Trade in Sri Lanka in the Sangam Period
By P. Pushparathnam, K.R. Sankaran
Summary
The article examines trade between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu during the Sangam period (300 B.C. to A.D. 300), supported by archaeological, epigraphic, and literary evidence. It highlights the role of Tamil traders in Sri Lanka, facilitated by maritime routes across the Palk Strait, with goods like pearls, chank, and horses being exchanged. Megalithic antiquities—beads, potsherds, and coins—found in both regions suggest sustained contact, with Tamil Nadu serving as a hub for trade with North India, Greece, and Rome. Brahmi inscriptions in Sri Lanka reference Tamil traders and guilds, including a meeting hall for periodic trade discussions. The study also notes the influence of Tamil cultural and political dynamics on Sri Lanka, particularly through Tamil intermediaries. Coins from Sri Lanka, discovered in Tamil Nadu, further corroborate trade links, despite debates about their historical significance. The analysis challenges the Pali literature’s emphasis on North Indian influence post-Buddhism, arguing that Tamil-Sri Lankan trade persisted and thrived during this period.
AI-assisted summary, not yet checked. Consult the original PDF before citing.
Conclusion
The study underscores the enduring trade and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu during the Sangam period, challenging earlier narratives that overemphasized North Indian influence post-Buddhism. Archaeological evidence, including potsherds, beads, and Brahmi inscriptions, demonstrates sustained Tamil-Sri Lankan interactions, with Tamil traders maintaining active roles in Sri Lankan guilds and commerce. The discovery of Pandyan coins in Sri Lanka and the analysis of maritime infrastructure like lighthouses and ship captains' inscriptions further corroborate robust economic exchanges. These findings highlight the interconnectedness of South Indian and Sri Lankan societies, emphasizing that cultural and trade dynamics were more complex and regionally integrated than previously assumed. The research also bridges gaps in understanding the quasi-historical Sangam literature through material evidence, offering a nuanced perspective on the period's socio-economic fabric.