Consider the epigraphical evidence concerning the ancient social structure of Kerala: 1. The Brahmi inscriptions discovered in Edakkal caves provide definitive proof of Prakrit-speaking administrative officers functioning in the Malabar highlands during the pre-Pallava era. 2. The earliest Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions found in southern Kerala confirm the presence of merchant guilds known as Manigramam operating international trade networks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Edakkal Brahmi inscriptions display paleographic features linked to early Prakrit dialects, indicating administrative or mercantile mobility into the highlands. Statement 2 is incorrect because merchant guilds such as Manigramam and Anjuvannam emerge in epigraphical records much later during the ninth and tenth century copper plate grants, not in the early Tamil-Brahmi strata of the Sangam age. Early inscriptions focus primarily on individual merchants, chieftains, and lineage groups.