தமழரம அயலர தடரபகளம / Tamils and Foreign Relations

There is much evidence that Tamils have traded across the seas, as seen in the ancient inscriptions, archaeological sites, and temples. The products produced in Tamil Nadu have been exported to other countries in ancient days. The products from different countries have been brought here and sold to those who are in need. The ports that operated in places like Korkai, Thondi, Musiri, Kaveripoompattinam and Marungur are elite proof of this. In such a way, Tamils and other countries have established relations through trade. The governments of the day have also been very supportive of trade relationships to thrive. Yavanas (Greeks), Arabs, and Savagas have come here and done trade with the Tamils. Their trade is remembered even today because they acted honestly and diligently with the Tamils. Although the old port cities have disappeared now, the historical evidence they have left behind tells us what kinds of goods Tamils and other countries exported and imported in trade. The Sangam literature speaks of the relations that Tamils and other nations established through trade and the wealth that distinguished them. Thus, this article highlights the maritime trade through the books Ettuthokai, Pathupattu, Silappathikaram, and Manimekalai. Therefore, the article investigates the connections that Tamils had with other nations in facilitating trade relationships.