. From the dawn of the historical epoch, the maritime trade network of India expanded extensively. The long 5422.6 kms coastline of the Indian mainland (excluding the coastlines of the Andaman and Nicobar islands and the Lakshwadweep Islands) is well known for its several seaports manly located at the river mouths or outlets to the sea. The main objective of this paper is to discuss in detail all the major ancient seaports on the eastern coast of India and their maritime trade activities. The narrative of these ports is based on archaeological explorations and excavations, foreigners' accounts, Indian literary sources, inscriptions, archival materials, and the field study and personal observation of the author.
The extensive maritime trade network between the Harappan and Mesopotamian civilizations as early... more The extensive maritime trade network between the Harappan and Mesopotamian civilizations as early as the 3rd millennium BCE is a testimony to the long maritime trade history of India. From the dawn of the historical epoch, the maritime trade network of India expanded extensively. The findings of a large number of coins, pottery, amphorae and other materials from Italy and various other European countries, west Asia, China, Korea, Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and Far-East countries in India, particularly in the coastal regions, are a testimony to the dynamic maritime trade of India with other countries in the early period. Similarly, pottery, sculptures, inscriptions and other materials of Indian origin are also found in those countries. The depiction of different types of ships on the coins, paintings, sculptures, seals and sealing, exhibit the variety of vessels used for navigation and other purposes in the early period. The over 7500 km long coastline of India is well known for its seaports located at river mouths or outlets to the sea. The Periplus Maris Erythraei, Ptolemy, and Indian literary sources mentioned many seaports on the western coast of India. Interestingly, archaeological investigations in many of these port-towns have yielded material evidence exhibiting their dominant role in transoceanic trade and commerce with many countries in the early periods. This paper discusses in detail all the major ancient seaports on the western coast of India and their maritime trade activities. At the outset, the paper briefly deals with the Harappan's maritime network, their seaports and the type of ships of that period. Following this, the maritime trade network of India during the historical period with various countries in the east and west, the traces of Indian influence and materials abroad and foreign materials found in India, the products exported from India, the trade winds and navigational devices and the depiction of ships on the coins, paintings, and sculptures, of the period are discussed in detail. After briefly highlighting the coastline of India and its favourable nature for safe anchorage of ships and the strategic position of the seaports of western India, an extensive account of the major ancient seaports of western India like Barygaza,
Paper presented a special Memorial lecture in the Odisha Hisotry Congress, 2024
India is well known for its unity in diversity, where the people of different race, culture, lang... more India is well known for its unity in diversity, where the people of different race, culture, language and religion lived together in harmony. Indians show a sense of unity and mutual interactions of people despite of so many differences among them. Interestingly, Odisha and Tamil Nadu have a long historical and cultural connections right from prehistoric time. The historical, cultural and commercial networks between Tamil Nadu and Odisha are well-attested by the archaeological, epigraphical and literary sources. Both the states have a long cherishing history and repository of rich natural and cultural heritage right from the prehistoric time. These states have inherited a remarkable variety of monuments and sites of unsurpassed architectural beauty and grandeur. Splendid glimpses of the remarkable past of these states are found in many literatures and epigraphical sources. There is a many commonness between these states. Odisha and Tamil Nadu maintained their political vigour with successive ruling dynasties and achieved a distinction of their own, within the wider intricacies of Indian civilisation.
The Nayaks of Kandy (Kaṇḍi Nāyakkar in Tamil) were the rulers of the Kingdom of Kandy in Sri Lank... more The Nayaks of Kandy (Kaṇḍi Nāyakkar in Tamil) were the rulers of the Kingdom of Kandy in Sri Lanka between 1739 and 1815. The area of the central highlands in which the Kandyan kingdom was situated had the natural protection of rivers, waterways, hills and rocky mountain terrain. The prominent location of the Kandyan kingdom with its cool climate had greatly contributed to protecting the independence of the nation for many centuries. For centuries Kandy, originally known as Senkadagala, has been the bastion of Sri Lanka's culture and its spiritual centre.
The Nayaks of Kandy (Kaṇḍi Nāyakkar in Tamil) were the rulers of the Kingdom of Kandy in Sri Lank... more The Nayaks of Kandy (Kaṇḍi Nāyakkar in Tamil) were the rulers of the Kingdom of Kandy in Sri Lanka between 1739 and 1815. The paper discuss in detail about their rule and their contribution to this region
The extensive maritime trade network between the Harappan and Mesopotamian civilizations as early... more The extensive maritime trade network between the Harappan and Mesopotamian civilizations as early as the 3rd millennium BCE is a testimony to the long maritime trade history of India. From the dawn of the historical epoch, the maritime trade network of India expanded extensively. The findings of a large number of coins, pottery, amphorae and other materials from Italy and various other European countries, west Asia, China, Korea, Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and Far-East countries in India, particularly in the coastal regions, are a testimony to the dynamic maritime trade of India with other countries in the early period. Similarly, pottery, sculptures, inscriptions and other materials of Indian origin are also found in those countries. The depiction of different types of ships on the coins, paintings, sculptures, seals and sealing, exhibit the variety of vessels used for navigation and other purposes in the early period. The over 7500 km-long coastline o...
