Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following dynasties was primarily associated with the region of Kaveri delta?
Which of the following dynasties was primarily associated with the region of Kaveri delta?
- Cheras
- Kalingas
- Pandyas
- Cholas (correct)
What was the emblem of the Cheras?
What was the emblem of the Cheras?
- Crown
- Tiger
- Elephant
- Bow and arrow (correct)
Which ruler of the Cheras is known for his military achievements and chronicled in the epic Silapathikaram?
Which ruler of the Cheras is known for his military achievements and chronicled in the epic Silapathikaram?
- Karikala
- Vijayalaya
- Senguttuvan (correct)
- Kharavela
What significant action did Senguttuvan undertake during his reign?
What significant action did Senguttuvan undertake during his reign?
Which dynasty's capital was located in Vanji?
Which dynasty's capital was located in Vanji?
Who was the famous king of the Sangam Cholas that is portrayed in many Sangam poems?
Who was the famous king of the Sangam Cholas that is portrayed in many Sangam poems?
The ports of Musiri and Tondi were under the control of which dynasty?
The ports of Musiri and Tondi were under the control of which dynasty?
Which of the following inscriptions mentions the Tamil kingdoms during the Sangam period?
Which of the following inscriptions mentions the Tamil kingdoms during the Sangam period?
What distinguishes the Sangam Period in South India?
What distinguishes the Sangam Period in South India?
Which of the following literary works is considered the earliest Tamil literary work?
Which of the following literary works is considered the earliest Tamil literary work?
What type of literature is primarily featured in the Sangam literature?
What type of literature is primarily featured in the Sangam literature?
Which Sangam is known to have been attended by gods and legendary sages?
Which Sangam is known to have been attended by gods and legendary sages?
What is the main theme of the Tolkappiyam?
What is the main theme of the Tolkappiyam?
Which of the following is NOT part of the Pattuppattu?
Which of the following is NOT part of the Pattuppattu?
Which Tamil poet authored the Tirukkural?
Which Tamil poet authored the Tirukkural?
What is a key characteristic of Sangam literature regarding its historical value?
What is a key characteristic of Sangam literature regarding its historical value?
What was a common crop during the Sangam period?
What was a common crop during the Sangam period?
Which deity was primarily worshipped during the Sangam period?
Which deity was primarily worshipped during the Sangam period?
What significant maritime activity was associated with the port city of Puhar?
What significant maritime activity was associated with the port city of Puhar?
Which of the following goods was NOT a major export during the Sangam Age?
Which of the following goods was NOT a major export during the Sangam Age?
What was the practice of Sati primarily associated with?
What was the practice of Sati primarily associated with?
Which god was mentioned alongside Murugan as a deity worshipped during the Sangam period?
Which god was mentioned alongside Murugan as a deity worshipped during the Sangam period?
What was a significant aspect of the economy during the Sangam Age?
What was a significant aspect of the economy during the Sangam Age?
What caused the decline of the Sangam period?
What caused the decline of the Sangam period?
What was the main port of the Pandyas?
What was the main port of the Pandyas?
Which emblem represented the Pandyas?
Which emblem represented the Pandyas?
What was a significant source of income for the Sangam rulers?
What was a significant source of income for the Sangam rulers?
Which tribe is noted for causing a decline in the power of the Pandyas?
Which tribe is noted for causing a decline in the power of the Pandyas?
Which of the following castes was NOT part of the four castes mentioned in Tolkappiyam?
Which of the following castes was NOT part of the four castes mentioned in Tolkappiyam?
What literary contributions did women make during the Sangam age?
What literary contributions did women make during the Sangam age?
Which council was NOT included in the royal administration during the Sangam period?
Which council was NOT included in the royal administration during the Sangam period?
What was the perceived position of women during the Sangam Age?
What was the perceived position of women during the Sangam Age?
Flashcards
Sangam Age
Sangam Age
A period in South India (south of the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers) spanning roughly from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD. It's known for its rich literary output and the Sangam academies held during that time.
Sangam Academies
Sangam Academies
Academies or gatherings of poets and scholars held during the Sangam Age, known for promoting Tamil literature.
Sangam Literature
Sangam Literature
The earliest known works in the Tamil language, believed to be composed during the Sangam Age.
