Consider the following statements regarding the economic organization of medieval Malabar: 1. The Anjuvannam and Manigramam were powerful merchant guilds composed of domestic and foreign traders who enjoyed royal charters and tax immunities. 2. Pepper, ginger, and cardamom were exported in massive quantities from Malabar ports to ports across the Arabian Sea and the Mediterranean. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Anjuvannam, Manigramam, and Valanchiyar were influential merchant guilds operating in medieval coastal towns of Kerala with royal protection. The export of spices like pepper and cardamom constituted the backbone of Malabar's thriving international commerce. Both statements are historically robust and corroborated by copper plate inscriptions. These guilds maintained armed escorts and managed internal trade networks connecting mountain regions with coastal emporiums.