Unravelling Indian Ocean Trade: A Comparative Archaeological Study of Alagankulam and Beyond

The development of Indian Ocean trade began around the mid-first millennium BC, driven by regional and local factors. Port settlements along the coasts of Egypt, Arabia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia emerged, facilitating trade, migration, and cultural exchange. Even if historical reconstructions seek to produce a vision of connected ensembles, in reality they are still rarely based on comparative archaeological studies. To address this, a collaboration with the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology focuses on Alagankulam (AGM), a key early historical port in southern India. AGM, alongside other significant ports like Korkai, Arikamedu, and Muziris, has undergone extensive excavations. Recent excavations (2014-2017) revealed two settlements: Kottaimedu, active from the 4th century BC, and Amman Kudiyiruppu, occupied during the medieval period. The findings suggest extensive trade links between South India, the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and China via the Bay of Bengal. AGM’s artifacts, including ornaments and ceramics, indicate direct and indirect interactions with these regions. This paper explores the goods and communities involved in these exchanges, shedding light on the complex networks that shaped Indian Ocean trade.