பழந்தமிழரின் பன்னாட்டு வணிகத்தில் முத்துக்கள்
Pearls in the International Trade of the Ancient Tamils
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63300/kijts06022026.20Keywords:
Port Towns, Barter Trade, Gemstones, Pearl Diving, Exports, Imports, ArchaeologyAbstract
Sangam literature, supported by archaeological evidence and accounts from classical foreign chroniclers like Pliny, Ptolemy, and Marco Polo, provides vital insight into ancient Tamilakam’s distinct social, economic, and cultural landscape. Central to this prosperity was the pearl trade, centered in the Pandyan port city of Korkai, which supplied highly sought-after gems to Roman royalty and international markets. Excavations at sites like Keezhadi and Arikamedu—alongside literary references and the adage "Pandya Nadu Muthudaittu"—confirm that pearls were far more than luxury ornaments for kings and women; they represented sophisticated pearl-diving technology, extensive maritime networks, economic strength, and deep-seated cultural traditions. Ultimately, this study uses literary, archaeological, and historical sources to analyze the multifaceted role of pearls as a cornerstone of ancient Tamil wealth and identity.
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