Question

Describe the different sources of information of the ancient Tamilakam.

Answer 1

Instructions: The answer to this question can be broken into 3 main parts:

• Mention the various sources of information of ancient Tamilakam.
• Explain the significance of each source.

Solution:

• The information about the ancient Tamilakam can be obtained from various sources like megalithic monuments, coins, travelogues, Tamil inscriptions, ancient Tamil songs.
• Megalithic monuments consist of the urn burials which were placed with a megalith on the top of it. It depicts the culture and tradition that was practiced in the ancient Tamilakam.
• Multiple iron tools like swords, lamps, hooks, nails, etc. are discovered, which indicates the use of iron in the ancient Tamilakam.
• Roman coins have also been discovered from these sites that confirms the foreign trade activities that used to take place in ancient Tamilakam.
• The ancient Tamil songs form the Sangam literature which gives information about different aspects of ancient Tamilakam like physiography, lifestyle of people, occupation and culture.