Sangam Age

The Megalithic cultures, dated between 1200BC-300BC, of early history of South India was followed by the Sangam Age. Megalithic people followed agro-pastoral activities for their livelihood.

The Sangam Age points to that period in the early history of South India when large numbers of poems in Tamil were written by many authors. The term ‘Sangam’, here, indicates to an assembly or “meeting together” of Tamil poets. According to traditional history, three assemblies were convened one after another. All these three Sangams took place under the patronage of th Pandaya Kings of Madurai, at different places.

Sangam Age

The Sangam Literature, belonging to the period from 300BC to 300 AD, records early history of South India. In fact the most remarkable feature of the Sangam literature is its vivid description of the contemporary Society and culture of Tamilaham or Tamil region and its harmonious and peaceful interaction with the Aryan (northern) culture. Poems representing the Sangam Literature were authored on two broader themes of love and war. Later, it was put together in eight collections named Ettutogai.

Political condition of the Sangam Age

Tamilaham, the region between the hills of Tirupati and the tip of Kanyakumari, was divided amongst large number of chieftains and the chieftainship was hereditary. The most famous and significant chieftains who established their domination during the Sangam Age were Cholas/”>The Cholas who had their capital of Uraiyarpur; the Cheras who had their capital at Vanji (near karur); and Pandyas with their capital at Madurai. As the Cholas, Pandyas and Chiras had many subordinate chiefs, the main sources of their revenue were tribute along with plunder from these subordinate chiefs.

In the Sangam Age the entire Tamilaham was separated into five tinias (eco-zones). These zones were based on their economic Resources as it is obvious from the name. They were: Karinji (hilly region); Palai (arid zone); mullai (pastoral tracts); marudam (wet lands); and neital (seacoast).

These zones were scattered all around the region and not clearly demarcated. People belonging to different tinias had their own methods of subsistence that were based on their different geographical context and ecological specialties. For instance, in kurunji, people were dependent on hunting and gathering for their subsistence; in Palai people were dependent on raiding and plundering because they could not produce anything; in mullai people were dependent on the practice of Animal Husbandry; in marudam it was plaugh agriculture; and in neital the main occupations of people were fishing and salt making.

Society in the Sangam Age

In the Sangam period, although the concept of varna was known, Social Classes were not marked by higher or lower ranking as in north India. For instance, Brahmans in the society performed Vedic ceremonies and sacrifices and also discharge their duty as advisers of the chief but they were not provided any special privileges. People were known on the basis of their occupations. The rich lived in well decorated houses made of bricks and wore costly clothes while the poor lived in mud huts and had insufficient clothes to wear.

The memorial stones called nadukal or virukkal, raised in honour of those who died fighting, show the special position the war heroes had in the society; they were, in fact, worshipped as godlings.

That Women belonging to the Sangam Age were educated, is clearly obvious from the fact that the Sangam literature consist of many poems written by women poets. In that period women were also engaged in economic activities such as cattle rearing, plantation, basket-making, spinning, etc. However, in Tamil society Sati was also prevalent and it was called tippayadal. But it appears that this custom of Sati was not obligatory as there are plenty of references of widows in the society. However, the status of women in general was more or less miserable as they were forbidden to decorate themselves of participate in any form of amusement.

The Sangam economy

Agriculture, craft and Trade were the economic activities in which the people of the Sangam Age were engaged. The important crop of the period was Paddy because it was not only the principal part of people’s diet but also a medium of barter exchange for inland trade. As there are no perennial rivers in the Tamil region, the chiefs, generally, wherever it was possible for them, promoted agricultural activities by constructing Dams and tanks. The Chola King Karikala of the Sangam Age constructed a dam on the river Kaveri. This dam is considered to be the earliest dam in the country. Spinning and weaving textiles Cotton as well as silk was the most important among the crafts. Manufacturing salt was one of the significant economic activities.

The most significant characteristics of the Sangam economy was flourishing trade with the Roman World. A large number of Roman coins recovered in the South India are obvious examples of this fact. The main reason behind this flourishing trade was the discovery of monsoons and use of direct sea route between Indian Coasts and the Western World. This flourishing trade further resulted in the rise of important towns and crafts centres in Tamil region.

