Trade in the Development of Social Hierarchies in the Dual Epics

Abstract

Sangam Songs and epics illustrate how the ancient Tamils ​​traded well within and outside the country. In the post-Sangam period, during the period of the Epics, there were bartering methods in the domestic trade. Business flourished in the development of cities. Silappathikaram confirms that every commodity was traded on every street in the cities. From the sale of their products by the common people to the sea trade, evidence could be found. Business activities could also be noticed in Manimegalai following Silappathikaram. Small-scale business practices could be found in the cities. Similarly, professional businesses were also appreciated. People going abroad and doing business using the vessels known as Bengal could correspondingly be observed. The verses of Manimegalai are a demonstration of the fact that they exported and imported expensive goods.