Trade Relations between Tamil Nadu and Southeast Asia as gleaned from Inscriptions

As merchants continuously expanded their markets, strong commercial, religious and cultural exchanges developed between the inhabitants of Tamil Nadu (India) and Southeast Asian countries. Reference to these exchanges can be found in literature and on inscriptions dating back to the beginning of the Christian era. The flow of Buddhist and Hindu religions spread across boundaries, for example via royal ambassadors being sent from China to erect a Buddhist stupa in Tamil Nadu. Inter-country trade was not limited to Southeast Asian countries: merchants from Greece and Italy also settled and traded with the Tamils, indicating the extent of relations with the West.