Polur, Tamil Nadu (South of Vellore)

This place is quite interesting.

Firstly, northwest a little there is a Jain temple and cave complex called Tirumalai. I'm going to see this by auto-rickshaw tomorrow. It has over 1000 years of history, dating from the 9th century.

Second, there is still a Jain community in the town. This is quite strange as most Buddhists and Jains were wiped out in southern India... even in Chennai presence is hanging by a thread ... but this community seems to have lived on!

Finally, there's a great monkey-inhabited mountain right beside the town that provides an excellent climb. The monkeys are all friendly, probably because nobody has fed them.

Some pics of the mountain and surrounding landscape here: http://is.gd/lonjSB

Very nice pictures.

As soon as my wife gets back, I'll ask her what the "breast captions" are --- but I suspect it is probably more fun not knowing

UPDATE...

Well, if it doesn't refer to three different kinds of figure, it does refer to three different representations of same.

The captions are three kingdoms: Pallava, Chola and Vijianagaram

The left one says "Pallavar", the right one says "Vijayanagaram", the middle one I think should be "Cholar"

PS: Good snaps Bob.

I really doubt if they are the generations coming from the older 'samanars' (Tamil term of Jains) as you think. In case, if you meet them, can you clarify on this? I believe they should be from a recent migration from the north.
Photos are excellent. Vellore also has a significant role in the Indian Independence. The first sepoy mutiny started here. You should be seeing some monument associated with this.

OK I will make a point of asking some local Jains about whether the community was continuously present or not.

Thanks for the labels. I can 'kind of' read some Tamil already now, myself. Trying not to get too immersed in any one script, though... time for some Kannada and Telugu soon

On top of the translations, my wife added, "Hah! You are even discussing breasts on IndiaMike now!"
I really admire linguistic ability, as I have almost none. Tamil script is complex enough, but they tell me that Kannada and Telegu are far more difficult!

Hahaha Nick, your wife is obviously very good humoured.

Tamil's been easier for me than for most as in the past I've already fairly well conquered a number of other abugidas ('Indic combination-based scripts') including Lao/Thai/Khmer/Burmese/Devanagarii.

Can't believe I forgot to post pics??? Maybe I put them someplace else. Anyway, lookie here: http://is.gd/u1JUzO