Sangam Age / South Indian Kingdoms
Delhi Police Exam History Section
Sangam Age – Introduction
The Sangam Age refers to the period of history in South India (mainly Tamil region) when Tamil literature called "Sangam Literature" was composed.
Time Period: approx. 300 BCE – 300 CE
"Sangam" means assembly – where poets & scholars met and composed literary works
3 Sangams were held at Madurai. (Traditional belief)
Major Sources of Sangam Age
| Sources | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sangam Literature | Ettuthokai, Pathupattu, Tolkappiyam |
| Archaeology | Keeladi Excavations (Tamil Nadu) |
| Foreign Accounts | Megasthenes, Pliny, Ptolemy |
| Tamil Epics | Silappadikaram, Manimekalai |
Political Structure
South India was divided mainly into 3 powerful kingdoms:
| Kingdom | Capital | Famous Kings |
|---|---|---|
| Cholas | Puhar/Kaveripattanam | Karikala Chola |
| Cheras | Vanji | Senguttuvan |
| Pandyas | Madurai | Nedunchezhiyan |
Other smaller chieftains → Velir rulers.
Economic Life
Agriculture was main occupation – Paddy cultivation common
Trade was very advanced – both Inland and Foreign Trade
Roman Trade was very important (lots of Roman coins found)
Ports: Muziris (Kerala), Korkai (Tamil Nadu)
Gold, Spices, Pearls, Pepper were exported
Society
Society was largely secular & materialistic
Women enjoyed relatively good status
Caste system existed but not rigid
Tinni (heroes stone) tradition → stones erected for soldiers who died in war
Religion & Culture
Nature worship, Hero worship, Murugan worship
Later: Brahmanism spread gradually
Very rich literature tradition
Epic Silappadikaram by Ilango Adigal explains Kannagi story, injustice, morality
South Indian Temple Architecture (Early Beginnings)
Sangam age gave foundation for later Dravidian Temple Architecture (fully developed under Pallavas, Cholas etc. later)
Example later temples inspired: Shore Temple (Pallava), Brihadeshwara Temple (Chola)
QUICK RECAP (in 5 bullets)
Sangam Age = 300 BCE – 300 CE, 3 Sangams at Madurai
3 main kingdoms: Chola, Chera, Pandya
Economy strong due to Roman trade + agriculture + ports like Muziris
Hero stone tradition + secular society + women had good status
Literature like Silappadikaram + Tolkappiyam are major cultural sources
Sample Questions (Practice MCQs)
Which was the capital of the Chola kingdom during Sangam Age?
Options: (a) Madurai (b) Vanji (c) Puhar (d) Korkai
View Answer
C. Puhar
Which port of Sangam Age was famous for Roman trade?
Options: (a) Korkai (b) Muziris (c) Lothal (d) Sopara
View Answer
B. Muziris
Sangam literature belongs to which region?
Options: (a) Bengal (b) Tamil region (c) Rajasthan (d) Odisha
View Answer
B. Tamil region
Previous Year Type Questions
Sangam Literature belongs to which ancient civilisation period?
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
Sangam Age (300 BCE - 300 CE) of South Indian Tamil civilisation
Name major South Indian kingdoms mentioned in Sangam literature
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
Cholas (capital: Puhar), Cheras (capital: Vanji), Pandyas (capital: Madurai)
Which foreign power had major trade contact with Sangam India?
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
Roman Empire - extensive trade through ports like Muziris
You've completed Sangam Age Concepts!
Courage Tip: Focus on memorizing the three main kingdoms (Chola, Chera, Pandya) with their capitals and famous rulers. Remember that Roman trade was crucial for the Sangam economy, with Muziris being the most important port. The Sangam literature provides valuable insights into early South Indian society, culture, and administration. These aspects are frequently tested in competitive exams.
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