Which one of the following explains the practice of ‘Vattakirutal’ as

Which one of the following explains the practice of ‘Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems?

[amp_mcq option1=”Kings employing women bodyguards.” option2=”Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters.” option3=”Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals” option4=”A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2023
Option D is correct.
Vattakirutal (or Vadakiruttal) was an ancient Tamil practice, mentioned in Sangam literature, where a defeated or humiliated warrior or king would undertake a ritual fast unto death, usually facing north (vadakku).
This practice was considered a highly honorable way for a warrior to end their life after suffering a significant defeat or disgrace in battle, rather than live with dishonor. It is distinct from the other options listed, which describe different social or military practices of the time.