The notion of state rested in kingdoms and according to the norms of Tamilakam, these had seven constituents: Land Suitable…
Aryan Influence
Some of the earliest writings that survived into modern times were from about the 4th century BCE, but historians believe…
Stirrings of Statehood
Five distinct societies evolved in South India during the pre-historical period: hunter-gatherers; pastoralists; agriculturalists; fishermen; and nomads of the semi-arid…
Read More Stirrings of Statehood
Records Lost to History
Historians divide the history of Tamilakam into three chronological periods: Pre-historical times (pre 3rd century BCE) The Sangam era (3rd…
Read More Records Lost to History
The Ulavar of the Marudam (arable) Regions
The people who settled along the fertile swathes of land along the river banks and in the valleys - the…
Read More The Ulavar of the Marudam (arable) Regions
The Paradavar of the Neydal (sea coast) Regions
The inhabitants of the littoral regions - Paradavar - were fishermen. Their society evolved into seafarers and maritime traders, and…
Read More The Paradavar of the Neydal (sea coast) Regions
The Clans of the Paalai (desert) Regions
The desert clans, the Maravar and the Kalvar, loved adventure and hunting. To supplement their hunts, they imposed levies on…
Read More The Clans of the Paalai (desert) Regions
Kingship in the Mullai (forest/pastoral) Regions
The pressures of population and scarcity of food drove the Kuravar from the Kurinji hills to the lower lands—the secondary…
Read More Kingship in the Mullai (forest/pastoral) Regions
The Kuravar of the Kurinji Hills Part 2 of 2
The early hill tribes developed into a matriarchal society which persisted right into the 19th century CE. The Kuravar engaged…
Read More The Kuravar of the Kurinji Hills Part 2 of 2
The Kuravar of the Kurinji Hills Part 1 of 2
The early dwellers of the Kurinji came to be known as Kuravar. He protected himself from the elements by living…
Read More The Kuravar of the Kurinji Hills Part 1 of 2
