Meaning of the term Duttar used during Sangam Age
The term “Duttar” refers to a type of tax that was levied during the Sangam Age in ancient Tamil Nadu. The Duttar tax was a tax on merchandise and goods that were transported through the kingdom, and it was an important source of revenue for the Tamil kings.
The Duttar tax was levied on a variety of goods, including agricultural products, textiles, spices, and precious metals. The tax was calculated based on the value of the goods being transported and was collected at various checkpoints along trade routes.
The Duttar tax was collected by officials appointed by the king, who were responsible for maintaining records of the goods being transported and collecting the appropriate amount of tax. The tax revenue was used to fund various public works and services, including the construction of roads, bridges, and irrigation systems.
The Duttar tax played an important role in the economy of ancient Tamil Nadu, as it facilitated the movement of goods and services throughout the kingdom and provided a significant source of revenue for the king. It also encouraged the growth of trade and commerce, as traders were incentivized to transport their goods through the kingdom by the relatively low tax rates.
Overall, the Duttar tax was an important component of the economic and political system of ancient Tamil Nadu, serving as a means of revenue generation and facilitating the movement of goods and services throughout the kingdom.