Sangam Literature

• Sangam literature is the earliest known literature of South India, written in Tamil.
• It is believed to have been created during three literary gatherings around Madurai and Kapāṭapuram.
• The historical era of Sangam literature is considered to be from c. 300 BCE to 300 CE.
• The Sangam literature was rediscovered in the late nineteenth century in the monasteries of Hinduism.
• The collection contains 2381 poems in Tamil composed by 473 poets, with 16 poets contributing about 50% of the corpus.
• The bardic poetry of the Sangam era is largely about love and war.
• The Sangam literature represents a mature classical poetry and includes Buddhism and Jainism epics.
• The collection comprises an Urtext of oldest surviving Tamil grammar (Tolkappiyam), the Ettuttokai anthology, and the Pattuppattu anthology.
• The Tamil literature that followed the Sangam period is generally called the "post-Sangam" literature.
• The rediscovered Sangam classical collection is largely a bardic corpus.

How well do you know Sangam literature, the earliest known literature of South India? Test your knowledge with this quiz! From the historical era to the rediscovery of the collection, this quiz will cover all aspects of Sangam literature. See how much you know about the 2381 poems, 473 poets, and the themes of love and war. Don't miss this chance to learn more about this unique and fascinating classical poetry!