Ancient history of Tamil Nadu

PANDAIYA THAMIZHAGAM - History of Ancient Tamil Nadu: Prof. S. K. Sitrampalam; Kumaran Publishers, 3, Meigai Vinayagar Street, Vadapalani, Chennai-600026. Rs. 150.

ALTHOUGH THIS book is intended to be a history of ancient Tamil Nadu, the author has traced even the pre-historic period of the world from the time of homosapiens. The advancement in studies made by sociologists, anthropologists and archaeologists in the 19th century on the organic and cultural evolution of human beings has led to the study of history in a scientific manner, says the author. Sufficient evidence could be adduced now to prove that human beings first used stones as weapons, then brass and later iron all over the world. Yet enough evidence is not available in several parts of the world to testify to this. Similar is the case in Tamil Nadu also regarding the use of pure brass in Tirunelveli district. The author places the paleolithic period at around 50,000 B.C; mesolithic period around B.C. 8,000 and the neolithic period around 3,000 B.C. Pottery was used in Tamil Nadu after 3,000 B.C.

From hunting and gathering during the mesolithic period followed fishing. Nomadic living progressed to agriculture. Village formations with the origin of family and private property led to contented village production. Earth was considered Mother Goddess and rituals played a vital part in the life of people then. The author says that the idea of rebirth evolved after observing the death and repetitive growth of plants during this agriculture period.

He produces evidences from the Sangam verses to show that in Tamil Nadu, the land was divided into five sectors and people cultivated millets (varagu, thinai), grams (kollu) and beans (avarai). Besides, they indulged in fishing and produced common salt. During the megalithic period, burials and rituals were prevalent for which archaeological evidences are available. The author has elaborately analysed the archaeological evidences of the neolithic period in Tamil Nadu district-wise and also in Pondicherry, in a chapter that runs to 52 pages.

Commencing from the Historic period, 10th century B.C. the author narrates the advances the Pandya kingdom had made in agriculture, internal and external trade, religion, Tamil language and also in the production of textiles. Coins too were used for exchange during this period. One chapter has been devoted to coins used in Tamil Nadu.

Prof. Sitrampalam is the Head of Department of History at the Jaffna University, Sri Lanka.This book reveals his approach to history, backed by his knowledge in archaeology. The appendix too is valuable, giving the list of books in Tamil and English that he has referred too. Besides, the appendix gives a list of maps, photos of stone weapons used in all the three periods of history, pictures of potsherds discovered, the development of Tamil script and so forth.

Se. GANESALINGAN

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