Table of Contents
Introduction: Sangam Age
The Sangam Age, spanning approximately from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE, is a significant period in South Indian history marked by the flourishing of Tamil literature and culture.
This era is named after the Sangam academies, which were gatherings of Tamil poets and scholars in ancient Madurai, where they composed and compiled a vast body of Tamil literature known as Sangam literature. The Sangam texts, comprising poetry and prose, provide valuable insights into the socio-political, economic, and cultural life of the time, depicting themes of love, war, governance, and everyday life.
During the Sangam Age, the Tamil region was divided among three major kingdoms: the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas. These kingdoms were known for their trade relations with distant lands, including Rome and Southeast Asia, contributing to a prosperous economy.
The period is also noted for its advancements in agriculture, craftsmanship, and urbanization. The legacy of the Sangam Age is deeply embedded in Tamil culture and continues to influence Tamil identity and literature even today.
Sangam Age Sources
Literary Sources [Sangam Literature]
- Main Article: Sangam Literature
Archaeological Sources
| Archaeological sites | Findings |
|---|---|
| Arikamedu | According to Wheeler, it was an important trading center. |
| Kaveripumpattinam, also known as Puhar or Poompuhar | It is located near the Kaveri river delta. It was an ancient port city. |
| Korkai | It was a port of the Pandyan Kingdom. |
| Keezhadi | Ring wells, brick walls, Potsherds with Tamil-Brahmi script |
Epigraphist V. Vedachalam has dated the remains found at the site between the 6th century BCE and the 3rd century BCE.
Sangam Age UPSC Notes
- The Sangam age is the period from the 6th century BCE to the 3rd century CE of ancient Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Sri Lanka (known as Tamilakam* at that time).
- It was named after the famous historical assembly (Sangam) of poets that took place in the city of Madurai.
- According to Tamil legends, there were three Sangam periods – Head Sangam, Middle Sangam, and Last Sangam period.
- Historians use the term Sangam period to refer to the last or third Sangam.
- Tamilakam was ruled by the three dynasties i.e. Chola, Chera, Pandya, and a few independent chieftains, the Velir.
- *Tamilakam – The whole Tamil-speaking area of ancient times.
Sangam Age Society
- Hierarchy:
- The society was stratified, though not as rigidly as the later caste system.
- Social divisions were based on occupation, with groups such as
- kings and warriors (Arasars and Kshatriyas),
- priests and scholars (Antanars and Brahmins),
- traders and farmers (Vanigars and Vellalars), and
- laborers (Kadambars).
- Women’s Status:
- Women held a respectable position and were often involved in agricultural activities, domestic duties, and the arts.
- Some women were poets, and the Sangam literature contains works attributed to female poets like Avvaiyar.
Sangam Age Trade & Economy
- Agriculture:
- Agriculture was the main occupation.
- The Marutam region was the most fertile land.
- The fertile plains of the region supported the cultivation of rice, sugarcane, millet, and cotton.
- The use of irrigation systems, such as tanks and wells, was prevalent.
- Trade and Commerce:
- The Sangam Age witnessed vibrant trade, both inland and overseas.
- Ports like Kaveripattinam and Arikamedu facilitated maritime trade with Rome, Egypt, and Southeast Asia.
- Trade items included spices, pearls, textiles, and precious stones.
- Korkai ( in Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu) was the center of the pearl trade.
- Madurai and Urayur (in modern-day Tiruchirappalli) were important centers for the textile industry.
- Paddy was the most important crop; it was used as a medium of exchange for inland trade.
- Craftsmanship:
- The main economic activities were agriculture, weaving, pearl fishery, manufacturing, and construction.
- Skilled artisans produced fine textiles, pottery, metalwork, and jewelry.
- The high demand for these goods both locally and internationally stimulated economic growth.
Religion
- The religious life during the Sangam Age was diverse.
- Worship of nature deities, ancestor worship, and the veneration of heroes were common.
- Hinduism, with its various sects and deities like Shiva, Murugan, and Vishnu, was prevalent.
- Jainism and Buddhism also had a significant presence.
Political Structure
- Kingship:
- Administration:
- Local governance was managed through a well-organized system of villages and towns.
- Chieftains (Velirs) and local leaders played crucial roles in the administration and the maintenance of law and order.
Sangam Age UPSC PSC Questions
Sangam Age Map
Sangam Age FAQs
What is the Sangam Age period?
The Sangam Age refers to a period in ancient Tamil history, approximately between 300 BCE and 300 CE, during which Tamil literature flourished under the patronage of the Tamil kings. The name “Sangam” comes from the Tamil word for “academy” or “association,” referring to the gatherings of poets and scholars who composed and compiled a vast body of literature known as Sangam literature.
What are the 5 epics of Sangam Age?
The five great Tamil epics in the Sangam tradition are:
Silappathikaram – The story of Kannagi, who avenges her husband’s wrongful death.
Manimekalai – Follows Manimekalai, the daughter of Kannagi, who becomes a Buddhist nun.
Civaka Cintamani – A Jain epic about the adventures and moral journey of prince Civakan.
Valayapathi – A Jain epic focused on ethical and philosophical themes (only fragments survive).
Kundalakesi – A Buddhist epic about Kundalakesi, who renounces worldly life to become a nun.
Why is Sangam Age called Golden Age?
The Sangam Age is called the “Golden Age” due to its significant achievements in literature, culture, and governance. It was a period of flourishing Tamil literature. The era also saw political stability and prosperity under powerful Tamil kingdoms, which promoted economic growth and cultural development.
Who wrote Sangam literature?
Sangam literature was written by 473 poets including 102 anonymous ones. According to Nilakanta Sastri the poets came from diverse backgrounds, including royalty, merchants, and farmers. Among them, at least 27 were women. Notable poets include Tiruvalluvar, who wrote the “Tirukkural”; Ilango Adigal, author of “Silappathikaram”; Chithalai Chathanar, who wrote “Manimekalai”; and Tirutakkatevar, known for “Civaka Cintamani.” These poets significantly contributed to Tamil literature, reflecting the culture and values of their time.
Which is the first Tamil epic?
The first Tamil epic is “Silappathikaram” (The Tale of the Anklet). Written by Ilango Adigal, it is considered the earliest of the Tamil epics and was composed during the Sangam Age. The epic tells the story of Kannagi, a woman who seeks justice for the wrongful execution of her husband, Kovalan.
What are the three sangams?
The three Sangams, or Tamil literary academies, were:
First Sangam: Believed to have been held in the ancient city of Madurai. It is considered mythical and its works are mostly lost.
Second Sangam: Held in Kapatapuram, this Sangam is also considered partly mythical. Like the First Sangam, its records are largely lost.
Third Sangam: The Third Sangam was held in Madurai and is historically more documented. It is the most significant of the three and is associated with the literature of the Sangam Age that survives today. This period, from around 300 BCE to 300 CE, produced the well-known Sangam literature, including major works like the “Silappathikaram” and “Manimekalai.”
The first and second Sangams are often considered legendary, while the Third Sangam is recognized for its tangible contributions to Tamil literature.
Why is it called Sangam?
The term “Sangam” means “assembly” or “gathering” in Tamil. It refers to the gatherings of poets and scholars who came together during this period to compose and compile Tamil literature.
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