Question

What are the major sources of information on the history of ancient Tamilakam?

1. The megalithic monuments
2. coins
3. ancient Tamil songs
4. travelogues

• A. ii only
• B. i only
• C. All of these
• D. ii, iii

Answer 1

Answer:

C. All of these

• In the ancient period South Indian regions were generally known as Tamilakam. Kerala was a part of Tamilakam during that period.

• The practice of burying the remains of the deceased by placing them it in a big urn prevailed in ancient Tamilakam, known as urn burials (nannangadi).

• In some areas big stones were placed above such urn burials.

• Stone circle, dolmen, cist, rock chamber, thoppikkallu (tomb stone), kudakkallu (umbrella stone), sarcophagus, menhir, etc. Were remarkable among them.

• They are known as the megalithic monuments and the period when they were constructed is known as the megalithic period.

• The megalithic monuments, ancient Tamil songs, coins, travelogues, and a few Tamil inscriptions are the major sources of information on the history of ancient Tamilakam.

• Different types of iron tools have been discovered from these megalithic monuments. Hence, this period is known as Iron Age in the South Indian history. Besides iron tools, clay pots, beads, Roman coins etc. Were also discovered.

• Black and red wares were used in that period.

• Kodumanal, Alagarai, Thirukambaliyoor, Pazhani, Adichanellur, Cheramanangad, Marayoor, michipoyil are the major places were megalithic monuments have been found.