Latest / The Chola Empire: How South India Dominated the Indian Ocean — Fexingo History
Chola Pearl Trade: The Secret Economy of the Coromandel Coast
While previous episodes have explored Chola naval power and temple inscriptions, this episode uncovers the economic engine that funded the empire's golden age: the pearl trade. We examine how the Coromandel Coast’s natural reefs became a global hub for luxury goods, connecting Chola merchants to markets in Rome, China, and Southeast Asia. Lucas and Luna discuss the role of the Nagarathar guilds in standardizing pearl quality, the diplomatic gifts sent to Song Dynasty emperors, and the archaeological evidence found in Nagapattinam. We also look at the controversial 'pearl tax'…
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