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The book comprehensively explores the ‘early medieval' period in south India. Rich in historical data, it examines Historiography and key debates Structural transformation of economy, society, polity, and culture The role of temples, corporate bodies, land-rights, surplus extraction Nature of state, landlordism, and regional identity Written over two decades, this distinctive collection explores– for the first time– the notion of ‘early medieval' in south India. Presenting an alternative history of the deep south, Kesavan Veluthat re-examines the problems and patterns in the history of Tamilakam in general and early medieval Kerala and Karnataka in particular. Was there an ‘early medieval' distinct from the preceding early historical formations in south India? What were the processes involved in this transition? Is it possible to explain the processes and structures characterizing the early medieval period? In this context, the volume investigates areas like role of temples and corporate bodies, structure of land-rights, patterns of surplus extraction, nature of state, evolution of landlordism, and the emergence of regional identity.