Tamil Literature from Sangam
Tholkappiyam, Ettuthogai (Eight Anthologies), Pathupattu (Ten Idylls), PathinanKeezhkanakku (a Collection of eighteen poetic works), Pattinapalai, Maduraikanji
Epics: Silapathikaram and Manimegalai
Silapathikaram
Silapathikaram, speaks about the greatness of Poompuhar and its author was Ilango Adigal. The lead female character in Silapathikaram is Kannagi. Maanaigan was the name given to the sea traders in silapathikaram. The name of the father of Kovalan is Maasathuvan, which means big trader.
From Silapathikaram, we come to know about life in Poompuhar and were big traders and sea merchants have settled down.
Pattinappaalai
From Pattinappaalai, we come to know about, life in an ancient Tamil country. Pattinappaalai state that “selling any commodity at a higher price was considered bad”.
The author of Pattinappaalai belonged to the 2nd Century BCE, his name was Uruttirangannanar. This shows how old is Pattinappaalai.
Pattinappaalai text shows that Horses were imported by sea, pepper was brought through land routes, Gold came from Vadamalai and polished, exported overseas.
Sandal from western ghats, pearls from the southern sea. Corals from the eastern sea and food items were imported from Eelam.