Ancient History of India Series | Lec 12: Sangam Age | GS History by Aadesh Singh | UPSC

Summary

The video script delves into the historical Sangam period in ancient India, highlighting its significance as a transition from the Megalithic to the historical era. It discusses the three Sangam assemblies, emphasizing the literary works and the Tamil poet-philosophers' contributions. The script explores the political landscape, including the dynasties of Chera, Chola, and Pandya, and their administrative systems. It also covers the social structure, religious beliefs, and the economy, which was primarily agrarian with a focus on crafts and trade. The decline of the Sangam period is noted, but its legacy in the development of the Dravidian language and classical literature is celebrated.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Sangam Age is considered the historical period in South India, following the Megalithic period, and is significant for its literary and cultural developments.
• 🏛 The term 'Sangam' refers to the assemblies of Tamil poets, which were organized in Madurai and were a major source of early Dravidian literature.
• 📝 Sangam literature was compiled between 300 and 600 AD and is categorized into two groups, the early (Ti) and the later (Daid) narratives, with 18 major works.
• 📜 The 'Tolkappiyam' is the oldest of Tamil literary works, providing insights into Tamil grammar and the socio-political conditions of the time.
• 📖 The 'Eight Anthologies' and 'Eighteen Minor Works' are part of the Sangam literature, covering themes of love, valor, ethics, and morals.
• 🦚 The Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties were the three main ruling powers during the Sangam Age, each with their distinct territories and emblems.
• 👑 Hereditary monarchy was the form of government during the Sangam Age, with rulers having their own royal emblems and officials to assist in governance.
• 🌾 Agriculture was the primary occupation during the Sangam period, with rice being the most common crop, alongside the development of handicrafts and trade.
• 🛍 The economy of the Sangam Age was bolstered by both internal and external trade, with cotton and silk textiles being major exports.
• 🏰 The Chera dynasty had control over western coast ports like Muziris and TONDI, which were significant for trade with Romans and other foreign entities.
• 📜 Post-Sangam period saw a decline, but the legacy of the Sangam Age persisted, influencing the development of the Dravidian language and classical literary heritage.

Q & A

What is the Sangam Age and why is it considered the beginning of historical period in India?

The Sangam Age is considered the beginning of the historical period in India because it marks the transition from the Megalithic period, which is part of the prehistoric era, to a time with more documented history and cultural development. It is named after the significant literary assemblies known as the Sangams, which were gatherings of scholars and poets in ancient Tamil Nadu.

What were the three main Sangams, and what was their primary purpose?

The three main Sangams were assemblies that took place in Madurai, which were organized by the Academy of Tamil Poets. Their primary purpose was to compile and celebrate Tamil literature, discuss various aspects of life, and establish standards for the Tamil language.

What is the significance of the literary works produced during the Sangam Age?

The literary works produced during the Sangam Age, such as the 'Tolkappiyam' and the 'Eighteen Major Works,' are considered the earliest specimens of Dravidian literature. They provide valuable insights into the social, political, and economic conditions of the time, as well as the cultural and religious practices.

What are the two main groups of Sangam literature, and what are some of their key works?

The Sangam literature is divided into two main groups: the 'Ti' (early) and 'Daid' (later) narratives. Key works include 'Tolkappiyam,' 'Pattinappalai,' 'Nedunjiyarkkanci,' and 'Manimekalai,' among others, which cover a range of themes from love and war to ethics and morals.

What were the three dynasties that ruled South India during the Sangam Age?

The three dynasties that ruled South India during the Sangam Age were the Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties. Each had its own distinct territories and contributed significantly to the cultural, political, and economic life of the region.

What was the role of trade in the economy of the Sangam Age?

Trade played a significant role in the economy of the Sangam Age. Ports like Muziris and Korkai facilitated international trade with Romans and other Mediterranean cultures. Key exports included cotton fabrics, spices, pearls, and precious stones, while imports included gold, silver, and wine.

How did the political structure of the Sangam Age function, and what were the roles of the different councils?

The political structure of the Sangam Age was hereditary monarchy, with a wide body of officials assisting the king. There were five councils, including ministers, priests, military commanders, and spies, who managed various aspects of governance, from religious affairs to defense and intelligence.

What were the major social divisions in Sangam society, and how did they impact daily life?

Sangam society was divided into five major castes: the ruling class, merchants and traders, agriculturists, artisans, and primitive tribes. These divisions influenced social status, occupation, and lifestyle, with each caste having specific roles and responsibilities within the society.

What were the religious beliefs and practices during the Sangam Age?

The Sangam Age was characterized by the worship of various deities, with Lord Murugan being a primary deity. Other significant religious figures included God Mayon (Vishnu), Indiran (Varun), and the hero stones (Nadu Kal), which commemorated the bravery of warriors.

How did the decline of the Sangam Age affect Tamil Nadu, and what legacy did it leave behind?

The decline of the Sangam Age led to a period known as the 'Dark Age' in Tamil Nadu, marked by political instability and economic decline. However, the legacy of the Sangam Age is preserved in the form of the Dravidian language development, classical literary heritage, and the foundation of South India's political, social, and economic life.

What were the major economic activities and industries during the Sangam Age?

The major economic activities during the Sangam Age included agriculture, with rice being the primary crop, as well as handicrafts such as weaving, metalwork, carpentry, shipbuilding, and beadwork. These industries were part of both internal and external trade, contributing to the region's prosperity.