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Trade and Urbanization in the Palar Valley During the Chola Period (A.D. 900-1300)

By V. Palanichamy

Vol. 13September 2006pp. 99–120English

Summary

The Palar River, originating in Karnataka's Kolar district, flows southeast through Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, draining 17,871 square kilometers. During the Chola period (900–1300 AD), the Palar Valley experienced significant urbanization and trade expansion. The Cholas, known for maritime conquests and overseas trade with Southeast Asia, established sophisticated commercial networks. Kanchipuram and Mamallapuram served as major trade hubs, with organized merchant guilds like *nagarams* regulating commerce. The *nagaram* system facilitated market-oriented exchanges, replacing older patron-client relationships. Periodic fairs (*tavalam*) and itinerant traders connected local and regional networks. The Cholas' decline after the 12th century shifted urban centers southward. The study highlights the role of religious centers like Kanchipuram in sustaining trade, the structure of merchant organizations (*asamayam*), and the integration of local commerce into broader Asian trade networks.

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Conclusion

The Chola period (9th-13th centuries) saw significant urbanization and economic transformation in the Palar Valley, driven by maritime trade, commercial expansion, and organized mercantile activities. The river's strategic location facilitated trade networks linking local communities to coastal ports and international markets, particularly in Southeast Asia. Urban centers like Kanchipuram and Mamallapuram thrived as hubs of commerce, religion, and culture, with the *nāgaram* system regulating trade and market activities. The rise of merchant guilds, such as the *manigramam* and *ainnurruvar*, and the *asamayam* trade networks underscored the sophistication of commercial structures, enabling long-distance exchange and integrating the region into broader Asian trade systems. However, the decline of Chola power by the 13th century shifted economic focus southward, marking a transition in regional dynamics. The period left a lasting legacy of urbanization, institutional

Key passages

Chosen by AI from the article's text. Each one is checked word for word against the text before it is shown.

  • “Trade in the Chola time become sophisticated. Earlier commerce had focused upon the marketing relationships of the patron-client type, in which an artisan entered into a long-term contractual agreement with members of his own village.”
  • “Tamil traders were organized into commercial corporations (e.g. Manigramam, Ainnurruvar), which were extensions of the great itinerant trade associations of peninsular India and received some support from the Chola State.”

Works cited in this article

  1. Champakalakshmi, Trade, Ideology and Urbanisation: South India, 300 B.C. to A.D. 1200, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 1984.
  2. Vijaya Ramaswamy, Textiles and Weavers in Medieval South India, Oxford University Press, Delhi, 1985, p.38.
  3. Meera Abraham, Two Medieval Merchant Guilds, Manohar, Delhi, 1988.
  4. Nilakanta Sastri, 'A Tamil Merchant Guild in Sumatra', South India and South East Asia, Geetha Book House, Mysore, 1978, pp.236-245.

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In this issue

Vol. 13
9–15Bhima Deula: Mahendragiri's Ancient Stone TempleR. C. Misra, B. Subudhi16–32South India's Contribution to Sanskrit Studies in AsiaP. Sankaran Kutty Nair33–59Reassessing the Horse in the Indus-Sarasvati Civilization: Archaeological Evidence and Methodological FlawsMichel Danino60–79Gender Aspects in Pallankuli in TamilnaduV. Bakmbal80–88Ancient Indian and Pre-Columbian Native American Earth Perception91–98Antiquity of Documents in Karnataka and Their Preservation ProceduresK. G. Vasantha Madhava99–120Trade and Urbanization in the Palar Valley During the Chola Period (A.D. 900-1300)V. PalanichamyCurrent article121–129Bhattas as Teachers in Chola TimesS. Chandni130–148Aravidu Dynasty's Sri Rangaraya III: Copper Plate Grants AnalysisP. Sumabala151–17019th Century Gopalpur Port: Maritime Trade Dynamics with Overseas NationsN. P. Panigrahi171–183Cattle Breeds and Agricultural Economy in Madras Presidency (1920-1936)D. P. Sinu184–200Swadeshi Movement's Anticipation of Gandhian Techniques in Economic DevelopmentMadhumita Saha201–214Professor B.C. Ray's Contributions to Orissan History and CultureB. C. Ray217–222Muslims in the Deccan: A Historical Survey of Diverse GroupsOmar Khalidi223–225History and Culture of Tamil Nadu: Inscriptions and Socio-Political LifeChithra Madhavan226–228Christian Impact in South Kanara: History, Resilience, and ContributionsKranti Farias229–232Heritage of Mount Mary Basilica: History, Devotion, and Centenary CelebrationsMsgr. Francis Correa

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