In the socio-economic context of the Sangam Age in ancient South India, the term 'Kallam' and 'Pattinam' referred respectively to which of the following settlement types?

💡 Solution & Explanation

In Sangam terminology, Pattinam designated coastal port towns engaged in brisk maritime trade with foreign merchants, whereas interior trading centers or market towns were often referred to as Puhar or Perur depending on size. The Sangam eco-zones were classified into Kurinji (hills), Mullai (pastures), Marudam (agricultural plains), Neythal (coastal regions), and Palai (arid zones). Muziris and Puhar were prominent port cities of the era.