Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment.
(200 words, IOM)
The term `Sangam' derived from the ancient Tamil academics/assemblage of poets and authors, gathered periodically to come out with their work, which was called 'Sangama Literature'.
These assemblies were patronised by kings and chieftains over the period of three to four centuries (400 BC - 300 AD). These works were later collected into 18 anthologies(8 anthologies of lyrics and 10 long poems). These were written by 473 poets of whom 30 were women, including the famous poetess Avaiyyar.
The contributions of Tamil saint like Thiruvalluvar who wrote 'Kural', which has been translated into many languages considered as noteworthy work.
Some features related to Sangam period are
Sangam literature deals with emotional and materialistic topics such as love, war, governance, trade and bereavement.
Sangam literature deals with secular matter relating to public and social activity like governance, charity, agriculture, etc.
Sangam poems fall into two categories-Aham and Puram. Aham or 'inner field' deals with personal and human aspects. It is subjective in nature and deals with subjects like love and relationships.
Puram or 'outer field' deals with other aspects of human experience such as heroism, valour, ethics, social life and customs. It is more objective and public poetry.
Tolkappiyam refers to four castes namely arasar, anthanar, vanigar and vellalar, among which arasar were ruling class. The social interactions were permitted among them.
Importantly the four-fold Varna classification was not very stringent in South India. There is end number of information in the Sangam literature to trace the position of women during this age. Love marriage was a common practice. Women were allowed to choose their life partners.
The class of dancers, patronised by the kings and nobles. However, the life of widows was miserable. Sati practice was also prevalent.
In the economic sphere, we get to know that agriculture, hunting, gathering, etc were primary occupations, while crafting and weaving served as secondary sources of income. Here was a great demand for handicraft products, as the internal and external trade was at its peak during the Sangam period.
The poems mention the cotton clothes as thin as a cloud of steam or a slough of a snake. There was a great demand in the Western world for cotton clothes woven at Uraiyur. Both internal and foreign trade were well organised and briskly carried on in the Sangam age. The contemporary literature, Greek and Roman accounts and the archaeological evidences
provide detailed information on this subject.
The port city of Puhar, Tondi, Musiri, Korkai, Arikamedu and Marakkanam were the major commercial centres.
(200 words, IOM)
The term `Sangam' derived from the ancient Tamil academics/assemblage of poets and authors, gathered periodically to come out with their work, which was called 'Sangama Literature'.
These assemblies were patronised by kings and chieftains over the period of three to four centuries (400 BC - 300 AD). These works were later collected into 18 anthologies(8 anthologies of lyrics and 10 long poems). These were written by 473 poets of whom 30 were women, including the famous poetess Avaiyyar.
The contributions of Tamil saint like Thiruvalluvar who wrote 'Kural', which has been translated into many languages considered as noteworthy work.
Some features related to Sangam period are
Sangam literature deals with emotional and materialistic topics such as love, war, governance, trade and bereavement.
Sangam literature deals with secular matter relating to public and social activity like governance, charity, agriculture, etc.
Sangam poems fall into two categories-Aham and Puram. Aham or 'inner field' deals with personal and human aspects. It is subjective in nature and deals with subjects like love and relationships.
Puram or 'outer field' deals with other aspects of human experience such as heroism, valour, ethics, social life and customs. It is more objective and public poetry.
Tolkappiyam refers to four castes namely arasar, anthanar, vanigar and vellalar, among which arasar were ruling class. The social interactions were permitted among them.
Importantly the four-fold Varna classification was not very stringent in South India. There is end number of information in the Sangam literature to trace the position of women during this age. Love marriage was a common practice. Women were allowed to choose their life partners.
The class of dancers, patronised by the kings and nobles. However, the life of widows was miserable. Sati practice was also prevalent.
In the economic sphere, we get to know that agriculture, hunting, gathering, etc were primary occupations, while crafting and weaving served as secondary sources of income. Here was a great demand for handicraft products, as the internal and external trade was at its peak during the Sangam period.
The poems mention the cotton clothes as thin as a cloud of steam or a slough of a snake. There was a great demand in the Western world for cotton clothes woven at Uraiyur. Both internal and foreign trade were well organised and briskly carried on in the Sangam age. The contemporary literature, Greek and Roman accounts and the archaeological evidences
provide detailed information on this subject.
The port city of Puhar, Tondi, Musiri, Korkai, Arikamedu and Marakkanam were the major commercial centres.