Tamilakam, the name of the ancient Tamil country, included besides Tamil Nadu parts of present day:
[amp_mcq option1=”Andhra Pradesh and Kerala” option2=”Karnataka and Kerala” option3=”Kerala and Odisha” option4=”Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka” correct=”option1″]
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UPSC Geoscientist – 2021
Tamilakam, as described in ancient Tamil literature (especially the Sangam literature period), broadly encompassed the geographical region inhabited by the ancient Tamil people. This region included not only present-day Tamil Nadu but also significant parts of present-day Kerala, and bordering regions of southern Karnataka and southern Andhra Pradesh. Option B, including Karnataka and Kerala, represents two major areas outside of modern Tamil Nadu that were considered part of ancient Tamilakam.
The historical region of Tamilakam was home to the three major Tamil kingdoms of the Sangam Age: the Cheras (primarily in modern Kerala), the Cholas (in the Kaveri delta and surrounding regions), and the Pandyas (in the southern parts). Its boundaries were dynamic but generally extended beyond the political boundaries of present-day Tamil Nadu.