The Sangam Age stands as a beacon of cultural and literary brilliance in the annals of Indian history, particularly in the southern region of the subcontinent. Amidst the lush tapestry of ancient India, this era, roughly spanning from 300 BCE to 300 CE, witnessed the flourishing of art, literature, and political dynamism in the Tamil-speaking lands. The History of South India during this epoch is intricately interwoven with the vibrant narratives of the Sangam Age, marked by the illustrious Sangam literature, thriving maritime trade, and the emergence of powerful dynasties. As aspirants delve into the depths of UPSC Prelims Topic Wise Questions concerning Ancient History, an exploration of the Sangam Age and the broader historical context of South India promises insights into the rich tapestry of India’s past, illuminating its cultural diversity and historical legacy.
Q1. The Ashokan major rock edicts which tell us about the Sangama kingdom include rock edicts Bybel (1997)
(a) I and X
(b) I and XI
(c) II and XIII
(d) II and XIV
Ans. (c)
The II and XIII Ashokan major rock edicts shed light on the Sangama kingdom. Specifically, they mention the southern kingdoms of Chola, Pandya, Satyaputra, Keralaputra, and Tambapanni. In addition, the I major rock edict addresses the prohibition of animal sacrifice.
Furthermore, the X major rock edict critiques the pursuit of individual fame and glory, emphasizing the importance of Dhamma. The XI major rock edict advocates for Dhamma alongside values like respect for elders and consideration for slaves and servants.
Lastly, the XIV major rock edict elaborates on the purpose of these rock edicts, providing insight into their intended function.
Q2. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists. (1997)
List I List II
A. Gupta 1. Badami
B. Chandela 2. Panamalai
C. Chalukya 3. Khajuraho
D. Pallava 4. Deogarh
Codes
(ABCD
a) 4 3 1 2
(b) 4 2 3 1
(c) 2 3 4 1
(d) 3 4 1 2
Ans. (a)
The accurate pairing is as follows: A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2. Deogarh holds its association with the Gupta empire and is renowned for its Gupta monuments. Its archaeological and epigraphical significance is deeply tied to the Gupta era. Khajuraho served as the capital city of the Chandela dynasty, renowned for the iconic Khajuraho temples constructed by Chandela rulers. The Chandela dynasty reigned over the Bundelkhand region in central India. Badami functioned as the capital of the Chalukyas, a dynasty established by Pulakeshin I. Panamalai is linked to the Pallava dynasty and is recognized for its array of ancient structural temples constructed during the Pallava era.
Q3. Which one of the following was a corporation of merchants in ancient India? (1997)
(a) Chaturvedimangalam
(b) Parishad
(c) Ashtadiggaja W
(d) Manigrama
Ans. (d)
In ancient India, Manigrama stood as a prominent corporation of merchants, wielding significant influence as a formidable guild of South Indian traders during the reign of the western Chalukyan rulers from the 10th to the 12th century AD. Its impact reverberated throughout the region, as it took center stage in driving the commercial endeavors of the era.
Q4. Assertion (A) The Aham and Puram poems of the Padinen Kilukanakku group formed a continuation of the Sangam composition. (2000)
Reason (R) They were included under the post-Sangam works as against the Sangam works proper.
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true
Ans. (a)
Both A and R are true, with R providing the correct explanation for A. The Aham and Puram poems found within the Padinen Kilukanakku group represent a continuation of the Sangam composition. Sangam literature, an early classical Tamil literature, predominantly features two poetic schools: Aham, focusing on subjective love themes, and Puram, centering on objective, public, and heroic subjects.
The Aham and Puram poems, however, emerged during the Post-Sangam period, specifically composed between 200 BC to 100 BC, marking them as the oldest surviving Tamil poetry. Consequently, they are classified under Post-Sangam works rather than being categorized as part of the Sangam works proper.
