In recent decades, marine archaeologists working in near-shore underwater areas have brought to light new find of enormous value. Scholars, working in their respective discipline areas concerning specific ports, have not been able to build a holistic perspective on the ports of the past, and their rise and decline. This is, to an extent, due to a lack of sea-perspective of the ports and their navigational environment. To fill this gap, through an interdisciplinary and integrative approach, the present work on navigational environment of the old and mediaeval ports of Tamilaham has been attempted. The book incorporates all available knowledge gathered till date.

Included are relevant references at the end of each chapter. The work will be of immense use to Researchers, Civil Engineers, Defence Personnel.

Contents

Early Tamilaham
The Seas Around Tamilaham
River Shifts and Migrations in the Lower Courses and Port Sites
Early External Sea Trade of Tamilaham
Early Ports of Tamilaham (300 BN to 300 AD)
Early Mediaeval Ports (4th to 10th Century AD)
Mediaeval Trade Guilds
Late Mediaeval and Colonial Period Ports (10th to 17th Century AD)
New Look at Old Ports and Their Prospects