Volume : 8, Issue : 3, March - 2019

Poigai Inscriptions as a Mirror of Socio-Economic Structure of Thondaimandalam during Medieval Period

A. D. Sivagurunathan

Abstract :

There are a number of ways and means to comprehend the socio-economic structure of a society at a given period, especially the past. Inscriptions form an important part of such historical investigation. Poigai inscriptions, six of them, found at the Arulalaperumal temple, constitute an important archaeological evidence for Thondaimandalam during the medieval period. They detail various taxes and cess imposed and revenue collected until the end of last Chola ruler. In addition, donations made to temples, merchant activities, and functioning of local governments were also mentioned. Such details help paint a clearer picture of the social structure, the dynamics of the economy, and as to how they formed the society during the said period.