Social and Economic Dimensions of Slavery in Ancient Tamil Nadu
R. Murugan
Assistant Professor, Department of History, Vivekananda College, Tiruvedagam West Madurai, India
From the Sangam era (3rd century BC to 4th century AD) until the end of the Middle Ages (around 15th century AD), this research piece offers a thorough study of the history of slave trading in Ancient Tamil Nadu, a southern India province. Using literary, historical, and archaeological sources, the paper uses a multidisciplinary approach to examine the nature and scope of slavery in Tamil Nadu. The paper investigates the many kinds of slavery that were practiced in the area—deb bondage, military captivity, sales and purchase of slaves—as well as the political, social, and financial elements driving the expansion of the slave trade in Tamil Nadu. The social and cultural ramifications of slavery—including its effects on gender relations, caste-based discrimination, and religious practices—are also covered in the paper. Reflecting on the legacy of slavery in Tamil Nadu, the study ends by stressing its continuing impact on the social and economic systems of the state as well as its importance for modern discussions on human rights and social justice.
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