The Sangam Age, also known as the Sangam period, is a significant era in the history of South India, which is believed to have spanned from around 300 BCE to 300 CE. It gets its name from the Sangam literature, a collection of Tamil poems and texts that were composed during this time. These literary works provide valuable insights into the social, cultural, and political aspects of ancient Tamil society. The Sangam Age is often divided into three distinct periods: the Early Sangam, Middle Sangam, and Later Sangam, each characterized by the development of Tamil literature and the emergence of different dynasties and rulers. During this period, Tamil poets and scholars gathered in assemblies (Sangams) to compose these poems, covering a wide range of topics, from love and ethics to war and governance. The Sangam Age is known for its flourishing trade and cultural exchanges with other regions, contributing to the rich tapestry of South Indian heritage.
One of the most remarkable features of the Sangam Age is the Sangam literature itself, which includes famous works like the “Silappathikaram” and “Manimekalai,” composed by renowned poets like Ilango Adigal and Sīthalai Sāttanār. These texts not only offer glimpses into the lives of the people of that era but also demonstrate the advanced literary and poetic skills of the Tamil scholars of the time. The Sangam Age also saw the establishment of various kingdoms and dynasties in South India, such as the Cholas, Pandyas, and Cheras, who played pivotal roles in shaping the region’s political landscape. Overall, the Sangam Age stands as a testament to the rich cultural and literary heritage of South India, and it continues to be a subject of fascination and study for historians, linguists, and scholars interested in understanding the evolution of Tamil society and its contributions to Indian civilization.
Sangam Period in Ancient Tamilakam
The Sangam period or age was a historical period of ancient Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Sri Lanka (known as Tamilakam), spanning from around the 6th century BCE to the 3rd century CE. Here are some key points about this era:
- It was named after the famous Sangam academies of poets and scholars, centered in the city of Madurai.
- The chronology of the Sangam literature is still a disputed topic among scholars, but the most probable date has been fixed between the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE.
- Historians and ideologists regard the Sangam period as the ‘classical age’ of the Tamils, comparable to the age of the classics in Greece and Rome and to that of the Renaissance in Europe.
- The term ‘Sangam’ literally means ‘confluence’. In the context of early South Indian history, this term can be rendered into English as an assembly, a college, or an academy of learned people, held under the patronage of the Pandyan kings, who were great lovers of literature and the fine arts.
- According to Tamil legends, there existed three Sangams (Academy of Tamil poets) in ancient Tamil Nadu, popularly called Muchchangam. The third Sangam at Madurai was founded by Mudathirumaran, and it was attended by a large number of poets who produced voluminous literature, but only a few works have survived.
Sangam Literature
- The Sangam works contain mines of information for the study of the early history of Tamilakam. They reflect a matter of great historical importance. Here are some facts about Sangam Literature.
- Tolkappiyam, a treatise on Tamil grammar and poetics, composed probably during the second Sangam, is the oldest extant literary work in Tamil.
- Modern scholarship uses the term ‘Sangam Literature’ for only those works in verse (prose is of much later origin), which are comprised in the Ettutogai (Eight collections), Pattupattu (Ten songs), and Patinenkilkanakku (The Eighteen Minor Works), which are judged to have been produced in that order during the period AD 150-250.
- The Ettutogai or Eight Anthologies consists of eight works: Aingurunooru, Narrinai, Aganaooru, Purananooru, Kuruntogai, Kalittogai, Paripadal, and Padirruppattu.
- The Pattuppattu or Ten Idylls consist of ten works: Thirumurugarruppadai, Porunararruppadai, Sirupanarruppadai, Perumpanarruppadai, Mullaippattu, Nedunalvadai, Maduraikkanji, Kurinjippatttu, Pattinappalai, and Malaipadukadam.
- Pathinenkilkanakku contains eighteen works mostly dealing with ethics and morals. The most important among them is Tirukkural authored by Thiruvalluvar.
- The so-called ‘Five Epics’ (‘the five great poems’) include Jivakachintamani, Silappadikaram, Manimekalai, Valayapathi, and Kundalakesi.
