Pair of Copper-Plate Inscriptions with Engraved Designs 19th century India (Tamil Nadu) This pair of copper-plate temple records is a fine example of the late survival of a practice for recording in a non-perishable material, legal and other documents. Temple foundation and endowment records take two forms in traditional outh India-they are carved into the doorjambs and basement platforms of temples, and engraved onto copper-plate. The latter has been a preferred method of preserving vital documents, such as the transfer of land title and other deeds, since around the 5th century. These two copper-plates, engraved in a cursive mature Tamil script and language, record a dedication of gifts to a minor temple. The presiding deities of the temple are depicted in the upper cusped arch reverse. On plate a) the standing figure of Devi, the goddess, flanked by tall oil lamps; to the left is seen a holy man (rishi), perhaps one of the bhakti saints of Tamil Nadu; to the right is seen a female d