Analyze the socio-economic life of the Sangam age in ancient Tamilakam: 1. The economy was heavily diversified, categorized into distinct ecological zones known as tinai, ranging from pastoral highlands to coastal fishing settlements. 2. Agriculture was sustained by river valley irrigation systems, while long-distance trade flourished through export of indigenous commodities like pepper, beryl, and teakwood. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Sangam economy was intrinsically linked to the tinai concept, wherein each geographical tract supported specialized economic pursuits such as hunting, pastoralism, agriculture, and maritime trade. The surplus generated from wet-rice cultivation and spice extraction fueled extensive commerce with Greco-Roman merchants and Southeast Asian polities. Literary anthologies such as Purananuru and Akananuru meticulously document these ecological and commercial realities.