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U.P.P.C.S. Pre 2012

Ancient and Early Medieval Maritime Trade

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which of the following Sangam ports were situated on the western coast? 1. Korkai 2. Puhar 3. Tondi 4. Mushiri

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept During the Sangam period, the Tamilakam region had a flourishing maritime trade with the Roman Empire and Southeast Asia. Ports were strategically located on both the Malabar (Western) and Coromandel (Eastern) coasts.

Explanation According to the *Periplus of the Erythraean Sea
and Sangam literature, Tyndis (Tondi) and Muziris (Mushiri) were major western ports located in present-day Kerala. Korkai and Puhar were eastern ports belonging to the Pandyas and Cholas respectively.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Tondi and Mushiri (Muziris) were situated on the West Coast (Chera territory). Tondi was north of Muziris, near modern-day Koyilandy.
Logic 2: Korkai was an eastern port (Pandya capital/port) known for pearl fishery. Puhar (Kaveripoompattinam) was the principal eastern port of the Early Cholas.

Active Recall

Question

What was the primary export from the western Sangam ports to Rome?

Answer

Black pepper, known as 'Yavana Priya' (dear to the Greeks/Romans), was the most valued export from ports like Mushiri.

Core Insight

The western ports were the first point of contact for Greco-Roman traders, making them the wealthiest trade hubs of the early centuries AD.

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