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The present study narrates the history of the political, social, and economic history of Tamil Nadu from the Sangam age to the Paligar rule. Archaeological evidence shows that the ancient Tamil dynasties trade contacts with South Asian and European countries. The popular handicrafts of the Sangam period like weaving, metal works and carpentry, shipbuilding and, making ornaments using beads, stones, and ivory were commodities of internal and external trade. The port city of Puhar became an emporium of foreign trade, as big ships entered this port with precious goods. Other ports of commercial activity include Tondi, Musiri, Korkai, Arikkamedu, and Marakkanam. More than 2500 years ago Tamil kingdoms had carried out extensive trade with the West. External trade had been revived during the period of Pallavas. The foreign merchants were known as Nanadesi. Mamallapuram, Vasavasamudram, and Mylapore were the important seaports of the Pallavas. Rapid changes in the political situation of the rest of India occurred due to incursions of Muslim armies from the northwest and the decline of the three ancient dynasties during the 14th century, the Tamil country became part of the Vijayanagara Empire. The greatest of the Maratha rulers was Serfoji II (1798� 1832). Serfoji devoted his life to the pursuit of culture and Thanjavur became renowned as a seat of learning. The administration of the southern districts of Tamil Nadu was fragmented with hundreds of Poligars or Palayakkarars governing a few villages each. Trade and industrial activities of south Indians welcomed by western countries before the Industrial revolution.