A History of Agriculture in India v1.c34.5

v1.c34.5

In *Sangam* literature, there are references to substantial buildings. Burnt bricks and lime were used for the construction of buildings, but it seems wood was extensively used. The use of wood should not be equated with primitiveness. Beautiful homes and palaces can be created with the use of timber, as in Kerala and Japan. The palace at Padmanabhapuram in Kerala is made of timber. It is very much like the Nijo Castle of Kyoto. From *Maturaikkanci* we learn that houses were built over the town gates. *Perumpanarrappadai* describes a port town with multi-storeyed buildings, large warehouses, and a tall lighthouse reached by climbing a ladder. *Narrinai* refers to a venerable town having shops along streets where many carts stood, while *Nedunalvadai* mentions a prosperous old town having streets broad like a river.¹