A major trade route connecting the Kongu region in western Tamil Nadu with southern Karnataka and Kerala had existed over a 1,000 years ago.
This is revealed by the inscriptions found at the Sri Madhava Perumal Temple.
This temple has largely remained submerged in the water spread area of the Bhavanisagar dam in Erode district.
The temple, in a dilapidated state, is currently visible following the depletion of water level in the dam to less than 46 feet, as against the full reservoir level of 105 feet.
10 to 15 inscriptions, each dating back to various periods, were found.
They revealed a village, named Thuravalur, which existed there over 1,000 years ago with a temple for Thondreeshwaramudiayar (Lord Shiva).
The area served as peruvali (a trunk road), and traders crossed River Bhavani and River Moyar to reach Wayanad in Kerala and various places in Karnataka.
The area came under the Hoysala rulers.
King Veera Ballala III (1292-1342), the last great king of the Hoysala Empire, ruled this area.