MARITIME TRADE IN CUDDALORE THROUGH THE AGES

Abstract

This article has focused on revealing the significance of maritime trade in Cuddalore through the age. Cuddalore is a coastal town that thrived from prehistoric to modern times due to its geographical and physiographic characteristics. Now, the two ports are working, namely Parangipettai and Cuddalore. They are utilized for fishing and other purposes. The ancient period apparatus from Karaikadu has signaled that the Indo-Roman trade flourished in this region. The Roman coins and amphora evidence are depicted from the archaeological excavations and explorations. The other site, Kudikadu, near Karaikadu, also has a similar identity. Both Karaikadu and Kudikadu antiquities are relatively similar and come from to its geographical and physiographic characteristics. Now, the two ports are working, namely Parangipettai and Cuddalore. They are utilized for fishing and other purposes. The ancient period apparatus from Karaikadu has signalled that the Indo-Roman trade flourished in this region. The Roman coins and amphora evidence are depicted from the archaeological excavations and explorations. The other site, Kudikadu, near Karaikadu, also has a similar identity. Both Karaikadu and Kudikadu antiquities are relatively similar and come from Arikamedu, an ancient port city near Pondicherry. During the mediaeval ages, the Cuddalore region glorified the Cholas and Pandyas, then the Vijayanagaras. Finally, the maritime trade would reach a high point while the Europeans anchored their ships on this land. Among the Europeans, the British gradually dominated this land, though they erected Fort David for the purpose of protecting trade.