சிலப்பதிகாரத்தில் வெளிப்படும் பழந்தமிழர் கடல்வழி வணிகக் கட்டமைப்பு: ஒரு விரிவான வரலாற்று மற்றும் சமூகப் பொருளாதார ஆய்வு

Maritime Trade Infrastructure of Ancient Tamils as Revealed in Silappathikaram: A Comprehensive Historical and Socio-Economic Study

Abstract

The geographical structure of Tamil Nadu, surrounded by the sea on three sides as a peninsula, naturally ensured that the lifestyle and economy of the ancient Tamils were built around the ocean. Continuing from the Sangam era into the Epic period, Ilango Adigal’s Silappathikaram serves as a historical document recording the maritime trade dominance of the Tamils. This article extensively analyzes the commercial infrastructure of the port cities of Puhar and Musiri as described in Silappathikaram, the shipping technology known as Naavaai, the social status of merchant guilds like Maanaaykan and Maasaaththuvan, and trade relations with foreigners, including the Yavanas (Greeks and Romans). Specifically, it compares the pepper trade with Western nations, the influx of Roman gold into Tamil Nadu, and maritime ties with East Asian islands using literary evidence alongside archaeological findings from Arikamedu, Pattanam, Poompuhar, and the port of Berenike in Egypt. This study establishes how the maritime science of the Tamils, their ability to navigate ships by understanding wind directions, and their management of customs frameworks and warehouses created a flourishing global trade culture.