Economic Condition under Pallavas Sources Coper plate inscriptions and Literary works like Devaram (Sundarar) and Nalayiradivya prapandam (composed by the 12 Alwars and compiled by Nadhamuni) explained about the economic life of the people

Agriculture and Irrigation Gave importance to the development of the irrigation Converted the forest land into cultivable land. Therefore Pallavas called Kaduvetti Numbers of irrigation tank constructed like Rajatadaka, Mahendra Tank, Chitramegho tatakas, Paramesvara tatakas, Veli Eri, Kaverippakkam tank major tanks.

Categories of Lands Devathana Lands Brahmadeya Lands Bhatta Virithi land these kinds of land managed by the Brahmanas. These lands were more fertile Exempted from taxation.

Brahmins acted as landlords Village consisted of landlords and tenants. Brahmins leased their land to peasants for cultivation and get rent from them. Peasants were called Kudimakkal. Pulayas and Parayas cultivated the lands. Land survey regularly.

Irrigation sources properly maintained and controlled by separate committee known as Eri Variyam or Eri Variya Peerumakkal or Tank Committee. They regularised the supply of water in the tanks or eries. During the period of famine or drought separate board was appointed, it was called panchavariya Committee. Land revenue was the main sources Land tax fixed based on the nature of the soil. According to Kasakudi Inscriptions mentioned there was 18 kinds of taxes collected during the period of Pallavas.

Industry and Other Professions Spinning Weaving – Kanchipuram prominent cotton centre Cloth merchants called Aruvaivanigar Pottery making Carpentry Oil and Salt manufacturing Cattle-breeding Garment making Toddy Tapping

Internal and External Trade Considerable development in the field of Trade and commerce Commodities like Oil, Ghee, Areca nut, Vegetables, Flowers, Coconut, Sugar, Cloth sold in the local shops or markets. Mahabalipuram and Nagapattinam major port city during this period External trading relationship between China and South west Asia. Nandi Kalambagam gives clear account of the trade between kanchi and China.

Treasury Managed by efficient officers Head of the Treasury known as Manikka Pandarakappan. Coins Coin Circulation was there as mode of trading and commercial activities Issued gold and silver coins most of the coins contains the figures of Nandi on one side. Other side of the coin consists emblem of swastika, wheat, fish, umbrella and lion.