Question

How can we say that the Tamils were independent of Mauryan authority? 

Answer 1

1. The Mauryan king Asoka, conquered Kalinga (Odisha) and parts of what is present-day Andhra and Karnataka regions.
2. Ashokan inscriptions found in present day Odisha, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh are not seen in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
3. Therefore, we may conclude that the Tamil rulers were independent of Mauryan authority.