The hill and forest products of the Tamiḻakam: communication and exchange between southern India and the Roman world

This article examines the historical significance of links between the Roman Empire and southern India through the exchange of a series of goods coming from the Tamiḻakam, namely black pepper, ivory and a variety of gemstones. Particular consideration is given to role of the vēntar in the flow of goods between the coastal and interior regions of the Tamiḻakam. It is argued the relationships which existed between local elites and merchants (including “cross-cultural brokers” inhabiting trade diaspora) from the Mediterranean world helped facilitate this international exchange. This contrasts with the dearth of concrete evidence for more formal diplomatic relations between the Mūvēntar (the traditional term for the three Tamil Kings) and the Roman state.