Author Description

Written over two decades, this distinctive volume explores-for the first time- the notion of 'early medieval' in south India. Presenting an alternative history of the deep south, Kesavan Veluthat re-examines the problems and patterns in the history of Tamilakam in general and early medieval Kerala and Karnataka in particular. Was there an 'early medieval' distinct from the preceding early historical formations in south India? What were the processes involved in this transition? Is it possible to explain the processes and structures characterizing the early medieval period? In this context, the volume investigates areas like role of temples and corporate bodies, structure of land-rights, patterns of surplus extraction, nature of state, evolution of landlordism, and the emergence of regional identity. Integrating both epigraphic and literary sources in at least three regional languages as well as Sanskrit, the author addresses these questions using computer-aided, statistical analyses. Deviating from the 'conventional' and 'unorthodox' positions, he underscores how early medieval south India merits a distinct historical analysis.