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Trading, back in time
Inscriptions testify to a well-networked trade and commerce in Tamil Nadu. They not only give insights into economy but also into society and politics.
Several trade-related inscriptions indicate how traders sponsored the excavation of stone beds for Jain monks. These are found in many districts, especially in Pudukottai and Madurai. On many of them, the names of the trader and monk are mentioned and also the commodities the trader traded in. Such inscriptions are not unique to Tamil Nadu, they are found across South East Asia. Several inscriptions also mention agreements made by the village to offer protection and safe passage to nanadesi. They seem to have been travelling traders, perhaps even Arabs. Merchants were accompanied by soldiers.
Interestingly, white-as-milk horses with manes were prized imports from Arabia. A horse merchant recounts how his Tamil clients give the horses they buy, very rich but unsuitable food!
A 13th Century inscription from Mannargudi talks about the levy on pepper, collected at the tollgate regardless of whether it is crossing through or for the town. The tollgate is known as sarikai kottagai. An important inscription in this regard is from Piranmalai. The inscription records the unanimous decision taken by a guild of merchants called Disai Ayirathu Ainurravar to donate the levy on merchandise to temples for their upkeep. Thirty nine items, including turmeric, salt, paddy, onion, horse, elephant, false hair, perfume and areca nuts are mentioned with the quantity and the levy. The Tirupasur temple has an inscription of merchants jointly contributing for the construction of a temple wall.
The merchants were from Mylarpil (Mylapore), Tiruvottriyur, Poondamalli, Nellur, Arkadu, Narayanapuram, Nedumpirai and Dimankacheri. Inscriptions on trade and commerce need greater exposure among students. The networks of traders and their role in corporate social responsibility long before the phrase was invented, can teach several lesson on commerce.
(The writer may be contacted at pradeepchakravarthy75 @gmail.com)
