Excavations in the village of Kodumanal, Tamil Nadu, have revealed a massive industrial complex dedicated to the processing of semi-precious stones. Dating back to the 1st century CE, the site contains thousands of beads made of beryl, carnelian, and quartz, along with the specialized iron tools used to shape them.
The find confirms Kodumanal's status as a major trade hub mentioned in Sangam literature. The gemstones were likely destined for export to the Roman Empire, as evidenced by the discovery of Roman coins and pottery fragments in the same stratigraphic layers.