ave a close look at most of the statues of erstwhile kings, you will see a small container hanging somewhere on them, in decorative shapes. Would you believe these containers carried lime. The craftsman’s ship exhibited on these containers normally reveals the products it contained. They were in shapes of parrots and other birds (The Tamilian called it chunnambu kuduvai). Can you imagine limestone was then known to be the strongest agent to build walls and forts that protected kingdoms from agrarians.

There were laws that permitted the use age of lime. It was not only a rare and expensive product it was an elitist product as well. Perhaps so, a dot of lime was a part of any auspicious or royal pleasantry and even for wedding ceremonies. At a particular period, lime was an element of prestige and that is why the royals and the elitists carried it on them.

The containers (kuduvais) exhibited here have been identified in the outskirts of Karur on the banks of river Amaravathi in Tamilnadu. They have existed in various shapes. Shells, fruits and vegetables, conches, ancient vessels, guns etc. These containers were produced in bronze in order to prevent chemical reaction between lime and the container metal.It is also said that the king’s ministry had to permit the use of lime for house construction needless to say limekilns and lime stone quarries were protected by royal guards.