The Sangam Age (circa 3rd century B.C. to 3rd century A.D.) refers to the period in ancient Tamil Nadu when Tamil literature was composed in assemblies of poets called Sangams. This era is significant for its political developments, flourishing literature, and insights into the social and cultural life of the people of South India.
Table of Contents
Sources
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Sangam literature: works like Ettuthogai (Eight Anthologies) and Pathupattu (Ten Idylls).
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Epics: Silappadikaram and Manimekalai.
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Tamil grammar work: Tolkappiyam (oldest).
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Accounts of foreign travelers such as Pliny, Ptolemy, and Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.
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Archaeological evidence: urn burials, megalithic monuments, and Roman coins found in Tamil Nadu.
Brief History of Kingdoms
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Chera Kingdom:
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Ruled over modern Kerala and parts of western Tamil Nadu.
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Capital: Vanji (Karur).
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Famous rulers: Senguttuvan (Red Chera) who promoted trade with Rome and introduced the Pattini cult.
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Chola Kingdom:
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Ruled over the Kaveri delta region.
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Capital: Urayur, later Puhar (Kaveripattinam).
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Famous rulers: Karikala Chola, known for military victories and constructing embankments along the Kaveri.
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Pandya Kingdom:
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Ruled over southern Tamil Nadu with Madurai as capital.
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Famous for patronizing poets and supporting Sangam literature.
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Minor chieftains known as Velir also played important roles in politics and literature.
Social Life
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Society was divided into five eco-regions (Tinai): Kurinji (hills), Mullai (forests), Marutam (plains), Neythal (coast), Palai (desert), each with distinct occupations and lifestyles.
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Varna system was absent; instead, society was based on profession and clans.
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Women enjoyed a respectable position, with poets like Avvaiyar becoming famous.
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Warfare and heroism were glorified; fallen heroes were commemorated with nadukal (hero stones).
Religious Life
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Worship of Murugan, Korravai (goddess of victory), Varunan (god of the sea), and Mayon (Vishnu).
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Hero worship and nature worship were common.
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Later, Jainism and Buddhism also spread into Tamil Nadu through trade contacts.
Economic Life
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Predominantly agricultural economy, with fertile lands in the Kaveri delta producing rice.
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Pastoral activities included cattle rearing.
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Extensive trade:
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Inland trade with northern India.
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Overseas trade with Rome, Southeast Asia, and Sri Lanka.
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Roman coins, amphorae, and pottery found in Tamil Nadu.
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Ports like Puhar, Korkai, and Muziris flourished as international trade centers.
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Handicrafts: weaving, bead-making, and metalwork were highly developed.
Key Takeaway
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The Sangam Age was a golden period of Tamil culture, marked by political organization under Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas, rich literature, and flourishing trade.
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Society was relatively egalitarian, with women enjoying status and participation in cultural life.
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The period laid the foundation for the cultural identity of Tamil Nadu, blending heroic traditions, vibrant literature, and economic prosperity.