Q. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as
- capital cities
- ports
- centres of iron-and-steel making
- shrines of Jain Tirthankaras
Answer: (b) ports
Notes:
- The premier Chola port was Puhar (also known as Kaveripumpattinam and Poompuhar), the major Pandya port was Korkai, while Tondi and Muchiri were the important ports in the Chera kingdom.
- Korkai was an ancient port city located in the present-day Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu. It was an important port in the Chera kingdom and served as a major trade center for the region.
- Korkai was known for its exports of pearls, spices, and textiles.
- It was also a major center for Buddhist and Jain learning.
- Poompuhar,also known as Kaveripattinam, was an ancient port city located on the banks of the river Kaveri in present-day Tamil Nadu.
- It was a flourishing trading center during the Sangam period and played a vital role in maritime trade, especially in the export of goods like pearls, spices, and textiles.
- Poompuhar was also a major center of Tamil culture and literature.
- Muchiri,also known as Muziris, was an ancient port town located in the present-day state of Kerala. It was a significant trading center in the Indian Ocean trade network during the ancient and medieval periods.
- Muchiri was known for its exports of pepper, cardamom, and other spices.
- It was also a major center for Hindu and Jain learning.
- Korkai was an ancient port city located in the present-day Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu. It was an important port in the Chera kingdom and served as a major trade center for the region.
Sangam Age Ports
- Naura (Cannanore),
- Tyndis (Tondi),
- Muzuris (Musiri, Cranganore),
- Nelcynda (Kerala),
- Balita (Varkalai),
- Comari,
- Colchi,
- Puhar (Kaverippattinam),
- Saliyur,
- Poduca (Arikamedu)
- Sopatma (Markanam)
- Argaru (Uraiyur) –> [Tiruchirapalli city in Tamil Nadu]
- Arikamedu (near Pondicherry)
Must Read: Ports of Ancient India