The paper discuss about the origin and evolution of silk and cotton production in ancient India a... more The paper discuss about the origin and evolution of silk and cotton production in ancient India and their commericial importance through the ages.
HNN has proven to be an extremely valuable experiment for rapid and unambiguous backbone (H(N), (... more HNN has proven to be an extremely valuable experiment for rapid and unambiguous backbone (H(N), (15)N) assignment in ((13)C, (15)N) labeled proteins. However, low sensitivity of the experiment is often a limiting factor, especially when the transverse relaxation times (T(2)) are short. We show here that BEST modification Schanda et al. (2006) [2] increases the sensitivity per unit time by more than a factor of 2.0 and thus substantially increases the speed of data collection; good 3D data can be collected in 8-10h. Next, we present a simple method for amino-acid type identification based on simple 2D versions of the HNN experiment, labeled here as 2D-(HN)NH. Each of these experiments which produce anchor points for Gly, Ala, Ser/Thr residues, can be recorded in less than an hour. These enable rapid data acquisition, rapid analysis, and consequently rapid assignment of backbone (H(N), (15)N) resonances. The 2D-(HN)NH experiment does not involve aliphatic/aromatic protons and hence can be applied to deuterated protein samples as well, which is an additional advantage. The experiments have been demonstrated with human ubiquitin (76 aa) and acetic-acid denatured HIV-1 protease (99 aa), as representatives of folded and unfolded protein systems, respectively.
Kāveripūmpatͅtͅinͅam (10o 46’ N; 79o 51’ E), the celebrated port city of the illustrious Cōl̤as... more Kāveripūmpatͅtͅinͅam (10o 46’ N; 79o 51’ E), the celebrated port city of the illustrious Cōl̤as of the Saṅgam age is said to have been situated on the confluence of the Kāvēri River and the Bay of Bengal. Periplus of Erythraean Sea calls it “Camara” whereas Ptolemy refers to this place as “Kaberis Emporion”. The Tamil literature of the 3rd -2nd centuries BCE to 1st -2nd centuries CE and archaeological excavations revealed the cosmopolitan character of the city also gives a vivid account of this celebrated port city, its harbour, well planned lay-out, beautiful mansions, sailors, merchants, and merchandise.
India has occupied the most important position of sea trade in the entire South Asian region sinc... more India has occupied the most important position of sea trade in the entire South Asian region since the beginning of maritime trade. The extensive maritime trade network between the Harappan and Mesopotamian civilizations as early as the 3 rd millennium BCE is testimony to the long maritime trade history of India. The Harappans constructed many seaports including the first high-tide dockyard in the world for berthing and servicing ships at the port town of Lothal, Gujarat. From the dawn of the historical epoch, the maritime trade network of India expanded extensively. The long 5422.6 kms coastline of the Indian mainland (excluding the coastlines of the Andaman and Nicobar islands and the Lakshwadweep Islands) is well known for its several seaports manly located at the river mouths or outlets to the sea. The main objective of this paper is to discuss in detail all the major ancient seaports on the eastern coast of India and their maritime trade activities. The narrative of these ports is based on archaeological explorations and excavations, foreigners' accounts, Indian literary sources, inscriptions, archival materials, and the field study and personal observation of the author.
