According to Megasthenes, the Pandya Kingdom was famous for _______

The correct answer is - Pearls

Key Points

• Megasthenes' Accounts
  • Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador to the Mauryan court, authored the famous work Indica.
  • In his writings, he described the wealth and cultural richness of the Indian kingdoms, including the Pandya Kingdom.
• The Pandya Kingdom
  • The Pandya Kingdom, located in the southern part of India (modern Tamil Nadu), was renowned for its maritime trade and cultural achievements.
  • According to Megasthenes, the kingdom was famous for its production and export of pearls, which were highly valued in both Indian and foreign markets.
• Pearls as a Trade Commodity
  • The Pandya Kingdom's proximity to the Gulf of Mannar made it a hub for pearl fishing.
  • Pearls from this region were considered of superior quality and were in high demand among the Mediterranean, Roman, and Southeast Asian markets.

Additional Information

• Other Exports of the Pandya Kingdom
  • Besides pearls, the Pandya Kingdom was also known for trading items such as spices, precious stones, and ivory.
  • The Tamil Sangam literature provides evidence of the Pandya's flourishing trade with ancient Rome and Southeast Asia.
• Maritime Trade in Ancient India
  • The southern kingdoms, including the Pandyas, Cholas, and Cheras, were heavily involved in maritime trade.
  • Ports such as Korkai and Puhar served as major hubs for exporting goods.
  • Indian pearls, spices, and textiles were highly sought after in international markets, making these kingdoms prosperous.
• Megasthenes and Indica
  • Megasthenes' work Indica provides valuable insights into ancient Indian society, economy, and governance.
  • Although the original text of Indica is lost, fragments of it have been preserved in the works of later writers such as Arrian, Strabo, and Diodorus.