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.
Sangam Age Sources
Literary Sources [Sangam Literature]
- Main Article: Sangam Literature
Archaeological Sources
Excavated Sites
Epigraphist V. Vedachalam has dated the remains found at the site between the 6th century BCE and the 3rd century BCE.
| Site | Description | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|
| Keezhadi (Keeladi) | An ancient urban settlement in Tamil Nadu. | Pottery, brick houses, Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, |
| Arikamedu | A major Indo-Roman trade centre near Pondicherry. | Roman pottery, amphorae, beads, and coins showing extensive trade with the Romans. |
| Puhar | The port city of the Cholas, mentioned in Sangam literature. | Urban structures, wharves, pottery proving its role as a bustling trade hub. |
| Alagankulam | Another trade centre connected with the Roman Empire. | Roman coins, beads, and ceramics, highlighting Indo-Roman trade. |
Inscriptions
| Inscription | Location/Context | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Jambai Inscription | Found in a cave, mentioning a Chera king. | Confirms historical details of Sangam literature about political leadership. |
| Hero Stones (Nadukal) | Found in various places, commemorating fallen warriors. | Provides insight into societal values and the importance of warfare and heroism. |
Coins and Pottery
| Type | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Roman Coins | Found in Tamil Nadu, bearing images of Roman emperors. | Proves strong trade relations between Tamilakam and the Roman Empire. |
| Roman Pottery | Amphorae and other pottery items. | Suggests the import of goods like wine and olive oil from the Roman Empire. |
Burial Sites
| Site | Description | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|
| Adichanallur | Iron weapons, pottery, and ornaments, indicating burial practices and social status. | Iron weapons, pottery, and ornaments |
| Kodumanal | Megalithic burials. | Evidence of iron implements, beads, and ceramics. |
Artifacts and Craft Production
| Artifact Type | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Black and Red Ware Pottery | A type of pottery found in many Sangam Age sites. | Commonly associated with daily life and trade during the Sangam Age. |
| Iron Implements | Weapons like swords and farming tools. | Shows advanced metalworking skills in both warfare and agriculture. |
| Beads and Ornaments | Made from semi-precious stones, glass, and shell. | Reflects the development of crafts and participation in long-distance trade. |
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
- labourers (Kadambars).
- Women’s Status:
- Women held respectable positions 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 region’s fertile plains 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 the Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu) was the centre of the pearl trade.
- Madurai and Urayur (in modern-day Tiruchirappalli) were important centres for the textile industry.
- Paddy was the most important crop, 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 jewellery.
- 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 Period UPSC PSC Questions
- How many Sangams took place?
(a) One
(b) Two
(c) Three
(d) Four
Correct answer: (c) Three
- Which of the following dynasties is not mentioned in Sangam Literature?
[BPSC (Pre) 1996]
(a) Kadamb
(b) Chera
(c) Chola
(d) Pandya
Correct answer: (a) Kadamb
- The most popular God of the Tamil during the Sangam age was
(a) Indra
(b) Murugan
(c) Varuna
(d) Tirumal
Correct answer: (b) Murugan
- Which of the following was not a ruling dynasty of the Tamil country during the Sangam Age?
[UPUDA/LDA (Mains) 2010]
(a) Chera
(b) Chola
(c) Pallava
(d) Pandya
Correct answer: (c) Pallava
- The sage who is said to have Aryanised South India was
[JPSC (Pre) 2012]
(a) Vishwamitra
(b) Agastya
(c) Vashistha
(d) Sambhara
Correct answer: (b) Agastya
- Third Sangam was held at?
[UPPSC (Pre) 2016]
(a) Arikamedu
(b) Ernakulum
(c) Madurai
(d) Tuticorin
Correct answer: (c) Madurai
- In the context of South India, Cave script means
(a) Undeciphered graffiti marks
(b) Tamil Brahmi
(c) Tamil Grantha
(d) Pallava Grantha
Correct answer: (b) Tamil Brahmi
- The Sangams flourished in different places. Which of the following places were associated with the three Sangams?
[IAS (Pre) 2004]
(a) Madurai and Kapatapuram
(b) Madurai, Kapatapuram, and Kaveripattanam
(c) Madurai, Uraiyur, and Cholamandalam
(d) Puhar and Madurai
Correct answer: (a) Madurai and Kapatapuram
- Which of the following is called ‘The Bible of Tamil land’?
