In the context of the Sangam polity of ancient Kerala, what was the primary administrative function of a territorial division known as a 'Nadu'?

💡 Solution & Explanation

During the Sangam age in ancient South India, a nadu represented an agrarian territorial division comprising several villages, where local assemblies and chieftains supervised agricultural output, land management, and clan dispute resolution. Maritime customs duties and overseas trade were handled separately at coastal port towns known as pattinam. This socio-economic classification helps candidates understand early Tamilakam administration in competitive history exams.