The Sangam Age: Literature, Polity, and Society in Ancient South India, Best Sociology Optional Coaching, Sociology Optional Syllabus.

The Sangam Age: Literature, Polity, and Society in Ancient South India | Sociology UPSC | Triumph IAS

The Sangam Age

(Relevant for Historical Section of General Studies Paper Prelims/Mains)

Sangam Age

The period roughly between the 3rd century B.C. and 3rd century A.D. in South India (the area lying to the south of river Krishna and Tungabhadra) is known as Sangam Period. It has been named after the Sangam academies held during that period that flourished under the royal patronage of the Pandya kings of Madurai.

As per Tamil legends, the ancient South India witnessed three Sangam (Academies of Tamil poets) collectively known as Muchchangam:

  • The First Sangam, traditionally said to have taken place in Madurai, was attended by gods and legendary sages. Unfortunately, no literary works from this Sangam have survived to this day.
  • The Second Sangam convened at Kapadapuram, and from it, only Tolkappiyam has endured as a literary work.
  • The Third Sangam, also held in Madurai, left behind a few Tamil literary compositions that serve as valuable sources for understanding the historical context of the Sangam period.
  • These academies were instrumental in compiling Sangam literature, which includes Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai, Pattuppattu, Pathinenkilkanakku, and two epic poems known as Silappathikaram and Manimegalai. These literary treasures offer insights into the socio-political landscape of the era.

Sangam Polity and Administration:

  • The form of government during the Sangam period was hereditary monarchy.
  • Each dynasty in the Sangam age had its own royal emblem, such as the tiger for the Cholas, carp or fish for the Pandyas, and bow for the Cheras.
  • The king was supported by various officials organized into five councils: ministers (amaichar), priests (anthanar), envoys (thuthar), military commanders (senapathi), and spies (orrar).
  • Military administration was well-structured, with each ruler having a regular army at their disposal.
  • The primary source of state revenue was land revenue, supplemented by custom duties on foreign trade.
  • The royal treasury was also enriched through the capture of spoils during wars.
  • Roads and highways were maintained and protected to prevent robbery and smuggling.

Sangam Society:

  • Tolkappiyam categorized the land into five divisions: Kurinji (hilly tracks), Mullai (pastoral), Marudam (agricultural), Neydal (coastal), and Palai (desert).
  • The society comprised four main castes: arasar (Ruling Class), anthanar, vanigar (engaged in trade and commerce), and vellalar (Agriculturists).
  • The Sangam period was home to ancient primitive tribes like Thodas, Irulas, Nagas, and Vedars.

Position of Women during Sangam Age:

  • Women enjoyed respect and were permitted to engage in intellectual pursuits. Notable women poets like Avvaiyar, Nachchellaiyar, and Kakkaipadiniyar thrived during this era and made significant contributions to Tamil literature.
  • Women were allowed to choose their life partners, although the lives of widows were often difficult.

The Sangam period slowly witnessed its decline towards the end of the 3rd century A.D. The Kalabhras occupied the Tamil country post-sangam period between 300 AD to 600 AD, whose period was called an interregnum or ‘dark age’ by earlier historians.

Sample Question for UPSC Sociology Optional Paper:

Question 1: What insights do Sangam literature offer about the social hierarchy in the Sangam Period?
Answer: Sangam literature such as Tolkappiyam reveal a society comprising four main castes—arasar (Ruling Class), anthanar, vanigar (engaged in trade and commerce), and vellalar (Agriculturists).

Question 2: What was the role of women in Sangam Age?
Answer: Women enjoyed considerable respect and were permitted to engage in intellectual pursuits. Notable women poets like Avvaiyar made significant contributions to Tamil literature.

Question 3: How did the governance structure function during the Sangam Age?
Answer: The Sangam Age featured a hereditary monarchy supported by five councils of ministers, priests, envoys, military commanders, and spies.

Question 4: What were the sources of state revenue during the Sangam Age?
Answer: The primary source of state revenue was land revenue, supplemented by custom duties on foreign trade and the capture of spoils during wars.

Question 5: What led to the decline of the Sangam period?
Answer: The Sangam period witnessed its decline towards the end of the 3rd century A.D., followed by the Kalabhras’ occupation, which was termed as the ‘dark age’ by historians.

To master these intricacies and fare well in the Sociology Optional Syllabus, aspiring sociologists might benefit from guidance by the Best Sociology Optional Teacher and participation in the Best Sociology Optional Coaching. These avenues provide comprehensive assistance, ensuring a solid understanding of sociology’s diverse methodologies and techniques.

Sangam Age, Tamil Literature, Pandya Kings, Sangam Academies, Ancient South India, Tolkappiyam, Silappathikaram, Manimegalai, Social Structure, Political Governance, Position of Women, Ancient Tribes, Sangam Society


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