1) Around 2300 years ago, evidence of trade in the east coast is found in the Sangam poems.
2) Sangam poems mention the ‘muvendar’ meaning three chiefs, used for the heads of three ruling families, the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas.
3) Many poets whose compositions are found in the Sangam collection composed poems in praise of chiefs who often rewarded them with precious stones, gold, horses, elephants, chariots, and fine cloth.