Economic Conditions of Pandya Empire described in Sangam Texts
• There were five economic zones (Tinai), each supporting a different economic activity (hills, drylands, jungle, plains and coast).
• No Regular Taxation: While the kings received income from trade, tributes and plunder, but regular system of taxation was not seen.
• Trade: It tells us about the brisk Indo Roman trade. It tells us we used to import gold, wine, pottery, slaves and export spices, textiles, silk.
• Traders were prosperous- dealt with salt, corn, textile and gold.
• It tells us of the important ports of the age - Muchiri, Arikamedu, important city - Kanchivaram, important economic activities - textile making, agriculture, etc.
Economic activities included Barley), hunting, gathering, (cattle raids mentioned).
Agriculture (Rice and fishing and pastoralism
Tools were mainly used for hunting and raids. But crafting specialization was rudimentary, only serving as a secondary source of income.
Women actively involved in planting, weeding, husking and winnowing of paddy. Spinning, weaving, basket making, garland making and flower selling were among other occupations pursued by women.
The material culture like farming of land, etc. was mentioned.
It tells us that economic decline had set in by the end of 3rd century as the poets don’t praise the then kings highly.