Sangam Age


  • Sangam Age - Between the 3rd century B.C. and 3rd century A.D in South India (the area lying to the south of river Krishna and Tungabhadra) 
  • The term "Sangam" refers to the assemblies or gatherings of poets and scholars that took place during this time

Sangam Place Comments
First Sangam Madurai Attended by gods and sages
Second Sangam Kapadapuram Only Tolkappiyam survives
Third Sangam Madurai Few Tamil literary works have survived

  • The primary deity of the Sangam period was Murugan
  • Agriculture was the chief occupation where rice was the most common crop
South India, during the Sangam Age, was ruled by three dynasties - the Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas.

Dynasty Capital Port Emblem Flag
Chola Uraiyur, Thanjavur Puhar (Kaveripattinam) Tiger Chola Flag
Chera Vanji (Karur) Musiri, Tondi Bow and Arrow Chera Flag
Pandya Madurai Korkai Fish (usually twin fish) Pandya Flag

Cholas

  • Famous King - Karikala Chola
  • He built the Kallanai dam across Kaveri river
  • Battle of Venni - Karikala Chola defeated Cheras and Pandyas
Cheras
  • The Pugalur inscription of the 1st century AD has reference to three generations of Chera rulers
  • The greatest ruler of Cheras was Senguttuvan, the Red Chera or the Good Chera
  • His military achievements have been chronicled in epic Silapathikaram
  • He introduced Pattini cult or the worship of Kannagi as the ideal wife in Tamil Nadu

Sangam Literature

  • Silapathikaram - Written by Ilango Adikal
  • Manimekalai - Writtem by Chithalai Satthanar
  • Tolkappiyam
    • Tolkappiyam refers to the Five-fold division of lands:
      • Kurinji (hilly tracks)
      • Mullai (pastoral)
      • Marudam (agricultural)
      • Neydal (coastal)
      • Palai (desert)
    • Tolkappiyam also refers to four castes:
      • Arasar (Ruling Class)
      • Anthanar (Priests)
      • Vanigar (Merchants) 
      • Vellalar (Agriculturists)
  • Ettutogai
  • Pathupattu
  • Pathinetkikanaku


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