Sangam Age Period
Table of Contents
The Sangam Age refers to a period of Tamil history that spanned from 300 BCE to 300 CE. During this time, Tamil Nadu was ruled by three major dynasties – the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas. The Sangam Age was a time of great cultural, literary, and economic development in Tamil Nadu, and it has left a lasting impact on the region’s history and culture.
Literature of the Sangam Age
One of the most significant achievements of the Sangam Age was its vast body of literature. The Sangam literature consists of over 2000 poems and texts that were composed during this period. The Sangam poets wrote about a range of topics, including love, war, nature, and politics. The Sangam literature was written in Tamil and is considered to be one of the oldest and most extensive collections of Indian literature.
The Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature
The Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature, also known as the Pancha Kavyas, were composed during the Sangam Age. They are:
- Silappathikaram – The Tale of an AnkletManimekalai – A Sequel to Silappathikaram
- Civaka Cintamani – The Gem that Grants Wishes
- Valayapathi – The Spear’s Jewel
- Kundalakesi – The Lady with a Kundala
Other Forms of Literature
In addition to the Five Great Epics, the Sangam Age saw the development of several other forms of literature. These included:
- Kuruntokai – A collection of 400 love poems
- Natrinai – A collection of 400 poems about the Tamil way of life
- Agananuru – A collection of 400 poems about war and bravery
- Purananuru – A collection of 400 poems about life and society
Economy and Society of the Sangam Age
- Trade and commerce flourished during the Sangam Age
- The Tamils engaged in trade with the Roman Empire and other countries
- The Tamils traded spices, pearls, and textiles for precious metals, wine, glassware, and other commodities
- The Sangam Age facilitated cultural exchange and the spread of ideas
- The society was divided into several castes, with the Brahmins occupying the highest caste and the Shudras occupying the lowest
- The society was patriarchal, with men holding most of the power and women playing subservient roles
- Women in Tamil society were educated in literature, music, and dance
Conclusion
The Sangam Age was a period of great cultural, literary, and economic development in Tamil Nadu. Its literature, economy, society, art, and architecture have left a lasting impact on the region’s history and culture. By studying the Sangam Age, we can gain a better understanding of Tamil Nadu’s rich and diverse heritage.
FAQs
Sangam age is a time period in Tamil History starting from 300 BCE to 300 AD ruled by Pandyas, Cholas and Cheras
The capital of cholas was Puhar (Kaveripattinam)
The capital of Cheras was Vanji
The Capital of Pandyas was Madurai
Sangam literature refers to the collection of poems and songs created during the Sangam Age in Tamil Nadu. It is considered one of the oldest and richest literary traditions in India
The Sangam poets were a group of Tamil poets who wrote the Sangam literature. They were highly respected in their time and are still celebrated for their contributions to Tamil literature.
Women played an important role in Sangam society. They were involved in various occupations, such as farming and weaving, and had the freedom to choose their own partners in marriage.
The Sangam Age is considered a golden age because of the flourishing of art, literature, and culture during that time. It was a period of peace, prosperity, and creativity in Tamil Nadu.
The culture and traditions of the Sangam Age continue to influence Tamil Nadu today. For example, Tamil music and dance have their roots in the Sangam era, and the Tamil language has been preserved and promoted through the centuries.
- Silappathikaram
- Civak Cintamani
- Manimekalai
- Valayapathi
- Kundalakesi