- Ilango Adigal was the author of Silappadikaram.
- Manimekalai was written by Sathanar mainly to propound the Buddhist doctrine among Tamils.
- These poetical works describe the social, religious, economic, and political conditions of Tamilakam with a focus on cities like Madurai, Puhar (Poompuhar/ Kaveripattinam), and Vanji (Karur).
- Also, the ‘Eighteen Minor Works’ include ethical and didactic literature. The didactic literature, which includes the world-famous Tirukkural is mostly in stanza form.
Political History
During the Sangam Age, the Tamil country was ruled by three dynasties: Chera, Chola, and Pandya. The literary references trace the political history of these dynasties.
Cheras
- The Cheras ruled over parts of modern Kerala.
- Their capital was Vanji, and their important seaports were Tondi and Musiri.
- Cheran Senguttuvan belonged to the 2nd century A.D. His younger brother was Elango Adigal, the author of Silappathigaram.
Cholas
- The Chola kingdom of the Sangam period extended from the modern Tiruchi district to southern Andhra Pradesh.
- Their capital was first located at Uraiyur and then shifted to Puhar.
Pandyas
- The Pandyas ruled over the present-day southern Tamil Nadu. Their capital was Madurai.
- Maduraikkanji written by Mangudi Maruthanar describes the socioeconomic condition of the Pandya country, including the flourishing seaport of Korkai.
- The Pandyan rule during the Sangam Age began to decline due to the invasion of the Kalabhras.
Minor Chieftains
- The minor chieftains played a significant role in the Sangam period.
- Although they were subordinate to the Chera, Chola, and Pandya rulers, they were powerful and popular in their respective regions.
Sangam Polity
- Hereditary monarchy was the form of government during the Sangam period.
- The king had to take the advice of his minister, court-poet, and the imperial court or avai.
- Each of the Sangam dynasties had a royal emblem, such as a carp for the Pandyas, a tiger for the Cholas, and a bow for the Cheras.
- The imperial court or Avai was attended by several chiefs and officials.
- The king was assisted by a large body of officials who were divided into five councils, namely ministers (Samachar), priests (anthanar), military commanders (Senapati), envoys (author), and spies (orrar).
- The policies of the king were controlled by a system of checks and balances in the councils.
- The military administration was also efficiently organized during the Sangam Age.
- Land revenue was the chief source of the state’s income, and customs duty was imposed on foreign trade.
- The Pattinappalai refers to the customs officials employed in the seaport of Puhar.
- Roads and highways were well maintained and guarded night and day to prevent robbery and smuggling.
- Tolkappiyam refers to the two types of councils – Aimperunkulu and Enperayam.
- The Aimperunkulu or the council of five members was the council of the ministers.
- The Enperayam or the great assembly (perayam) consisted of eight members (government officers).
- The military administration was efficiently organized during the Sangam Age.
Sangam Society
- Tolkappiyam refers to the fivefold division of lands.
- Tolkappiyam also refers to four castes, namely Arasar (ruling class), Anthanars (significant role in Sangam polity and religion), Vanigars (carried on trade and commerce), and Vellalas (agriculturists).
- Other tribal groups like Parathavar, Panar, Eyinar, Kadambar, Maravar, and Pulaiyar were also found in the Sangam society.
- Ancient primitive tribes like Thodas, Irulas, Nagas, and Vedars lived in this period.
Religion
- The primary deity of the Sangam period was Seyon or Murugan, hailed as the Tamil God.
- Other gods worshipped during the Sangam period were Mayon (Vishnu), Vendan (Indiran), Varunan, and Korravai.
- Festivals relating to God Murugan were mentioned in Sangam literature.
- Hero Stone or Nadu Kal worship was significant, erected in memory of warrior bravery.
Position of Women
- Women poets like Avvaiyar, Nachchellaiyar, and Kakkaipadiniyar flourished in the Sangam period.
- Women’s courage was appreciated in many poems.
- Karpu or Chaste life was considered the highest virtue of women.
