Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as:
Solution & Analysis
Answer: B
Concept
In ancient South India, maritime trade was the backbone of the economy, led by strategic coastal settlements that facilitated international commerce with the Roman Empire and Southeast Asia.Explanation
Korkai, Poompuhar (Kaveripattinam), and Muchiri (Muziris) are documented as vital port cities. Korkai was a Pandyan port known for pearl fishery; Poompuhar was a Chola port on the Kaveri; and Muchiri (Muziris) was a Chera port on the Malabar coast.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Korkai flourished during the Sangam age in the Thoothukudi district as a hub for pearl trade.
Logic 2: Poompuhar served as a grand emporium for Chola maritime trade in the Nagapattinam district.
Logic 3: Muchiri, located near modern Kodungallur, Kerala, was a critical link in the Indian Ocean trade network.