Early Tamil Epigraphy: From the Earliest Times to the Sixth Century A.D. c20.s14.t5.1

c20.s14.t5.1

Alagankulam is now a small village near Ramesvaram on the east coast, situated on the north bank of the river Vaigai. In ancient times, the river must have joined the sea at this point, but at present, the sea has receded and the river no longer empties into it. However, judging from the quantity of articles made from chank and semi-precious stone beads found here, there is no doubt that Alagankulam was once a thriving sea and river port connecting Madurai, the capital of the Pāṇṭiya kingdom, with the sea. A remarkable graffito on pottery found at the site depicts realistically a 'large Roman ship'¹ calling at the port. It proves conclusively that Alagankulam took part in the trade with Rome in Classical times.