Tracing the Historical Roots of Coconut Use among the Tamils

Determining the historical use of coconuts by Tamils poses a formidable challenge due to the scarcity of well-documented records. However, piecing together insights from regional history, literature, and the accounts of foreign travellers allows us to speculate on the introduction of coconuts to the Tamils.

Contrary to the notion that the imperial Chola period marked the acquaintance of Tamils with coconuts, historical evidence points to a much earlier familiarity. The 5th-century Egyptian traveler Cosmas Indicopleustes referenced the 'Indian nut' in his writings, suggesting the presence and utilization of coconuts in India during that era. Scholars posit that these references likely allude to coconuts, indicating their prevalence in the Indian subcontinent by the 5th century AD and supporting the idea that Tamils were already acquainted with them.

The belief that Tamils have incorporated coconuts into their way of life since prehistoric times gains credence for several reasons. Firstly, the expansion of Tamil influence beyond India to Sri Lanka by at least 200 BC is well-documented. Sri Lankan records dating back to about 300 BC also make references to coconuts. Additionally, historical evidence by De Candolle in 1826 suggests that the Eastern Archipelago, near Sumatra and Java, was the original habitat of coconuts. The ability of coconuts to float in the sea for up to 110 days, with experiments demonstrating their capacity to germinate and grow during this time, makes it plausible that coconuts could have reached Sri Lanka's shores without human intervention.

The ancient Tamil name for Sri Lanka, 'Eelam,' is believed by some historians, including Prof. Indrapala, to be based on the coconut tree, further supporting the idea that coconuts were integral to Tamil culture. Additionally, the Tamil Sangam anthology, written between 300 BCE and 300 AD, contains references to the word 'Thengu,' thought to denote the coconut tree.

Further archaeological findings in Tamil Nadu, such as small, coconut-like fossil fruits along various rivers and mountainsides dating back to the Eocene Epoch (56-34 million years ago), have led researchers to propose the hypothesis that coconuts originated in India. However, the identification of coconut fossils remains challenging and uncertain, as is the case with many palm fossils.

Based on the historical evidence presented, it is reasonable to assume that Tamils had access to coconuts, either through Sri Lanka or as a native plant, since at least prehistoric times.