Thanjavur, India -- A granite Buddha statue has been identified at Kuzhumur in Sendhurai taluk in Perambalur district by B. Jambulingam of Tamil University at Thanjavur.

Jambulingam has done an extensive study on Buddha statues for his doctorate entitled "Buddhism in the Chola Country".

According to Dr.Jambulingam, in the Chola country comprising composite Tiruchi district, composite Thanjavur district and Pudukottai district, Buddhist granite statues were found in many places, which proved the existence of Buddhism once in a flourishing stage.

This Buddha is of nearly four ft high, cross legged on samparyanka on a padmasana with hands resting on the lap on meditation, the lap region formed by the upward toes of the leg. The usual sanghati with a wider fringe on the left chest extending to the navel is found. The statue has elongated ear lobes.