Eco-Zones

ECO-ZONES
In the Sangam literature there is a description of different eco-zones. They represented different geographical regions with the existence of different natural resources. The reference to these zones indicates the uneven development in the different regions. This also indicates the kind of economic activities followed by the people in these different zones.

The first eco-zone was the hilly region. Here the people were hunters and depended on primitive economic occupations. Agriculture was not highly developed. They followed slash and burn cultivation.

The second eco-zone was the forest region. The main economic activity in this region was the domestication of animals particularly cattle. The people also depended on forest products like fruits, medicinal plants, etc.

The next eco-zone was the desert region. Here one can find robbers. They used to loot the wealth of rich merchants who traveled in the desert region. They were skilled in warfare. They also used to participate in cattle raids. Later they became part of the state system when they were called by the kingdoms to assist them against enemies.

The fourth eco-zone consisted of the coastal region. The main economic activity of the people was fishing, salt making and trade in fish and salt. They were petty traders who carried their goods and sold them in different villages of South India. They built boats and carried the trading activities to overseas trading centres. Later they emerged into rich urban categories. It was in the coastal region that we find the first signs of urbanization. Many multi-storied houses were built here. They exchanged salt and fish for rice and other products

Lastly, we have the plains. Here we find the existence of fertile land with advanced methods of farming. Here we find reference to land lords who controlled huge areas of land. They supplied the major share of state revenue. Later brahmanas settled in this region. Their settlements are found on the banks of river valleys. Agriculture developed to a great extent here.

The reference to so many eco-zones indicates that there were both developed regions and undeveloped regions. With the emergence of kingdoms, an attempt was made to integrate all these different eco-zones utilizing different resources by the state.

Reference:

1. K. A. Nilakantha Shastri, A History of South India, Oxford, Madras, 1975.