It has been described in the history, that Roman ships laden with gold used to come here and they took back with themselves large amounts of pepper. Vinji, present day karur on Tamil Nadu, was the capital of the Cheras and also was an important centre of trade and craft. In the Sangam peoms, Madurai, the capital of the Pandayas, is described as a large city surrounded by a wall. It was a famous centre of fine textile and ivory working Korkai was an important Pandya port in the Tirunnelveli district of Tamil Nadu. This port was famous for its pearls.

The capital of the Cholas, Uraiyur (Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu), was a grand city with magnificent building. Puhar or Kaveripattinam was the principal Chola port. The poems of the Sangam literature refer to the busy markets guarded by soldiers.

Region in the Sangam Age

The Sangam period, in the context of religion, was a symbol of a peaceful and close interaction between North Indian and South Indian traditions. The Brahmanas performing religious ceremonies popularized the worship of Indra, Vishnu, Siva etc. in South India. The presence of Buddhists and Jainism in the Tamil Nadu are also mentioned. The local people, particularly belonging to Kurinji, worshipped a deity known as Murugan, which in northern India was identified with Kartikeya, a war god.

The credit of recording the history of the Sangam Age goes to the Sangam Literature that through its poems on love and emotion (aham) and warfare and social behavior (puram) on the whole display a picture of political conflict, social inequality and economic prosperity of early Tamil region between 300 BC and 300AD.,

The Sangam Age was a period of great cultural and literary achievement in South India. It is traditionally dated from 300 BCE to 300 CE, but some scholars believe it may have lasted longer. The name “Sangam” means “assembly” or “gathering,” and it refers to the literary academies that flourished during this time.

The Sangam Age is known for its poetry, which is often erotic and romantic in nature. The most famous Sangam poets are Tiruvalluvar, Kapilar, and Avvaiyar. The Sangam Age also produced a number of important works of prose, including the epic poem “Silappadikaram” and the historical work “Manimekalai.”

The Sangam Age was a time of great political and Social Change in South India. The region was ruled by a number of different kingdoms, and there was a great deal of conflict between them. The Sangam Age also saw the rise of Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism and Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism in South India.

The Sangam Age came to an end with the invasion of South India by the Pallavas in the 4th century CE. However, the literature and culture of the Sangam Age continued to be influential for centuries to come.

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Literature

The Sangam Age is known for its poetry, which is often erotic and romantic in nature. The most famous Sangam poets are Tiruvalluvar, Kapilar, and Avvaiyar.

Tiruvalluvar is the author of the Tirukkural, a collection of 1,330 couplets on a variety of topics, including love, friendship, ethics, and religion. Kapilar is the author of a number of poems on love and war. Avvaiyar is a woman poet who is known for her wisdom and wit.

The Sangam Age also produced a number of important works of prose, including the epic poem “Silappadikaram” and the historical work “Manimekalai.”

The “Silappadikaram” is a story of love and loss set in the Chola kingdom. The “Manimekalai” is a story of a young woman who is kidnapped by a prince and then rescued by a hero.

Politics

The Sangam Age was a time of great political and social change in South India. The region was ruled by a number of different kingdoms, and there was a great deal of conflict between them.

The most powerful kingdoms of the Sangam Age were the Chola, Chera, and Pandya kingdoms. The Chola kingdom was located in the northern part of South India, the Chera kingdom was located in the central part of South India, and the Pandya kingdom was located in the southern part of South India.

The Chola, Chera, and Pandya kingdoms were constantly at war with each other. The wars were fought over land, resources, and power.

Society

The Sangam Age was a time of great social change in South India. The caste system was beginning to develop, and there was a growing gap between the rich and the poor.

The caste system is a system of social stratification that divides people into different groups based on their birth. The caste system is still in existence in India today.

The gap between the rich and the poor was growing wider during the Sangam Age. The rich were getting richer, and the poor were getting poorer.

Religion

The Sangam Age was a time of great religious change in South India. Hinduism and Buddhism were beginning to spread, and there was a growing conflict between the two religions.

