Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Define Sangam Literature (300 BCE to 300 CE, early Tamil works compiled by poets in three Sangams).
- Mention the purpose: offering insights into Tamil society, politics, economy, and its interactions with other regions.
2. Contribution of Sangam Literature in Providing Political Insights
- Sangam Polity:
- Dynastic Rule: Describe the reign of the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas, mentioned in texts like Patitrupathu and Puranānūru.
- Administrative Systems: Discuss roles of kings, ministers, and governance as outlined in Puranānūru and Pattinappalai.
- Example: Patitrupathu details the history of the Chera dynasty, while Puranānūru describes governance, taxation, and administration.
3. Contribution of Sangam Literature in Providing Socio-Economic Insights
- Sangam Society:
- Religion and Culture: Highlight the worship of Murugan and other gods (Vishnu, Indra). Discuss cultural practices mentioned in Silappadikaram (dance, music, mingling of people).
- Social Hierarchy: Reference the fourfold division of society in Tolkappiyam: Arasar (ruling class), Anthanar (priests), Vanigar (traders), Vellar (agriculturists).
- Position of Women: Women poets (Avvaiyar, Nachchellaiyar) contributed significantly, but norms like Sati and chastity were also present.
- Sangam Economy:
- Agriculture: Emphasis on rice cultivation as the primary occupation, with the five-fold division of land mentioned in Tolkappiyam.
- Crafts and Handicrafts: Mentioned in Sangam texts like weaving, metalwork, and carpentry.
- Trade and Commerce: Well-organized trade, both internal and foreign. Ports like Puhar, Tondi, and Musiri were key trading centers, and foreigners (Yavanas) exchanged goods like gold and pepper.
- Example: Tolkappiyam mentions the division of land for agricultural purposes, and Pattinappalai refers to trade practices and officials at the port of Puhar.
4. Wider Impact of Sangam Literature
- Religion: Mentions northern epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, showing the spread of religious ideas. Patitrupathu mentions the Chera king performing Vedic sacrifices.
- Geography: Poetic references to the geography of India, including mentions of the Himalayas and Ganges, indicating knowledge beyond Tamil Nadu.
- Kingdoms: Includes references to Northern kingdoms such as Patliputra and Mauryan chariots in Akananuru and Puram.
5. Conclusion
- Summarize the role of Sangam literature in providing rich political, social, and economic insights into the Tamil region.
- Acknowledge its broader impact on the cultural and historical understanding of ancient India.
Relevant Facts for Answer Writing:
1. Political Insights
- Dynastic Rule: Sangam literature extensively chronicles the reigns of the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas. Patitrupathu and Puranānūru document their battles, victories, and governance.
- Example: Patitrupathu details the history of the Chera dynasty.
2. Administrative Systems
- Roles and Duties: Texts like Puranānūru explain the roles of kings, ministers, and officials. Pattinappalai describes customs at the seaport of Puhar, showing trade regulation.
- Example: Kings were responsible for taxation, land management, and social welfare, as described in Puranānūru.
3. Socio-Economic Insights
- Religion: Murugan was the principal god worshipped, alongside Vishnu, Indra, and others. Silappadikaram highlights the cultural mingling and diverse religious practices.
- Social Hierarchy: The fourfold division (Arasar, Anthanar, Vanigar, Vellar) is mentioned in Tolkappiyam, revealing the class structure of Sangam society.
- Position of Women: Women poets like Avvaiyar and Nachchellaiyar contributed to the literature, but practices like Sati also existed.
- Economy: Agriculture (rice cultivation), crafts (weaving, metalwork), and trade (internal and external) are central themes in Sangam poems.
4. Wider Impact
- Religion and Geography: References to northern texts (Ramayana, Mahabharata) and geographical knowledge (Himalayas, Ganges) highlight connections beyond Tamil Nadu.
- Example: Patitrupathu mentions Vedic sacrifices performed by the Chera king.
Model Answer
1. Introduction
Sangam literature, composed between 300 BCE and 300 CE, offers profound insights into the political, social, and economic life of the Tamil region. It was transmitted orally and later codified, capturing the essence of the period through the works of various poets. This literature is invaluable for reconstructing the past and understanding the Tamil society’s connection to wider India.
2. Sangam Polity
Rule of Multiple Dynasties: Sangam texts like Patitrupathu chronicle the reigns of prominent Tamil dynasties—Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas. These texts provide a detailed political landscape, including wars, alliances, and territorial expansion.
Administrative Systems: Puranānūru and Pattinappalai offer rich descriptions of governance structures, highlighting the roles of kings, ministers, and officials. For instance, Puranānūru explains the duties of the king and administrators, while Pattinappalai mentions the custom officials at the Puhar seaport, showing how trade and taxation were managed.
3. Sangam Society
Religion and Culture: The dominant deity in Sangam literature is Murugan, the Tamil god, alongside others like Vishnu and Indra. Works like Silappadikaram depict a society influenced by diverse religious beliefs and cultural practices such as dance and music.
Social Hierarchy: According to Tolkappiyam, society was divided into four main classes: Arasar (rulers), Anthanar (priests), Vanigar (traders), and Vellar (agriculturists). This division reflects the structured nature of Sangam society.
Position of Women: Women were pivotal in Sangam society, contributing to literature. However, practices like Sati and societal norms regarding chastity also existed, as seen in the treatment of widows.
4. Sangam Economy
Agriculture and Crafts: The economy was primarily agrarian, with rice cultivation as the backbone. Tolkappiyam mentions the five-fold division of land. Crafts like weaving, metalwork, and carpentry were vital, as indicated in the vivid descriptions of Sangam poems.
Trade and Commerce: Trade flourished, with ports like Puhar and Musiri facilitating both internal and foreign trade. Yavanas (foreigners) traded gold and pepper, reflecting a well-organized commercial system.
5. Wider Impact of Sangam Literature
Religious and Geographical Knowledge: Sangam literature not only highlights Tamil religion but also references Northern epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Geographical knowledge of India, including mentions of the Himalayas and the Ganges, can be found in these texts, illustrating the interconnectedness of regions during the period.
6. Conclusion
Sangam literature provides invaluable political, social, and economic insights into the Tamil region while offering glimpses of broader Indian contexts. Its enduring legacy enriches our understanding of ancient India, revealing the vibrant civilization of the Tamil people.