Puhar
Explanation
During the Sangam Age, South India was ruled by the "Three Crowned Kings" (Muvendar): the Cholas, the Cheras, and the Pandyas. Each dynasty maintained an inland capital for administration and a coastal port city for maritime trade, which was crucial to their economy.
Detailed Analysis:
- Madurai: Incorrect. Madurai was the inland capital of the Pandyas. It was a significant center for the Tamil Sangam assemblies. The primary port of the Pandyas was Korkai.
- Puhar: Correct. Puhar, also known as Kaveripattinam, served as the port city and the coastal capital of the Early Cholas. It was a bustling center of trade and commerce, famously described in the Sangam epic Silappadikaram. The inland capital of the Early Cholas was Uraiyur.
- Taxila: Incorrect. Taxila was a renowned ancient center of learning and a capital located in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent (modern-day Pakistan). It is associated with the Gandhara region, the Mauryas, and the Kushanas, not the Sangam dynasties.
- Bharuch: Incorrect. Bharuch (known as Barygaza to the Greeks) was a major ancient port located on the western coast of India in present-day Gujarat. It was a key trading hub for the Satavahanas and Western Kshatrapas, distinct from the Chola territories on the Coromandel Coast.
Key Takeaway:
The Early Cholas operated from Uraiyur (inland capital) and Puhar/Kaveripattinam (port capital). Their royal emblem was the Tiger.