Which of the following ancient Kerala rivers is explicitly noted in Sangam literature as the location where Roman merchant ships anchored to trade pepper?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Periyar river, emptying near the ancient emporium of Muziris in Kerala, is extensively documented in Sangam literature and classical Greco-Roman accounts as a major trading hub where foreign merchant ships anchored to acquire black gold or pepper. This riverine port facilitated vibrant maritime commerce between the early Tamil kingdoms and the Roman Empire. Alternative rivers mentioned run through Kerala but lack the specific historical prominence associated with Muziris pepper exports. Sangam era trade routes are a high-yield topic for preliminary history papers.