The extensive maritime trade network between the Harappan and Mesopotamian civilizations as early... more The extensive maritime trade network between the Harappan and Mesopotamian civilizations as early as the 3rd millennium BCE is a testimony to the long maritime trade history of India. From the dawn of the historical epoch, the maritime trade network of India expanded extensively. The findings of a large number of coins, pottery, amphorae and other materials from Italy and various other European countries, west Asia, China, Korea, Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and Far-East countries in India, particularly in the coastal regions, are a testimony to the dynamic maritime trade of India with other countries in the early period. Similarly, pottery, sculptures, inscriptions and other materials of Indian origin are also found in those countries. The depiction of different types of ships on the coins, paintings, sculptures, seals and sealing, exhibit the variety of vessels used for navigation and other purposes in the early period. The over 7500 km long coastline of India is well known for its seaports located at river mouths or outlets to the sea. The Periplus Maris Erythraei, Ptolemy, and Indian literary sources mentioned many seaports on the western coast of India. Interestingly, archaeological investigations in many of these port-towns have yielded material evidence exhibiting their dominant role in transoceanic trade and commerce with many countries in the early periods. This paper discusses in detail all the major ancient seaports on the western coast of India and their maritime trade activities. At the outset, the paper briefly deals with the Harappan's maritime network, their seaports and the type of ships of that period. Following this, the maritime trade network of India during the historical period with various countries in the east and west, the traces of Indian influence and materials abroad and foreign materials found in India, the products exported from India, the trade winds and navigational devices and the depiction of ships on the coins, paintings, and sculptures, of the period are discussed in detail. After briefly highlighting the coastline of India and its favourable nature for safe anchorage of ships and the strategic position of the seaports of western India, an extensive account of the major ancient seaports of western India like Barygaza,
The origin of silk production and the diffusion of its production technique is a long and fascina... more The origin of silk production and the diffusion of its production technique is a long and fascinating history. The evidence of silk was found in China about 5000 years ago. The silk from wild indigenous forms of silkworms was also known in the Indian sub-continent roughly contemporary with some of the earliest clear archaeological evidence for silk in China. Several archaeological occurrences of silk reported in many Asian and European countries in BCEs. The paper discuss in detail the early occurrence of silk in the world and the possible origin of silk production
The contacts between India and Vietnam have a long and chequered history and had many dimensions-... more The contacts between India and Vietnam have a long and chequered history and had many dimensions-cultural, religious and commercial. The manifestations of cultural, religious and commercial interaction between these two countries have been traced from the archeological investigations in India as well as Vietnam. The literary sources are also substantiated the archaeological evidences. Trade, both maritime and overland, were the primary means for not only promoting the materiel transactions but also provided an opportunity to reach the religion, culture, and artistic influences from one part of the globe to other parts. India has a long maritime trade history. In fact, the sea-borne trade had played a significant role in the growth and expansion of the economy of Harappan civilization of 3 rd millennium BCE. The archaeological investigations and the literary sources vividly elucidate the vital role of the maritime interface for the exchange of religious thoughts, missionaries and culture from India to various other parts of the world particularly Śri Lanka, China, Korea, Vietnam and Southeast Asian countries and vice versa. Indeed the Indian religion, political thought, literature, mythology and artistic motifs gradually became the integral elements in local Southeast Asian cultures. The findings of number of pottery, sculptures, inscriptions and other materials of Indian origin in Vietnam are the testimony to the dynamic intercourse of India with this country right from the early period. Similarly the pottery and other materials of Vietnam origin are also found at many places in India particularly in the coastal regions. The explorations and excavations at Alagankulam (Tamil Nadu); Arikamedu and Manappattu 1 near Pondicherry; Manikpatna Sisupalgarh and Jaugada (Orissa); Kottapatnam, Kondurupalem and Midderevu 2 (Andhra Pradesh) and many other sites on the eastern coast of India have yielded many potteries, coins and other materials which are probably come from Southeast Asian countries including Vietnam. Especially the stamped ware found in those coastal sites are not of Indian origin, but probably they might have come from aboard mainly from Southeast Asian nations. The almost complete pottery found at Kottapatnam and few other sites demonstrates that the whole body of the pot except the rim and neck portions is decorated with the impressed design of geometric and linear patterns, a feature unknown in south Indian potteries.
Tamil Nadu, an enchanting land abounding in several spots of scenic beauty, has hoary past and ri... more Tamil Nadu, an enchanting land abounding in several spots of scenic beauty, has hoary past and rich cultural heritages.Tamil Nadu with its glorious past has inherited a remarkable variety of rich cultural heritage right from the prehistoric times. The diversity of culture and heritage in the state is not only a matter of great pride but also an irreplaceable source of spiritual and intellectual richness for all humankind. They are, indeed, the faithful expressions of creative activities of humankind through the ages and thus reflect the aspirations, motivations, customs and practices of the times when they were created.
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Papers by Dayalan Duraiswamy
The historical, cultural and commercial networks between Tamil Nadu and Odisha are well-attested by the archaeological, epigraphical and literary sources. Both the states have a long cherishing history and repository of rich natural and cultural heritage right from the prehistoric time. These states have inherited a remarkable variety of monuments and sites of unsurpassed architectural beauty and grandeur. Splendid glimpses of the remarkable past of these states are found in many literatures and epigraphical sources. There is a many commonness between these states. Odisha and Tamil Nadu maintained their political vigour with successive ruling dynasties and achieved a distinction of their own, within the wider intricacies of Indian civilisation.
The historical, cultural and commercial networks between Tamil Nadu and Odisha are well-attested by the archaeological, epigraphical and literary sources. Both the states have a long cherishing history and repository of rich natural and cultural heritage right from the prehistoric time. These states have inherited a remarkable variety of monuments and sites of unsurpassed architectural beauty and grandeur. Splendid glimpses of the remarkable past of these states are found in many literatures and epigraphical sources. There is a many commonness between these states. Odisha and Tamil Nadu maintained their political vigour with successive ruling dynasties and achieved a distinction of their own, within the wider intricacies of Indian civilisation.