With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as

UPSC Prelims 2023 Question:

With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as

a) capital cities

b) ports

c) centres of iron-and-steel making

d) shrines of Jain Tirthankaras

Correct Answer: Option b) Ports

Learn more about these ports in the given explanation below.

Explanation:

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.

Important Ports in Ancient India

• 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.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. 

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