Early Tamil Epigraphy: From the Earliest Times to the Sixth Century A.D. c23.s7.t7.1

c23.s7.t7.1

In an inscription at Mangulam (No. *3*, ca. 2nd century B.C.), the *kāviti* of the merchant guild of veḷ-aṟai (Veḷḷaṟai) is described as *kāḷitika-* (read *kāḷatika-*). The expression is interpreted as 'superintendent of pearls' from *kāḷ* 'pearl' and *(a)tikaṉ* 'superintendent'. He was presumably a minister or high official (as indicated by his title *kāviti*) entrusted with the responsibility of superintending pearl fisheries.