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?

Kings employing women bodyguards.
Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters.
Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals
A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death
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.
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