Many craftspersons and merchants formed associations known as shrenis.
These shrenis of craftspersons provided training, procured raw material and distributed the finished product. Then shrenis of merchants organised the trade. Shrenis also served as banks, where rich men and women deposited money.
This was invested, and part of the interest was returned or used to support religious institutions, such as monasteries.

The earliest works in Tamil, known as Sangam literature, were composed around 2300 years ago. These texts were called Sangam because they were supposed to have been composed and compiled in assemblies (known as Sangams) of poets that were held in the city of Madurai.

The gulf is very narrow at Bharuch and it was very difficult to navigate for those coming from the sea. Only experienced, skilful local fishermen employed by the king could do that.
The imports into Bharuch were wine, copper, tin, lead, coral, topaz, cloth, gold and silver coins. Exports included plants from the Himalayas, ivory, agate, carnelian, cotton, silk and perfumes.

A massive brick structure, which may have been a warehouse, was found at Arikamedu. Other finds include pottery like amphorae (tall double-handled jars that contained liquids such as wine or oil), stamped red-glazed pottery, Roman lamps, glassware, gems etc.

At shop of a smith, we can see a small bench on which iron tools are laid out, ready for sale. We can also see a bright fire burning and two men heating and. beating metal rods into shape
It is generally very hot and noisy, and yet it IS fascinating to watch what is happening.

(i)The picture shows the rows of pots which are known as ring wells.
(ii)These are made-up of ceramics.
(iii)The function of the ringwells have been used as toilets in·some cases, and as drains and garbage dumps. These ringwells are usually found in individual houses.

(i) Arikamedu is located in Pondicherry. Between 2200 and 1900 years ago, this site was a coastal settlement where ships unloaded goods from distant lands.
(ii) A massive brick structure, which may have been a warehouse, was found at the site.
(iii) Other finds of Arikamedu included pottery from the Mediterranean region, such as amphorae, stamped red-glazed pottery, local made pottery which used Roman designs.
(iv) Roman lamps, glassware and gems have also been found at the site.
(vi) Small tanks have been found that were probably used to dye cloth.
(vii) There is plenty of evidence for the making of beads from semi-precious stones and glass.