In South India (the area lying south of the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers), the Sangam Period lasted roughly between the 3rd century BC and the 3rd century AD. Under the patronage of the Pandya kings of Madurai, the Sangam academies flourished at that time. During the sangams, eminent scholars gathered as a panel of censors, and anthologies of the best literature were published. Dravidian literature originated during these times.

  • Tamil legend claims three Sangams (academies of Tamil poets) took place throughout ancient south India, popularly known as Muchchangam.
  • In Madurai, the first Sangam is believed to have been held, which was attended by the gods and legendary sages. This Sangam has no published literary works.
  • Only Tolkappiyam has survived from this second Sangam, held at Kapadapuram.
  • The Third Sangam also took place in Madurai. Some Tamil literary works from the Sangam era have survived, and these can be useful sources for reconstructing the period’s history.

Sangam literature

Sangam literature is rightly regarded as being part of the Augustan age of Tamil literature because it blends idealism with realism, classical grace with indigenous industry and strength. It covers topics related to government, war, charities, trade, worship, agriculture, etc. There were three major dynasties in South India during the Sangam Age: the Cheras, the Cholas, and the Pandyas. Literature of the Sangam Period is the primary source of information regarding the kingdoms of these times. There are a few outstanding poets and thinkers from the Sangam age, including Tolkappiyar, Tiruvalluvar, Llango Adigal, Sittalai Sattanar, Nakkirar, Kapilar, Paranar, Auvaiyar, Mangudi Marudanar, and others. It includes the earliest Tamil works of literature (such as the Tolkappiyam), the ten poems (Pattupattu), the eight collections of short stories (Ettutogai), the eighteen miniatures (Padinenkilkanakku), and the three epics. These works are distinguished by their absolute adherence to literary conventions and their adherence to standards.

Middle Sangam Period

This legendary period, sometimes referred to as the Middle Sangam Period or the Second Academy, was thought to be the greatest of all the Tamil Sangams. There were 59 members in this Sangam, and 1700 poets participated during its 3700-year existence. A total of 59 Pandiyan kings, from Vendercceliyan down to Mudattirumaran, ruled during this time period. In the Iraiyanar Kalaviyal, it is mentioned that King Kandungon was the last ruler during the First Sangam period, which was the primary cause of the formation of the Middle Sangam period. The erosion caused by the sea took it away. Thus began the Second Sangam period.

Tolkappiyam was the only literary work still extant from the second Sangam at Kapadapuram. Tolkappiyam was authored by Tolkappiyar and is considered to be the earliest work of Tamil literature. In addition to providing insights into Tamil grammar, it also provides insight into the political and socio economic atmosphere of the time period in which it was written. There are also four castes that constitute Tolkappiyam, namely: arasar, anthanar, vanigar, and vellalar. 

Important facts of Second Sangam or the Middle Sangam Period

  • Tolkappiyam is a term used to refer to the fivefold division of lands: Kurinji (hilly tracks), Mullai (pastoral), Marudam (agricultural), Neydal (coastal) and Palai (desert).
  • Among the 12 disciples of Saint Agastya, Tokkappiyar wrote the oldest extant Tamil grammar, Tolkappiyam. 
  • Also mentioned in Tolkappiyam are four castes: arasar (ruling class), anthanar (traders and merchants) and vellalar (agriculture).
  • Another capital of the Pandya empire was Kapatpuram, where the second Sangam was being held. 
  • The conference produced a large amount of literature and was attended by several poets, but only Tolkappiyam (the early Tamil grammar) has survived.
  • There are four poems linked to the second academy: Kali, Kurugu, Vendali, and Viyalamalai Ahaval.
  • The three dynasties of the Sangam age had their own royal emblems: the tiger for the Cholas, the carp/fish for the Pandyas, and the bow for the Cheras.
  • The Iraiyanar Kalaviyal describes the main reasons for the formation of the Middle Sangam period 

Conclusion

There has been a great deal of patronage to the arts and cultures by the ruling families in Tamil Nadu, which has resulted in the development of a unique Dravidian culture. In Tamil Nadu, the Sangam Age is significant and regarded as unique for its influence on the social, economic, religious, and cultural life of the Tamils. Studying the Sangam literature sheds light on the fact that the South Indian state was composed for the first time during this period. People’s socio-economic and cultural lives were also influenced by foreign elements. Observing Sangam customs and beliefs reveals the complexity of their religion. A combination of both animism and idol worship was followed during the Sangam era. Traditional practices from the age of the kings and queens survived into later times, some of which still exist today.