- Love marriage was common practice and women were allowed to choose their life partners.
- Life of widows was miserable and the practice of Sati was prevalent in higher strata of society.
- The class of dancers was patronized by kings and nobles.
Fine Arts
- Poetry, music, and dancing were popular among people of Sangam age.
- Liberal donations were given to poets by kings, chieftains, and nobles.
- Royal courts were crowded with singing bards called Panar and Viraliyar, experts in folk songs and folk dances.
- The arts of music and dancing were highly developed.
- A variety of Yazhs and drums are referred to in Sangam literature.
- Dancing performed by Kanigaiyar.
- Koothu was the most popular entertainment of the people.
Economy of the Sangam Age
- Agriculture was the chief occupation with rice as a common crop.
- Ragi, Sugarcane, Cotton, Pepper, Ginger, Turmeric, Cinnamon, and a variety of fruits were other crops.
- Handicrafts of the Sangam period were popular, including weaving, metal works and carpentry, shipbuilding, and making of ornaments using beads, stones, and ivory.
- The great demand for products as internal and external trade was at peak during the Sangam period
- The spinning and weaving of cotton and silk clothes attained high quality.
- Both internal and foreign trade were well organized and briskly carried on in the Sangam age.
- Merchants carried goods on carts and animal backs, and internal trade was mostly based on the barter system.
- External trade was carried between South India and Greek kingdoms, and after the ascendancy of the Roman Empire, Roman trade assumed importance.
- The Port city of Puhar became an emporium of foreign trade, with other ports of commercial activity including Tondi, Musiri, Korkai, Arikkamedu, and Marakkanam.
- Main exports were Cotton, Fabrics, Spices like Pepper, Ginger, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Ivory products, Pearls, and precious stones.
- Chief imports were Gold, horses, and sweet wine.
Analysis of the Sangam Age
- Sangam polity is characterized by patriarchal and patrimonial systems, with an administrative staff system and various offices directly controlled by rulers.
- Social inequalities with the dominance of Brahmanas but acute class distinction lacking in the Sangam age.
- Agriculture backbone of the Sangam economy, with trading activities and relations with the Mediterranean World enriching the economy.
- Foreign elements influenced the socio-economic and cultural life of people.
- Beliefs and customs suggest the complex nature of the Sangam religion, with both animism and idol worship followed.
End of the Sangam Age
- Toward the end of the third century A.D., the Sangam period slowly witnessed a decline.
- Kalabhras occupied Tamil country for about two and a half centuries, with little information about their rule.
- Jainism and Buddhism became prominent during this period.
- Later, Pallavas in northern Tamil Nadu and Pandyas in southern Tamil Nadu drove Kalabhras out.
FAQs on Sangam Age
1. What is the Sangam Age in Indian history?
A: The Sangam Age refers to a significant period in the history of ancient South India, particularly in the Tamil-speaking regions. It is characterized by the flourishing of Tamil literature, culture, and social development.
2. When did the Sangam Age occur?
A: The Sangam Age is believed to have taken place between 3rd century BCE and 3rd century CE. It is divided into three distinct Sangam periods: the Early Sangam, Middle Sangam, and Later Sangam.
3. What is Sangam literature, and why is it important?
A: Sangam literature consists of classical Tamil poetry and literary works composed by various poets during this era. It provides invaluable insights into the social, political, and cultural aspects of ancient South India, making it a crucial source for historians and scholars.
4. Who were the Sangam poets, and what themes did they explore in their writings?
A: The Sangam poets were highly regarded individuals who composed poems that covered a wide range of themes, including love, war, nature, ethics, and governance. Notable Sangam poets include Avvaiyar, Kapilar, and Thiruvalluvar.
5. What are some key achievements of the Sangam Age?
A: During the Sangam Age, there were advancements in trade, agriculture, and urbanization. The period also witnessed the development of an organized literary society, which fostered the growth of Tamil poetry and language. The poets celebrated the virtues of the Tamil people and their cultural identity, which continues to influence South Indian culture and literature to this day.
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