The Sangam Age

[sivaharimani]

The Sangam Age

The Sangam age is one of the greatest period of tamil Nadu chronology.It might have been produced in the first 3 centuries of the christian era.
Sangam Literature
--> The most available tamil Work is Tolkappiyam--A work on phonotics and cleary established grammer of Tamil language
--> Ettuthogai(eight Anthologies)
-->Pathupattu(ten Idylls)
-->Pathinenkil kanaku(18 ways of civilisation)(this is a post sangam work.
-->Twin epics
1.Sillapadikaram( talks about ancient madurai city and Metopher on Womens)
2.Manimekali( literature attached with sillapadikaram) talks about Budism and hindusm

Kings during Sangam age
1.the cheras - cheran senguttuvan
2.the cholas - karikalan
3.the pandiyas - Illapervaludi(meaning of name- a person of young and brave)
4. kurunila mannarkal(7 chieftains) were the subordinate kings to the chera, chola, pandiyas. also known as Kadaiyelu vallalkal.
kingship
1.king is center of administration
2.he had seperate identical flag and tree
3.if any knig fell down the tree, it simbolises he wants to had war with that king.
4.more importance to the local govts,ie., decentralised form of governance.
5.there were charismatic, traditional and democratic form of govt.
revenue
1.main source of income was tax
2.1/6 th of procuts of land was collected as tax.
3.there was tax excemption also.
4.tributes and court fees were also the sources.
Infrawstructure
1.main infrawstructure was to tanks and canals
2.cosiderable amount was to education, literature
3.plenty of revenue expended to roads, hospitals and defence
Division of land
the land was divided into 5 types for easy administration.,viz.,
1.kurinji - hills and forest(hunting place)
2.mullai - pastures and lands(cattle breading place)
3.marudam - field and plantation(plough cultivation)
4.niethal - seashore(fishing)
5.palai - dry lands(plunder warfare)

[vinodhcr]

good mani.. very precise info abt Sangam Age. Are u preparing for history let me know...

[vinodhcr]

Let me add some more spice to it.

Sangam Poems falls into two categories: the 'inner field' (Agam — அகம்), and the 'outer field'(Puram — புறம்) as described even in the first available Tamil grammar, the Tolkappiyam.
The 'inner field' topics refer to personal or human aspects, such as love and sexual relationships, and are dealt with in a metaphorical and abstract manner. The 'outer field' topics discuss all other aspects of human experience such as heroism, valour, ethics, benevolence, philanthropy, social life, and customs.
The division into akam and puram is not rigid, but depends upon the interpretation used in a specific context.

[sivaharimani]

good mani.. very precise info abt Sangam Age. Are u preparing for history let me know...

Hai vinodh,
Thank you for your valuable points. I wanted to give those informations about Agam and puram seperately because these are some psychological materials of tamil lit. It needs some analysis.
I am not preparing for history. I am preparing for history Gs mains. And also for Group1.

sivaharimani

[sivaharimani]

Sangam Age in brief
The Sangam Age in India witnessed the rapid development of literary works in the southern regions. The literature that was created during this time came to be known as Sangam literature. The great poets, writers, etc. of this age have left behind invaluable accounts of brilliant literature that continue to enthrall historians and scholars. The earliest literary work dates back to 200 B.C.

The word Sangam has most likely been derived from the Indo-Aryan word Sangha, which means an assembly. This word was usually used for Buddhist and Jain monks. Roughly around 470 C.E an academy called Dravida Sangha was established by a Jain called Vajranandi. The members of this academy had much interest in literature and Tamil language. In early Sangam age poems, one finds the mention of Jain cosmology and mythology.

During the Sangam Age, the three empires that ruled the South of India were that of Pandyas, Cholas and Cheras. Though there were constant wars among the different kings for dominion of states and territory, they were all promoters of literature and other classical literary works. Under their rule, Indian art and culture flourished like anything. The early Sangam literature mentions the kingdom of the Pandyas. It is said that the kingdom became insignificant before emerging again during the 6th Century.

With the rise of the Chola dynasty, the dynasty of Pandyas again declined. They were in constant conflict with the Cholas and fought for their part of territory. However, the Pandyas found reliable allies in the form of the Cheras and the Sinhalese and left no opportunity to disturb the Cholas with them. By the late 13th Century, the Pandyas were able to revive their position and gain back heir lost territories and riches.

One of the earliest written scriptures in Tamil grammar is known as Tolkappiyam. Another work known as Ettutogai or Eight Anthologies is considered to be a fantastic product of the Sangam Age. Many poems were composed during this age and some of the famous ones are Manimekhalai, Shilpathikaram, Akananuru, Purananuru, etc. These poems speak about the political, social, cultural and traditional aspects of life during the Sangam age. Some poems also mention the fact that the Cheras formed a vital trading center with Rome. Some of the great poets who deserve a mention are Avvaiyar, Kapilar, Mamulanar, Paramer, Gautamanar, etc.

[RagnaRock]

nice information..