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Sangam Age (300 B.C.E. – 600 C.E.)
The Megalithic Background
Megalith graves were encircled by big pieces of stones like cave well etc.. They also contained
pottery and iron objects buried with the corpse. They are found in the upland regions of Peninsula
with the concentration in Eastern Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
State formation and the rise of civilization
The megalithic people started to reclaim the fertile deltaic lands. The route to the south is called
as Dakshinapatha which became economically important.
Megasthenes knew about Pandyas while Ashokan inscriptions mention about Cholas, Pandyas,
Keralaputras and Satyaputras
Flourishing trade with Roman empire led to the formation of these three states i.e., Cheras,
Cholas and Pandyas
Sangam Period
Sangam period is the period in the history of ancient Tamil Nadu spanning from c. 3 rd century BC
to c. 3rd century AD. It is named after the famous Sangam academies of poets and scholars
centred in the city of Madurai.
Three early kingdoms
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Kingdom Capital Port Emblem Famous Ruler
Vanji –
Cheras Modern Muzuri and Tondi Bow Senguttuvan
Kerala
Kaveripatinam/Puha.
Uraiyur and
Cholas They had an efficient Tiger Karikalan
Puhar
Navy
Pandyas Madurai Korkai for Pearl Fishing Fish Nedunzheriyan
Cheras
● They had Palmyra flowers as their Garland.
● They have trade relationship with Romans and Romans established two regiment at
Vanji to protect their interest.
● Pugalur inscriptions mention of three generations of Cheras
● Senguttavana or Lal chera introduced Pattni cult or Worship of Kannagi as ideal wife.
Cholas
● Their chief centre is Uraiyura .
● Chola kinga Elara conquered Sri Lanka and ruled 50 year over there.
● Karikalan built Kallanai (Check dam) against River Kaveri.
Pandyas
● Maduraikkanji written by Mangudi Maruthanar describes the socio-economic conditions
of the Pandyas.
● Invasion by Kalbharas led to their decline.
These kingdoms had a profitable trade with the Roman empire. They produced Pepper, Ivory,
Pearls, Precious stones, Muslin, Silk, Cotton etc. which led to prosperity in their region.
Rise of social classes
● Enadi – captains of the army
● Vellalas – Rich peasants
● Arasar – ruling class
● Kadaisiyar – the lowest class
● Pariyars – agricultural labourers
Four castes mentioned in Tolkappiyam
● Arasar – Ruling class
● Anthanar – Brahmanas
● Vanigar – People involved in Trade and Commerce
● Vellalar – Labourers
Five-fold division of land
Land Type of land Chief deity Chief occupation
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Kurunji Hilly tracts Murugan Hunting and honey collection
Cattle rearing and dealing with
Mullai Pastoral Mayon
dairy products
Marudham Agricultural Indira Agricultural
Neidhal Coastal Varunan Fishing and salt manufacturing
Palai Desert Korravai Robbery
Sangam administration
● Avai – the imperial court
● Kodimaram – tutelary tree of every ruler
● Panchmahasabha
1. Amaichar – ministers
2. Senatipathiar – Army chief
3. Otrar – Spy
4. Thoodar – Envoy
5. Purohitar – Priest
● Kingdom’s division
1. Mandalam/Nadu – Province
2. Ur – town
3. Perur – Big village
4. Sitrur – Small village
Sangams
Sangam Place Chairman Surviving texts
1st Then-Madurai Agasthiyar Nil
2nd Kapadapuram Agasthiyar and Tolkappiyar Tolkappiyam
Founder - Mudathirumaran Ettutogai, Pattu Pattu
3rd Madurai
Nakkirar (10 idylls)
Tamil language and Sangam literature
● Narrative – Ettutogai and Pattupattu which are called Melkankakku – 18 Major works.
They are divided into Agam (love) and Puram (Valour)
● Didactive – Pathinenkilkanakku – 18 minor works. They deal with Ethics and Morals.
● Thirukkural – Written by Thiruvalluvar is a treatise covering various aspects of life.
● Tolkappiyam by Tolkappiyar is the earliest of Tamil literature. It is a work on Tamil
Grammar but also provides information on Political and Social conditions of Sangam
period
Epics
● Silapadhikaram by Elango Adigal
● Manimegalai by Sitthalai Sathanar
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● Valayapathi
● Kundalagesi
● Sivaga Sinthamani
