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
Answer: B
Korkai, Poompuhar, and Muchiri were well known as ports in ancient South India. Here’s a brief explanation:
- Korkai: Korkai was an ancient port city located in present-day Tamil Nadu. It was an important port in the Chera kingdom and served as a major trade center for the region. It had significant maritime connections with other parts of India and countries in the Indian Ocean.
- Poompuhar (also known as Kaveripattinam): Poompuhar was another prominent port city situated on the east coast of 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.
- Muchiri: Muchiri, also referred to as Musiri, was an ancient port town located in the present-day state of Tamil Nadu. It was an important center for maritime trade and had connections with various trade routes in the Indian Ocean, facilitating commerce between South India and other regions.
These cities were primarily known for their maritime activities, including trade and navigation, making the correct answer (b) ports.
