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| Other Sources Illuminating the Sangam Age |
Introduction
While Sangam literature provides a rich tapestry of information about the Sangam Age, it is not the sole source for understanding this period. Several other historical records, both domestic and foreign, corroborate and supplement the literary evidence.
Other Sources Illuminating the Sangam Age
Classical Greek Accounts
Megasthenes: The Greek ambassador to the Maurya court in the 4th century BCE, Megasthenes, described the south Indian kingdoms as prosperous and engaged in trade with the west.
Strabo, Pliny, and Ptolemy: These later Greek geographers and historians also mentioned the commercial contacts between South India and the Roman Empire, highlighting the region's economic importance.
Indian Inscriptions
Ashokan Inscriptions: The inscriptions of Emperor Ashoka, dating back to the 3rd century BCE, refer to the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms as "southern frontiers" of his empire, indicating their political significance.
Hathikumbha Inscription: The Hathikumbha inscription of Kharavela, the 1st-century BCE ruler of Kalinga, mentions the Tamils as a powerful maritime people, further emphasizing their prominence in trade and commerce.
Archaeological Discoveries
Arikkamedu: Excavations at Arikkamedu near Puducherry have unearthed evidence of Roman trade settlements, including warehouses, pottery, and coins. This site highlights the vibrant commercial exchange between South India and the Roman Empire.
Poompuhar: Poompuhar, believed to be the ancient capital of the Chola kingdom, has yielded archaeological remains suggesting a flourishing port city with extensive trade connections.
Kodumanal: Excavations at Kodumanal have uncovered evidence of early agricultural practices, cottage industries, and long-distance trade in South India.
Conclusion
These diverse sources, when combined with the Sangam literature, paint a more comprehensive picture of the Sangam Age. They corroborate the literary accounts of trade, political relations, and cultural exchanges, providing a more nuanced understanding of this important period in South Indian history.
By examining these various sources, historians can piece together a more accurate and detailed narrative of the Sangam Age, shedding light on the socio-economic, political, and cultural landscape of ancient Tamil Nadu.
