Sangam Age: The Golden Age of Ancient Tamilakam

Comprehensive guide for UPSC Civil Services Examination preparation

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Sangam Age (300 BCE - 300 CE) refers to the period in ancient South India (Tamilakam) marked by the composition of Sangam literature and the flourishing of Tamil culture. It represents the earliest phase of South Indian history and is considered the golden age of Tamil literature and culture.

Quick Facts

Sources of Sangam Age

Our knowledge about the Sangam Age comes from various sources:

Literary Sources:

Archaeological Sources:

Three Sangam Periods

According to Tamil tradition, three Sangams (academies of poets and scholars) flourished:

Sangam Duration Location Key Works Surviving Works
First Sangam Mythical Madurai (then submerged) Agattiyam, etc. None survived
Second Sangam Ancient times Kapadapuram Tolkappiyam, etc. Tolkappiyam survives
Third Sangam 300 BCE - 300 CE Madurai Ettutogai, Pattupattu, etc. Most works survive

UPSC Note: Historical Significance

The Third Sangam period is historically significant as it corresponds to the Sangam Age proper (300 BCE - 300 CE). The literature from this period provides authentic information about the contemporary society, polity and economy.

Three Kingdoms

The political history of the Sangam Age revolves around three major kingdoms and several minor chieftaincies:

1. Cheras (Keralaputras)

2. Cholas

3. Pandyas

Minor Chieftains:

Administration

The Sangam kingdoms had well-organized administrative systems:

Monarchical System:

Officials:

Local Administration:

Revenue:

Economy

The Sangam economy was diverse with agriculture, crafts and trade:

Agriculture:

Industries:

Trade:

Society

Sangam society was well-structured but different from the contemporary north Indian society:

Social Classes:

Position of Women:

Customs and Practices:

Sangam Literature

Sangam literature is classified into two main categories:

1. Ettutogai (Eight Anthologies):

Work Theme Significance
Ainkurunuru Love 500 short poems by 5 poets
Akananuru Love 400 poems on various aspects of love
Purananuru Heroism 400 poems on war, kings, morality
Kalittogai Love 150 poems with unique meter
Kuruntogai Love 400 short poems
Natrinai Love 400 poems on different landscapes
Paripadal Religious 70 poems on gods, mainly Vishnu
Pathitrupathu Heroism 100 poems on Chera kings

2. Pattupattu (Ten Idylls):

UPSC Note: Importance of Sangam Literature

Sangam literature is invaluable because:

Religion

Sangam period witnessed diverse religious practices:

Indigenous Cults:

Brahmanical Hinduism:

Jainism and Buddhism:

Foreign Trade

Sangam Age witnessed extensive foreign trade:

Major Trading Partners:

Important Ports:

Trade Goods:

Roman Trade Evidence

Roman coins (aurei and denarii) found in large numbers at:

Periplus mentions Indian exports to Rome worth 50 million sesterces annually.

Decline

The Sangam Age declined around 300 CE due to:

UPSC Previous Year Questions

Prelims Questions:

  1. Which of the following ports was known as 'Muziris' in ancient Tamilakam? (2021)
    1. Korkai
    2. Puhar
    3. Muchiri
    4. Tondi
  2. The Sangam text 'Pattinappalai' primarily describes which ancient Tamil city? (2019)
    1. Madurai
    2. Kaveripattinam
    3. Vanji
    4. Uraiyur

Mains Questions: