Tamil States of the Sangam Age - CUET PG History

Preparing for Tamil States of the Sangam Age for CUET PG History requires a clear understanding of ancient South Indian history. This topic covers the major Tamil dynasties, Sangam literature, political structures, social life, economy, and cultural traditions. 

Understanding these aspects helps students connect historical developments with important literary and archaeological evidence. A systematic study of the Sangam Age can strengthen conceptual clarity and support effective preparation for the CUET PG History examination. 

Tamil States of the Sangam Age - CUET PG History Overview

The Sangam Age represents the classical era of ancient South India from 300 BCE to 300 CE. Assemblies of Tamil poets flourished under royal Pandya patronage. Three crowned monarchs known as the Muvendar ruled this cultural sphere.

Sangam Literature and Poetic Traditions

Sangam literature is early classical Tamil poetry composed across three historical assemblies 

(Muchchangam).

• Grammar Texts: Agattiyam is the lost first grammar work. Tolkappiyam sangam literature survives as the oldest extant Tamil text on grammar and social life.

• Akam and Puram Poetry: Sangam verse divides into two categories. Akam covers inner emotions and love. Puram covers public themes like war and heroism.

• Major and Minor Works: Melkanakku contains eighteen major works, including Ettuthokai (Eight Anthologies) and Pattuppattu (Ten Idylls). Patinenkilkanakku comprises eighteen minor didactic works.

• Five Tamil Epics: Notable epics include Silappadikaram by Ilango Adigal and Manimekalai by Sattanar.

Five Ecological Zones: Tinai in the Sangam Age

Ancient Tamil texts divide geography into five eco-zones. The tinai in the Sangam Age system connects environment, livelihood, and religious worship.

Muvendar: Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas

Three chief dynasties dominated peninsular politics during this classical age.

• Chera Kingdom: Ruled the Malabar Coast. King Senguttuvan led northern expeditions and introduced the Pattini cult.

• Chola Kingdom: Controlled northern Tamil Nadu. Karikala Chola won the Battle of Venni and built the Kallanai dam.

• Pandya Kingdom: Centred around Madurai. Nedunjeliyan won the Battle of Talayanganam.

Sangam Age Administration and Taxation

Sangam polity was a hereditary monarchy. The king (Vendar) worked with local chiefs (Velir) and village elders (Kizhar).

• Administrative Units: Territory was divided into Mandalam (province), Nadu (district), and Ur (village).

• Officials: Ministers were called Amaichar. Priests were known as Anthanar in Sangam-age texts. Army chiefs were Senapati.

• Revenue Terms: Land tax was Karai. Customs duties were Ulagu. Voluntary tribute was Irai.

• Social Structure: Society included Arasar (rulers), Vanigar (merchants), and Velalar (farmers).

Decline and Kalabhra Interregnum

Around 300 CE, the Sangam political order collapsed following internal stress and invasions.

• Kalabhra Interregnum: The Kalabhras displaced the traditional Muvendar rulers for almost three centuries.

• End of Era: Pallavas in the north and revived Pandyas in the south ended this period by the 6th century CE.

 Related Sources - 

• CUET PG Tamil Syllabus

• CUET PG Online Batches