Q5. Which one of the Chola kings conquered Ceylon? (2001)
(a) Aditya-I
(b) Rajaraja-I
(c) Rajendra
(d) Vijayalaya
Ans. (b)
In 933 AD, the reign of Chola dominance over Sri Lanka commenced with the conquest led by Rajaraja Chola I. Commanding a formidable army, he vanquished the Anuradhapura kingdom in the north, annexing it into the Chola empire. Rajaraja Chola I’s sovereignty endured from 985 AD to 1014 AD.
Q6. Who among the following laid the foundation of the Rashtrakuta empire? (2006)
(a) Amostghavarsha I
(b) Dantidurga K
(c) Dhruvada
(d) Krishna I
Ans. (b)
Dantidurga, also known as Dantivarman, established the Rashtrakuta empire with its capital situated in the Gulbarga region of Karnataka. His reign, spanning from 735 AD to 756 AD, marked the inception of this influential dynasty.
Amonstghavarsha I, regarded as the pinnacle of Rashtrakuta rule, governed from 814 AD to 878 AD, boasting a remarkable 64-year reign, one of the most extended periods of precisely dated monarchical rule in history. Dhruva, ruling from 780 AD to 793 AD, oversaw the expansion of the Rashtrakuta realm into a formidable pan-Indian empire.
Krishna-I succeeded Dantidurga, reigning from 756 AD to 774 AD. During his rule, he extended patronage to renowned Jain logician Akalanka Bhatta, the esteemed author of Rajavartika.
Q7. In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs. (2016)
Terms Descriptions
1. Eripatti Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank
2. Taniyurs Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins
3. Ghatikas Colleges generally attached to the temples
Which of the pair(s) given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3
Ans. (d)
Pairs (1) and (3) accurately reflect facets of India’s history. Eripatti served as a reservoir for water tanks, funded by private donations, with proceeds earmarked for maintaining village irrigation systems, underscoring the importance of these tanks in sustaining agricultural activities. Ghatikas, renowned centers of education in South India, such as the esteemed one in Kanchi, attracted students from diverse regions, operating within temple precincts.
However, Pair 2 is inaccurate. The Cholas implemented revenue units termed ‘Taniyur’ derived from larger land grants known as Brahmadeya, reserved for Brahmins.
Q8. Which one of the following was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom? (2017)
(a) Kakinada
(b) Motupalli
(c) Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam)
(d) Nelluru
Ans. (b)
Motupalli held significant importance as a bustling sea port within the Kakatiya kingdom. The Motupalli inscription, authorized by King Ganapati during the mid-13th century, delineates the tariffs imposed on various commodities, encompassing exotic fragrances like sandalwood and civet, aromatic camphor, delicate rose water, prized ivory, lustrous pearls, vibrant coral, an array of metals including copper, zinc, and lead, luxurious silk, piquant pepper, and betel nuts. This comprehensive list offers insights into the opulent goods that traversed through Motupalli port, facilitating trade both within coastal regions of India and with foreign territories.
Q9. Consider the following events in the history of India. (2020)
1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja.
2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman I.
3. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka Chola I.
4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala.
What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?
(a) 2-1-4-3
(b) 3-1-4-2
(c) 2-4-1-3
(d) 3-4-1-2
Ans. (a)
The correct chronological order is 2-1-4-3.
The Pallava dynasty, which flourished from 275 CE to 897 CE in South India, saw its zenith under Mahendravarman I (600-630 CE), who notably embellished the dynasty’s legacy by erecting exquisite monuments at Mamallapuram.
Gopala (750-770 CE) marked the genesis of the Pala dynasty in the eastern part of India. His notable contribution includes the establishment of the Odantpuri Mahavihara.
Parantaka Chola I (907-955 CE) governed the Chola kingdom in Tamil Nadu for an impressive span of forty-eight years, during which he expanded his realm by triumphing over Pandya rulers.
The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, dominant across North and Western India from the mid-8th to the 11th century, initially held sway at Ujjain before shifting their capital to Kannauj. This dynasty reached its pinnacle under the rule of its renowned sovereign, Bhoja (836-885 CE).
