Sangam Society

Description of Sangam Age

The history of South India includes the Sangam Age, which is a major period of time. There were three Sangams in ancient Muchchangam, Tamil Nadu, according to Tamil tradition (academies of Tamil poets). The royal patronage of the Pandyas enabled the expansion of these Sangams.

Brief Description of different Types of Sangam

Gods and legendary sages attended the first Sangam, held in Madurai at the time, but no written record of it was kept. Kapadapuram hosted the second Sangam, but all literary works, except for Tolkappiyam, had been destroyed. Madurai’s third Sangam was formed by Mudathirumaran. While it attracted a large number of poets who authored vast works, just a few survived. Reconstructing the history of the Sangam Age is still possible because of the literary works of Tamil authors like these.

Political History of the Sangam Age

During the Sangam Age, the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms ruled over the Tamil country. The literary references can be used to track the political history of these dynasties.

Cheras

The Cheras were the rulers of parts of what is now Kerala. Vanji was their capital, while Tondi and Musiri were two of their most important ports of call. Palmyra flowers were used to make their garlands. The Pugalur inscription from the first century A.D. mentions three generations of Chera monarchs. Chera monarchs can also turn to Padirruppattu for assistance. Perum Sorru Udhiyan Cheralathan, Imayavaramban Nedum Cheralathan, and Cheran Senguttuvan were the illustrious rulers of this dynasty.

Cholas

The Chola monarchy of the Sangam period extended from the present-day Tiruchi region to southern Andhra Pradesh. Their capital’s initial location was Uraiyur, but it was eventually moved to Puhar to serve the rest of the kingdom better. King Karikala of the Sangam Cholas was well-known. An account of Pattinappalai’s early life and military successes is depicted. His victory at Venni overpowers the Cheras, Pandyas, and eleven other formidable chieftains.

Pandyas

Tamil Nadu’s southern portion was ruled by the Pandya dynasty, which is now extinct. Their capital city was Madurai. It was under the reign of Nedion, Palyagasala Mudukudumi Peruvalumi, and Mudathirumaran that the Pandyan dynasty began. There were two Neduncheliyans in attendance. As a result, the first person to be referred to as Aryappa Kadantha (Aryappai Kadantha Neduncheliyan) was born (one who won victories over the Aryan forces). When he ordered the assassination of Kovalan, Kannagi responded by setting fire to Madurai. Talaiyalanganattu Cheruvenra (Neduncheliyan) was the other (He who won the Battle of Talaiyalanganam). He was lauded by Nakkirar and Mangudi Maruthanar. After winning the Battle of Talaiyalanganam in Tanjore, he was given this title. With this victory, Neduncheliyan took over the entire state of Tamil Nadu. Maduraikkanji by Mangudi Maruthanar illustrates the economic and social state of the Pandya kingdom, particularly the bustling port of Korkai. He was the last notable Pandyan ruler, Uggira Peruvaludhi. Pandyan authority began to decline during the Sangam Age because of the Kalabhra invasion.

Minor Chieftains

During the Sangam period, petty chieftains played an important role. For their compassion and encouragement of Tamil poets, Pari, Kari, Ori, Nalli, Pegan, Ay, and Adiyaman were well-known. As a result, they were dubbed Kadai Elu Vallalgal. They were powerful and popular in their own domains while being subordinate to the Chera, Chola, and Pandya emperors.

Sangam Society

Kurinji (hilly trails), Mullai (pastoral), Marudam (agricultural), Neydal (coastal), and Palai (palace) are the five land divisions in Tolkappiyam (desert). The people who lived in these five divisions each had their own major professions and gods to worship.

• Kurinji’s principal deity was Murugan, and their main occupations were hunting and collecting honey.
• Mullai’s principal deity was Mayon (Vishnu), and their main occupation was cattle-rearing and dealing with dairy products. 

• Marudam’s chief deity was Indira, and their main occupation was agriculture. 

• Neydal’s chief deity was Varunan, and their main occupation was fishing and salt manufacturing. 

• Palais’s chief deity was Korravai, and their main occupation was a robbery. 

Arasar, anthanar, vanigar, and vellalar are four castes mentioned in Tolkappiyam. The governing class was referred to as the arasar. In the Sangam politics and religion, Anthanars played a vital role. Vanigars were traders and merchants. Agriculturists, the vellalas. Other tribal tribes identified in the Sangam society included the Parathavar, Panar, Eyinar, Kadambar, Maravar, and Pulaiyar. During this time, ancient primordial tribes such as the Thodas, Irulas, Nagas, and Vedars thrived.

Religion

In the Sangam era, Seyon or Murugan, the Tamil deity, was the most significant deity. Festivals dedicated to the God Murugan are mentioned in Sangam literature, which documents the lengthy history of Murugan worship. One of the names given to him was Arupadai Veedu (six dwellings). Aside from Vishnu and Indiran, the Sangam period had the worship of Mayon, Vendan, Varunan, and Korravai as well. A sacred stone known as the Nadu Kal (Hero Stone) was revered during the Sangam period. It was decided to make the Hero Stone honour the bravery and heroism of the warrior. There are numerous hero stones in Tamil Nadu with legends etched on them. As a way of honouring the dead, this practice dates back centuries.

Position of Women

Karpu, or chaste living, was regarded as the finest female virtue. It was usual to marry for love. Women were given the option of choosing their life partners. Widows, on the other hand, had a wretched existence. Sati was also practised at society’s upper echelons. The monarchs and nobles were patrons of the dancers’ class.

Sangam Polity

There were a lot of hereditary monarchies. However, the monarch was aided by counsellors. Every ruler had a standing army.

1. Land revenue was the primary source of revenue, and international trade was subject to customs duties.
2. During this time, trade and agriculture prospered. Internal trade was conducted on a barter basis. Naval vessels were used to conduct external trade with Greek culture.

End of Sangam Age

For 250 years, the Kalabras controlled the whole Tamil kingdom. During their reign, Jainism and Buddhism rose to popularity. Finally, the Pallavas and Pandyas drove them out of Tamil territory and reclaimed control.

Conclusion

The Sangam period saw a gradual decrease at the end of the third century A.D. The Tamil kingdom was occupied by the Kalabhras for roughly two and a half centuries. We know very little about the Kalabhra rule. During this time, Jainism and Buddhism grew popular. The Pallavas in northern Tamil Nadu and the Pandyas in southern Tamil Nadu drove the Kalabhras out of Tamil Nadu, establishing their reign.