(a) Kural
(b) Tolkappiyam
(c) Silappadikaram
(d) Manimekalai
Correct answer: (a) Kural
- The first translator of Mahabharata into Tamil was
[IAS (Pre) 1999]
(a) Perunduanar
(b) Kamban
(c) Hala
(d) Bharavi
Correct answer: (a) Perunduanar
- ‘Tirukural’ forms part of
(a) Pattupattu
(b) Kilkanakku
(c) Melkanakku
(d) Ettutogal
Correct answer: (b) Kilkanakku
- Religious anthology ‘Kural’ was composed in which language?
[MPPSC (Pre) 1997]
(a) Greek
(b) Tamil
(c) Telugu
(d) Pali
Correct answer: (b) Tamil
- Which of the following Tamil texts has been called ‘Laghuveda’?
[UPRO/ARO (Mains) 2013]
(a) Nandhikalambagam
(b) Kalingattuparani
(c) Periyarpuranam
(d) Kural
Correct answer: (d) Kural
- Who among the following was the author of the Tamil Ramayanam or Ramavataram?
[UP UDA/LDA (Mains) 2010]
(a) Kamban
(b) Kuttan
(c) Nannaya
(d) Tikkana
Correct answer: (a) Kamban
- Which of the following poets of the Sangam age has referred to a Mauryan expedition against a Tamil chieftain?
[IAS (Pre) 2001]
(a) Paramar
(b) Avvaiyar
(c) Ilango Adigal
(d) Mamulanar
Correct answer: (d) Mamulanar
- The early Tamil poet who makes a reference to the Nandas and Mauryas in his work is
[IAS (Pre) 1996]
(a) Sattanar
(b) Ilango Adigal
(c) Kapilar
(d) Mamulanar
Correct answer: (d) Mamulanar
- In Sangam literature ‘Tolkapiyyam’ is a text of
[UPPSC (Mains) 2014]
(a) Tamil Poetry
(b) Tamil Grammar
(c) Tamil Architecture
(d) Tamil Polity
Correct answer: (b) Tamil Grammar
- Who among the following are known for their Telugu translation of the Mahabharata?
[UPPSC 2012]
I. Kamban
II. Kuttan
III. Nannayya
IV. Tikkana
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) I and II
(b) II and III
(c) III and IV
(d) IV and I
Correct answer: (c) III and IV
- Which of the following were epics in the early Tamil Literature?
[UPPSC 2005]
(a) Tolkappiyam and Thirukural
(b) Ahananuru and Purananuru
(c) Padirupattur and Maduraikanchi
(d) Silappadikaram and Manimekalai
Correct answer: (d) Silappadikaram and Manimekalai
- Which river is praised in the fifth-century Tamil epic, Silappadikaram?
[CDSC 2017]
(a) Cauvery
(b) Godavari
(c) Saraswati
(d) Ganges
Correct answer: (a) Cauvery
- The author of the Silappadikaram was
[UPPSC (Mains) 2002]
(a) Ilango
(b) Parmara
(c) Karaikala
(d) Vishnu Swami
Correct answer: (a) Ilango
- The epic, ‘Silappadikaram’ refers to
[CDS 2016]
(a) Story of Rama.
(b) Jaina elements in the storyline.
(c) Culture of Sri Lankan Buddhists.
(d) Cult of Shakti worship.
Correct answer: (b) Jaina elements in the storyline
- Who is the author of Manimekalai?
[CDS 2018]
(a) Kovalan
(b) Sathanar
(c) Ilango Adigal
(d) Tirutakkatevar
Correct answer: (b) Sathanar
- The story of the transformation of a dancing girl into a Buddhist nun is narrated in
[IAS (Pre) 2002]
(a) Silappadikaram
(b) Manimekalai
(c) Tolkappiyam
(d) Maduraikanchi
Correct answer: (b) Manimekalai
- Which one of the following documents gives evidence of a temple of Augustus at Muziris in South India?
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2002]
(a) Periplus of the Erythraean Sea
(b) Nearchus
(c) Genealogical tables
(d) Sangam literature
Correct answer: (a) Periplus of the Erythraean Sea
- According to Sangam texts, the terms Kon, Ko, and Mannan were attributed to which of the following?
[RAS/RTS (Pre) 2010]
(a) Prime Minister
(b) Revenue Minister
(c) Commander of the Army
(d) King
Correct answer: (d) King
- Match item of List I with those of List II and select the correct answer from the code given below:[UPPSC 2014]
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| A. Thirukural | 1. Love Story |
| B. Tolkappiyam | 2. Philosophy |
| C. Silappadikaram | 3. Merchant Story |
| D. Manimekalai | 4. Grammar |
- Codes:
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (a) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| (b) | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 |
| (c) | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| (d) | 2 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
Correct answer: (d) 2 4 1 3
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 the 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 the Sangam Age called the 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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