Q10. Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct? (2022)
(a) Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture.
(b) The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.
(c) Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethic.
(d) Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational.
Ans. (b)
Statement (b) accurately characterizes Sangam literature in ancient South India. Over a span of six centuries, from approximately 300 BC to 300 AD, Tamil authors from a wide array of social strata contributed to the corpus of poems known as Sangam literature. These writings stand out amidst early Indian literature, which predominantly revolves around religious themes. What distinguishes Sangam literature is its diverse authorship, encompassing individuals from varying backgrounds including princes, chieftains, peasants, merchants, artisans like potters, smiths, and carpenters, as well as members of religious communities such as Brahmins, Jainas, and Buddhists. This diversity of authorship serves as evidence that the social stratification of Varna was recognized by the Sangam poets.
Q11. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as (2023)
(a) capital cities
(b) ports
(c) centres of iron-and-steel making
(d) shrines of Jain Tirthankaras
Ans. (b)
During ancient times, Korkai, Poompuhar, and Muchiri stood as renowned ports in South India. Puhar, famously known as Kaveripoompattinam, served as the primary port for the Chola dynasty, while Korkai held significance as the major port for the Pandya kingdom. Tondi and Muchiri, on the other hand, played pivotal roles as significant ports within the Chera kingdom.
Q12. Which one of the following explains the practice of Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems? (2023)
(a) Kings employing women bodyguards.
(b) Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters.
(c) Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals.
(d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death.
Ans. (d)
Explanation (d) elucidates the ritual known as ‘Vattakirutal’ depicted in Sangam poems. This ritual involved a defeated king choosing to end his life through starvation, often joined by his closest companions. Sangam Literature recounts an example of a Chera king partaking in such a Vattakirutal.
FAQs
Q: What is the Sangam Age, and why is it significant in Indian history?
The Sangam Age refers to the period in ancient South India, roughly between 300 BCE to 300 CE. It is significant for its flourishing Tamil literature, particularly the Sangam literature, which provides valuable insights into the socio-political, economic, and cultural aspects of ancient Tamil society. This era witnessed the patronage of literature by the Tamil kings, the emergence of powerful Tamil kingdoms, and trade with various regions including Rome and Southeast Asia.
Q: Who were the major dynasties that ruled South India during the Sangam Age?
The major dynasties that ruled South India during the Sangam Age include the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas. These three dynasties are often referred to as the Tamilakam kingdoms. They competed for supremacy in the region and contributed significantly to the cultural and economic development of South India during this period.
Q: What were the economic activities prevalent during the Sangam Age?
The economy during the Sangam Age was primarily agrarian, with agriculture being the main occupation of the people. The fertile river valleys of the region facilitated the cultivation of crops such as rice, millet, sugarcane, and cotton. Apart from agriculture, trade played a crucial role, both inland and maritime. Ports like Kaveripattinam and Arikamedu were vital centers of trade, connecting South India with the Roman Empire and Southeast Asia.
Q: What were the social and cultural developments during the Sangam Age?
Socially, the Sangam Age society was stratified, with a well-defined caste system. The society was also characterized by the presence of guilds or trade associations known as ‘Nakarattars’. Culturally, this period witnessed the flourishing of literature, art, and architecture. The Sangam literature, composed by poets known as Sangam poets, celebrated love, war, and nature. Temples and rock-cut caves were constructed, showcasing the architectural prowess of the time.
Q: What were the significant contributions of the Sangam literature to Indian heritage?
The Sangam literature is a treasure trove of Tamil poetry and is one of the oldest bodies of secular literature in India. It provides valuable insights into the lives of the people, their beliefs, customs, and the socio-political landscape of ancient South India. The literature also reflects the cosmopolitan nature of the region, with references to trade contacts with Rome and Southeast Asia. Additionally, it played a crucial role in shaping the Tamil identity and fostering a sense of pride among the Tamil people.
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