Previous Year Question

Tondi — Western Coast: In this question, Tondi refers to the Chera port of Tondi or Tyndis, which was situated on the western Malabar coast. Sangam literature refers to it as an important port of the Chera kingdom. Ancient Greco-Roman accounts also mention Tyndis as a port connected with maritime trade on the western coast.

Mushiri — Western Coast: Mushiri, also known as Muchiri or Muziris, was an extremely important port of the Chera kingdom. It was situated on the Malabar coast of present-day Kerala near the Periyar River. Sangam literature refers to Yavana ships bringing gold there and carrying away local commodities, including black pepper. It was therefore a major centre of maritime trade between India and the Roman world.

Korkai — Not on the Western Coast: Korkai was a famous port of the Pandya kingdom. It was associated with the south-eastern coast of present-day Tamil Nadu and was particularly famous for the pearl trade. Therefore, it cannot be included among the ports of the western coast.

Puhar — Not on the Western Coast: Puhar was also known as Kaveripattinam and was the principal port of the Cholas. It was situated near the mouth of the Kaveri River on the Coromandel or eastern coast.

An important caution is necessary here. Ancient sources refer to more than one port named Tondi, and another Tondi also existed on the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu. However, the Tondi paired with Mushiri in this question is the Chera Tyndis of the western coast.