Ettutogai (Eight Anthologies)
Ettutogai (Eight Anthologies)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Pattuppattu (Ten Idylls)
Pattuppattu (Ten Idylls)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Pathinenkilkanakku
Pathinenkilkanakku
Signup and view all the flashcards
Silappathikaram
Silappathikaram
Signup and view all the flashcards
Manimegalai
Manimegalai
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sangam Period Dynasties
Sangam Period Dynasties
Signup and view all the flashcards
Chera Territory
Chera Territory
Signup and view all the flashcards
Chera Capital and Ports
Chera Capital and Ports
Signup and view all the flashcards
Chola Territory
Chola Territory
Signup and view all the flashcards
Chola Capitals and Ports
Chola Capitals and Ports
Signup and view all the flashcards
Pandya Territory
Pandya Territory
Signup and view all the flashcards
Pandya Strengths
Pandya Strengths
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sangam Dynasties Impact
Sangam Dynasties Impact
Signup and view all the flashcards
Ettutogai
Ettutogai
Signup and view all the flashcards
Pattuppattu
Pattuppattu
Signup and view all the flashcards
Murugan
Murugan
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sati
Sati
Signup and view all the flashcards
Agriculture in the Sangam Age
Agriculture in the Sangam Age
Signup and view all the flashcards
Handicrafts in the Sangam Age
Handicrafts in the Sangam Age
Signup and view all the flashcards
Puhar
Puhar
Signup and view all the flashcards
Post-Sangam Period (Kalabhra Rule)
Post-Sangam Period (Kalabhra Rule)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Decline of the Sangam Age
Decline of the Sangam Age
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Sangam Age Introduction
- Sangam period spanned from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE in South India
- Named after Sangam academies, held under Pandya kings patronage in Madurai
- Sangams were assemblies of Tamil scholars, acting as censors and anthologizing literature
- Earliest examples of Dravidian literature
- Three Sangams are mentioned in Tamil legends
- First Sangam at Madurai, attended by gods and sages (no surviving literature)
- Second Sangam at Kapadapuram, only Tolkappiyam survives
- Third Sangam at Madurai, with some surviving literature
Sangam Literature
- Major sources for details of the Sangam Age: Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai (8 anthologies), Pattuppattu (10 idylls), Pathinenkilkanakku (18 works), Silappathikaram (epic), and Manimegalai (epic)
- Tolkappiyam, authored by Tolkappiyar, is the earliest Tamil literary work, though a grammar text, providing insights into socio-economic conditions
- Ettutogai includes Aingurunooru, Narrinai, Aganaooru, Purananooru, Kuruntogai, Kalittogai, Paripadal, and Padirruppatu
- Pattuppattu includes Thirumurugarruppadai, Porunararruppadai, Sirupanarruppadai, Perumpanarruppadai, Mullaippattu, Nedunalvadai, Maduraikkanji, Kurinjippatttu, Pattinappalai, and Malaipadukadam
- Pathinenkilkanakku contains eighteen works concerning ethics and morals
- Silappathikaram and Manimegalai are epics which provide valuable details about Sangam society
Other Sources
- Greek authors (Megasthenes, Strabo, Pliny, Ptolemy) mentioned trade between West and South India
- Ashokan inscriptions referred to Chera, Chola, and Pandya rulers in South India
- Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela of Kalinga mentioned Tamil kingdoms
Political History
- South India during Sangam Age was ruled by Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas
- Sources of information are from Sangam literature
- Cheras controlled parts of Kerala and Kongu region, with Vanji as their capital, including Musiri and Tondi ports
- Emblem was bow and arrow
- Senguttuvan, a prominent Chera ruler, is associated with military achievements and the Pattini cult
- Cholas controlled central and northern Tamil Nadu; Uraiyur was their capital, and Puhar/Kaverippattinam was a port town
- Emblem was tiger
- King Karikala, a Chola king, was renowned for his military conquests
Pandyas
- Ruled from Madurai
- Korkai was their main port
- Emblem was fish
- Patronized Tamil Sangams and facilitated compilation of Sangam poems
Sangam Polity and Administration
- Hereditary monarchy was the form of govt.
- Kings were assisted by various officials (ministers, priests, envoys, military commanders)
- Five councils (amaichar, anthanar, thuthar, senapathi, and orrar)
- Land revenue and war booty were major income sources
- Roads and highways were maintained for safety
Sangam Society
- Five-fold division of lands (Kurinji, Mullai, Marudam, Neydal, Palai)
- Four castes mentioned (arasar, anthanar, vanigar, vellalar)
- Ancient tribes (Thodas, Irulas, Nagas, Vedars) existed
Position of Women
- Sangam literature provides insights into women's roles
Sangam Economy
- Agriculture was primary occupation
- Handicrafts, metalwork, and carpentry were significant
- Cotton and silk clothing were major exports
- Trade with Romans was flourishing
- Puhar was a major port
Sangam Religion
- Murugan was the primary deity
- Worship of other gods (Mayon, Vendan, Varunan, Korravai)
- Significance of Hero Stone (Nadu Kal) worship
End of Sangam Age
- Sangam period declined around 3rd century CE
- Kalabhras ruled from 300 CE to 600 CE
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
