The History of Trade in Tamil Nadu

The period between the 3rd century BCE and 3rd century CE – known as the Sangam Age – was a period of economic growth and cultural renaissance in the deep south. With some of the most successful ports and a vast network, it is the trade which thrived during this period.

And later, with the rise of the great dynasties, in the medieval era - the Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas - the trade and commerce in the region only flourished.

But what are the sources of information on trade in South India? What do we really know about the traders, their goods and their lives?

Here's our conversation with author and historian Pradeep Chakravarthy as we trace the story of trade in Tamil Nadu.

Image courtesy: Dept of Archaeology, Government of Tamil Nadu