Literary Representation of Barter Economy in Sangam Society

Abstract

This study examines the literary representation of the barter economy in Sangam society, drawing on evidence from the all eighteen texts of Sangam literature (Ettuthogai and Pattuppattu). Sangam literature serves as a vital source for reconstructing the socio-economic life of early Tamil communities. The concept of Paṇḍam (commodity) and Paṇḍa-Matrru (barter) reflects a structured system of exchange based on ownership, value, and reciprocity rather than a primitive Tamils mode of trade. The analysis highlights how goods such as elephant tusks, calves, paddy, salt, fish, meat, and toddy functioned as key commodities within this exchange network. Literary references reveal that barter transactions were often carried out across ecological regions Kuṟiñci, Mullai, Marutam, Neital and Palai indicating regional specialization and interdependence. Liquor shops and market streets emerge as important centres of exchange, while salt-producing areas also contributed to inland trade. Importantly, the study foregrounds the active participation of women in barter and trade, as evidenced by their roles in selling goods and facilitating exchanges across regions. The texts further demonstrate that commodities carried both economic and cultural significance, embodying social values and everyday practices. Additionally, the presence of equivalence and negotiated exchange suggests an early understanding of value systems and transactional fairness. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, this study connects literary analysis with economic and anthropological perspectives to reconstruct the dynamics of the barter economy in Sangam society. It argues that Sangam literature not only documents economic practices but also encodes the cultural logic underlying exchange systems, thereby offering a comprehensive understanding of early Tamil socio-economic organization.