colonists some of the elements of their early social structure. The people of Malabar, from whom these early immigrants were drawn, broke away from the mainstream of the Tamil language by evolving a separate language for themselves (Malayalam) from the twelfth century onward. This left the Malabar settlers of Ceylon as a Tamil-speaking people with a social organization different from that of the other Tamil communities of a reduced Tamil Nad.

VI. Town life and Village life

A large amount of data concerning the social life of the ancient period is available in classical literature. The late Professor V. R. RAMA-CHANDRA DIKSHITAR in his introduction to his translation of the Cilappatikaaram thus summarises aspects of town life and village life. Pages 53 to 56 of The śilappadikaram, Oxford University Press, Madras, 1939.

IF THE MANIMEKALAI can be characterized a philosophico-religious Work, the śilappadikāram can be said to be a treatise on political and social life. Here we have a description of three capitals with their glowing culture and civilization. In the busy streets of the cities any number of people belonging to various nations were met, most of them having come on commercial and other business. The municipal administration was excellent. The roads and streets were kept in good condition and were lighted. Committing nuisance in public streets was punishable. The houses seem to have been well built and properly provided with ventilation. Seven-storied buildings were not uncommon in the ancient cities, thus pointing to a considerable development of engineering skill in ancient South India. Among the communities the Brahmans received much respect especially for their learning in the sacred lore and for their continuance of the fire-rites. They were often awarded rich presents both in cash and kind. They were left unmolested during times of war, as was the case during śenguṭṭuvan's battle on the banks of the Ganges. Next came the merchant community, and being the wealthiest community its members were honoured with titles by the reigning chieftains of the land.

Life in towns was one of luxury and ease. Some of the amusements of the people were dumb-shows and dancing accompanied by music, both vocal and instrumental. Women freely participated in such amenities of life. They attended temples and took part in the public dances. They decked themselves with costly attire and ornaments