[INDOLOGY] interpretation of Tamil kātam / ghāta (घात),

[Appasamy Murugaiyan]

Dear colleagues,
I would be grateful for any help to check the source of “700 kātam (kadam)”

In the imprecatory sections of certain Tamil inscriptions, the expression
“700 kātam (kadam)” occurs. The term *kātam* has been interpreted in two
distinct ways.

   1.

   *Topographical interpretation.* According to standard Tamil
   dictionaries, a *kātam* denotes a measure of distance equivalent to
   approximately ten miles. On this basis, the phrase “700 kātam” has been
   understood as referring to the stretch of land between the Gaṅgā and
   Kanyākumari. The conventional translation therefore reads:
   *“He who violates this charity shall incur the sins committed within the
   seven hundred kātam of land lying between the Gaṅgā (the Ganges) and Kumari
   (Cape Comorin).”*
   2.

   *Philological interpretation.* Alternatively, some scholars derive
   *kātam* from Sanskrit *ghāta* (घात), meaning “murder” or “slaughter.”
   Under this interpretation, the phrase is rendered:
   *“Whoever harms this charity shall incur the sin committed by those who
   perpetrate seven hundred murders near the Gaṅgā and near Kumari.”*

Given the imprecatory context of such inscriptions, the derivation from
Sanskrit *ghāta* (“murder, slaughter”) appears to me more plausible. I
would therefore be grateful if anyone could confirm whether the expression
“700 ghāta (घात)” occurs in Sanskrit sources. If so, I would appreciate any
relevant references.

With my sincere apologies for the troubles,
thanks and kind regards.
Appasamy Murugaiyan

-- 

Appasamy Murugaiyan
EPHE-GREI
Paris-France
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