Hinduism is the oldest Religion in India. It is a polytheistic religion, which means that it has many gods and goddesses. Hinduism is still the dominant religion in India today.

Buddhism is a religion that was founded by Siddhartha Gautama in the 6th century BCE. Buddhism is a non-theistic religion, which means that it does not believe in a god or gods. Buddhism is still a major religion in India today.

Invasion of South India by the Pallavas

The Sangam Age came to an end with the invasion of South India by the Pallavas in the 4th century CE. The Pallavas were a Hindu dynasty that ruled from the 3rd to the 9th centuries CE.

The Pallavas invaded South India from the north. They conquered the Chola, Chera, and Pandya kingdoms. The Pallavas ruled South India for over 600 years.

The Pallavas were patrons of art and literature. They built many temples and palaces. They also supported the development of Tamil literature.

Conclusion

The Sangam Age was a time of great cultural and literary achievement in South India. It is traditionally dated from 300 BCE to 300 CE, but some scholars believe it may have lasted longer. The

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about the Sangam Age:

What is the Sangam Age?
The Sangam Age was a period of great cultural and literary achievement in South India. It is traditionally dated from 300 BCE to 300 CE, but some scholars believe it may have lasted longer.
What are the main sources of information about the Sangam Age?
The main sources of information about the Sangam Age are the Sangam literature, which consists of poems and songs, and the archaeological evidence.
What was life like during the Sangam Age?
Life during the Sangam Age was very different from life in modern India. The people of the Sangam Age were mostly farmers, and they lived in small villages. They were also skilled in metalworking, Pottery, and weaving.
What were the major achievements of the Sangam Age?
The major achievements of the Sangam Age were in the fields of literature, art, and architecture. The Sangam literature is some of the earliest and most important literature in South India. The Sangam Age also saw the development of a unique style of art and architecture.
What was the impact of the Sangam Age on later Indian history?
The Sangam Age had a profound impact on later Indian history. The Sangam literature was an important source of inspiration for later writers and poets. The Sangam Age also saw the development of a number of important institutions, such as the caste system and the Hindu religion.
What are some of the challenges facing South India today?
Some of the challenges facing South India today include POVERTY, illiteracy, and Corruption. South India is also facing the problem of Climate change, which is leading to droughts and floods.
What are some of the opportunities for South India in the future?
Some of the opportunities for South India in the future include economic Growth, tourism, and Education. South India is also well-positioned to take advantage of the growth of the digital economy.
What is your opinion on the future of South India?
I believe that South India has a bright future. The people of South India are hardworking and innovative, and they have a strong sense of culture and identity. I am confident that South India will continue to make significant contributions to India and the world in the years to come.

The Sangam Age was a period of great cultural and literary achievement in South India. It is generally considered to have lasted from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE.
The Sangam Age was a time of great political and social change in South India. The region was divided into many small kingdoms, which were constantly at war with each other.
The Sangam Age was also a time of great religious and philosophical ferment. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism all flourished during this period.
The Sangam Age is best known for its literature. The Sangam literature is a vast body of poetry and prose that deals with a wide range of subjects, including love, war, politics, and religion.
The Sangam literature is written in a variety of languages, including Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada.
The Sangam literature is an important source of information about the history and culture of South India. It is also a valuable work of art.

Here are some MCQs about the Sangam Age:

Which of the following is not a characteristic of the Sangam Age?
(A) It was a time of great cultural and literary achievement.
(B) It was a time of great political and social change.
(C) It was a time of great religious and philosophical ferment.
(D) It was a time of great economic prosperity.
Which of the following is not a language of the Sangam literature?
(A) Tamil
(B) Malayalam
(C) Kannada
(D) Telugu
Which of the following is not a subject of the Sangam literature?
(A) Love
(B) War
(C) Politics
(D) Economics
The Sangam literature is an important source of information about which of the following?
(A) The history of South India
(B) The culture of South India
(C) The religion of South India
(D) All of the above
The Sangam literature is a valuable work of which of the following?
(A) Art
(B) Literature
(C) History
(D) All of the above