PPT: The Sangam Age | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

 Page 1


The Sangam Age
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The Sangam Age
I n t r o d u c t io n
T amil literature has a rich history 
spanning over 20 centuries. The 
earliest phase is known as the 
Sangam literature, characterized by 
anthologies of odes, lyrics, and 
idylls composed when Pandyan 
kings patronized eminent poets.
These poets functioned as literary 
censors, ensuring quality. Later 
scholars used the term "Sangam" to 
refer to this association of poets 
and scholars.
Page 3


The Sangam Age
I n t r o d u c t io n
T amil literature has a rich history 
spanning over 20 centuries. The 
earliest phase is known as the 
Sangam literature, characterized by 
anthologies of odes, lyrics, and 
idylls composed when Pandyan 
kings patronized eminent poets.
These poets functioned as literary 
censors, ensuring quality. Later 
scholars used the term "Sangam" to 
refer to this association of poets 
and scholars.
The Sangam Period: A Literary Golden Age
Historical Significance
While the legendary details about the Sangam period may not 
be entirely accurate, the existence of an institution like the 
Sangam is undeniable. The T olkappiyam mentions court poets 
critically examining learned works, indicating a thriving 
scholarly tradition.
Lost Literature
Much of the Sangam literature has been lost over time, likely 
due to historical events. What remains is just a fraction of the 
original texts from this significant literary period.
Page 4


The Sangam Age
I n t r o d u c t io n
T amil literature has a rich history 
spanning over 20 centuries. The 
earliest phase is known as the 
Sangam literature, characterized by 
anthologies of odes, lyrics, and 
idylls composed when Pandyan 
kings patronized eminent poets.
These poets functioned as literary 
censors, ensuring quality. Later 
scholars used the term "Sangam" to 
refer to this association of poets 
and scholars.
The Sangam Period: A Literary Golden Age
Historical Significance
While the legendary details about the Sangam period may not 
be entirely accurate, the existence of an institution like the 
Sangam is undeniable. The T olkappiyam mentions court poets 
critically examining learned works, indicating a thriving 
scholarly tradition.
Lost Literature
Much of the Sangam literature has been lost over time, likely 
due to historical events. What remains is just a fraction of the 
original texts from this significant literary period.
Extent
1
Pandya Kingdom
Located in the extreme south of 
India, covering modern districts 
of Madurai, Ramnad, and 
Tirunelveli. The capital was 
Madurai, with earlier capitals 
being T en-Madurai and 
Kapatapuram. The main 
seaport was Korkai, with 
another at Saliyur.
2
Chola Kingdom
Comprised the lower Kaveri 
Valley, roughly corresponding 
to modern T anjore and 
Tiruchirapalli districts. The 
inland capital was Uraiyur, later 
known as Puhar.
3
Chera Kingdom
Covered the western coastal strip above the northern limit of the 
Pandyan kingdom. The capital was Vanji or Karur. Best-known ports 
included T ondi and Muziris.
Page 5


The Sangam Age
I n t r o d u c t io n
T amil literature has a rich history 
spanning over 20 centuries. The 
earliest phase is known as the 
Sangam literature, characterized by 
anthologies of odes, lyrics, and 
idylls composed when Pandyan 
kings patronized eminent poets.
These poets functioned as literary 
censors, ensuring quality. Later 
scholars used the term "Sangam" to 
refer to this association of poets 
and scholars.
The Sangam Period: A Literary Golden Age
Historical Significance
While the legendary details about the Sangam period may not 
be entirely accurate, the existence of an institution like the 
Sangam is undeniable. The T olkappiyam mentions court poets 
critically examining learned works, indicating a thriving 
scholarly tradition.
Lost Literature
Much of the Sangam literature has been lost over time, likely 
due to historical events. What remains is just a fraction of the 
original texts from this significant literary period.
Extent
1
Pandya Kingdom
Located in the extreme south of 
India, covering modern districts 
of Madurai, Ramnad, and 
Tirunelveli. The capital was 
Madurai, with earlier capitals 
being T en-Madurai and 
Kapatapuram. The main 
seaport was Korkai, with 
another at Saliyur.
2
Chola Kingdom
Comprised the lower Kaveri 
Valley, roughly corresponding 
to modern T anjore and 
Tiruchirapalli districts. The 
inland capital was Uraiyur, later 
known as Puhar.
3
Chera Kingdom
Covered the western coastal strip above the northern limit of the 
Pandyan kingdom. The capital was Vanji or Karur. Best-known ports 
included T ondi and Muziris.
Political History
King
Absolute power, considered divine
Major Kingdoms
Chera, Chola, Pandya
Subordinate Kings
Ruled smaller kingdoms
Kshatriya Warrior Clan
Kings belonged to this caste
The Sangam period was characterized by several small kingdoms, each ruled by a king with absolute power. The Chera, Chola, and 
Pandya kingdoms were the most significant powers, with kings from the Kshatriya warrior clan. These major kingdoms ruled large 
parts of T amil Nadu, while smaller kingdoms were governed by subordinate kings who pledged allegiance to the larger powers. 
Warfare between these kingdoms was common.