Question

Give an account of “Emergence of towns and ports”.

Answer 1

1. The Sangam Age saw the first urbanization in Tamilagam.
2. Cities developed and they had brick buildings, roof tiles, ring wells, and planned towns, streets, and storehouses.
3. The towns worked as ports and artisanal centers. Arikkamedu, Kaveripoompattinam, Azhagankulam and Korkai on the east coast and Pattanam in Kerala were port centres.
4. Kanchipuram, Uraiyur, Karur, Madurai, and Kodumanal were inland traded centres.
5. Many goods and commodities were produced in these centers and were exported to various regions.
6. Though few in number, large towns appeared in the Sangam Age.
7. Small villages however were found in many areas. Bronze vessels, beads, shell bangles, glass beads, pottery with names of people written in Tamil-Brahmi script were found at these sites.