Read the following passage and answer question. Internal trade was also brisk, caravans of merchants with carts and pack animals carried their merchandise from place to place and from fair to fair. Salt was an important commodity of trade and salt-merchants moved with their families in carts provided with spare axles against contingencies. Barter played a large part in all transactions: honey and roots, for example, might be exchanged for fish-oil and toddy, and sugarcane and aval (rich - fakes) for vension and arrack, while in musiri fish was sold for paddy. Agriculture was the mainstay of the national economy, and most of its operations were carried on by women of the lowest class (kadaisiyar) whose status appears to have differed little from that of the slave. The bulk of the land was owned by vellalar, the agriculturists par excellence, who commanded a high social rank. The richer among them did not plough the land themselves, but employed labourers to do it. Besides owing land, they held official post in the civil and Military administration.
Which of the following centre was famous for cotton trade in Sangam period?
Uraiyur
Understanding Sangam Period Trade Centres
The question asks about a specific centre known for its cotton trade during the Sangam period. The provided passage offers valuable insights into the internal trade and economy of the time, detailing commodities like salt, honey, roots, fish-oil, toddy, sugarcane, aval, vension, arrack, fish, and paddy, as well as the roles of merchants and agricultural classes. However, the passage does not explicitly mention cotton as a trade commodity or identify specific centres known for cotton trade among the options provided: Kodumanal, Uraiyur, Karur, or Alagrai.
To answer this question, we need to draw upon broader historical knowledge about the important trade centres of the Sangam period, especially those known for specific goods like cotton.
Key Trade Centres in the Sangam Period Economy
The Sangam age, roughly from the 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE, was characterized by flourishing trade, both internal and external. Various cities and towns served as significant commercial hubs, dealing in diverse goods. While the passage highlights salt trade and agricultural products, other goods like textiles, spices, gems, and pearls were also crucial to the Sangam economy.
- Uraiyur: Historically, Uraiyur was one of the prominent cities of the Sangam period, serving as the capital of the early Cholas. It was situated on the banks of the river Cauvery. Archaeological evidence and literary sources suggest that Uraiyur was a major centre for trade, particularly known for its fine cotton textiles. The weaving industry thrived here, and Uraiyur cotton was highly valued.
- Kodumanal: Located in present-day Tamil Nadu, Kodumanal was an important industrial and trade centre, known for crafting beads (especially carnelian and agate), iron and steel production, and textile production. While textiles were produced, Uraiyur is more specifically associated with fine cotton fabrics in historical accounts.
- Karur: Also a significant city during the Sangam period, Karur was a centre for trade and crafts, particularly known for its gems and gold. It was another important city for the Cheras and later the Cholas.
- Alagrai: Information specifically linking Alagrai (if it refers to a known Sangam period location) prominently with cotton trade comparable to Uraiyur is less commonly highlighted in historical texts.
Analyzing the Options
Based on historical accounts and archaeological findings related to Sangam period trade centres:
| Centre | Known Trade/Industry in Sangam Period | Specifically famous for Cotton Trade? |
|---|---|---|
| Kodumanal | Beads, Iron & Steel, Textiles | Known for textiles, but Uraiyur more famous for fine cotton. |
| Uraiyur | Fine Cotton Textiles, Capital city | Yes, widely regarded as a major centre for cotton textile production and trade. |
| Karur | Gems, Gold, Trade hub | Known for other goods, not primarily cotton trade. |
| Alagrai | (Less prominent association with specific major trade like cotton compared to others) | Not historically highlighted as a primary cotton trade centre among these options. |
Historical evidence strongly indicates that Uraiyur was a prominent centre for the production and trade of fine cotton textiles during the Sangam period. Therefore, it was famous for cotton trade.
Conclusion
The question asks for the centre famous for cotton trade in the Sangam period. While the passage provides context on general internal trade, external historical knowledge confirms the significance of Uraiyur in cotton trade during that era.
Thus, the centre famous for cotton trade in the Sangam period among the given options is Uraiyur.
Revision Table: Sangam Period Trade Highlights
| Aspect | Description (based on passage & general knowledge) |
|---|---|
| Internal Trade | Brisk, involving caravans, carts, and pack animals. |
| Key Commodity (Passage) | Salt was important; barter system prevalent for goods like honey, roots, fish-oil, toddy, sugarcane, aval, vension, arrack. |
| Agricultural Mainstay | Yes, economy dependent on agriculture. |
| Agricultural Labour | Often carried out by women of the lowest class (kadaisiyar). |
| Land Ownership | Bulk owned by vellalar (agriculturists of high social rank). |
| Vellalar Role | Owned land, employed labourers, held civil/military posts. |
| Uraiyur Significance | Known as a major centre for fine cotton textile trade. |
Additional Information: Sangam Society and Economy
The Sangam period economy was a mix of agriculture, trade (internal and external), and various crafts. Society was structured with different classes having distinct roles and statuses. The passage highlights some key aspects:
- Trade Routes: Merchants used both land and riverine routes to move goods across the region. Fairs ('fair to fair' as mentioned) were important points for trade exchange.
- Barter System: While coin usage existed, barter was a significant part of transactions, especially in rural areas and for specific goods as illustrated by the examples in the passage.
- Social Stratification: The mention of 'kadaisiyar' and 'vellalar' shows a clear social hierarchy, linked to occupation and land ownership. The status of 'kadaisiyar' (agricultural labourers) was particularly low.
- Agricultural Practices: Agriculture was fundamental, and land was concentrated in the hands of powerful groups like the vellalar. The use of employed labour indicates a structured agricultural economy beyond subsistence farming for the landowning class.
- Crafts and Industries: Besides agriculture and general trade, specialized crafts like weaving (especially cotton in centres like Uraiyur), metalwork, gem cutting, and bead making were vital components of the economy, contributing to both internal consumption and external trade.
Understanding these facets provides a richer picture of the Sangam period, where bustling trade, structured agriculture, and specialized crafts underpinned the regional economy.
Important Questions from Sangam Age
Which of the following term was used for the salt traders in ancient Tamil region?
Musiri is identified with which of the following archaeological site?
Which of the following places is mentioned by the author of Periplus to where all the pearls that were collected on its coast were sent and from where muslin and other textile products were exported?
The title of "enadi' was conferred at a formal ceremony to which of the following officials during the sangam age?
- Which aspect of life is explored under the theme of akam in Sangam literary works?
