Sangam Period

1. Origin

• Geographical Location: Tamil Nadu, particularly the regions of Tamilakam.
• Time Period: Roughly from 300 BCE to 300 CE.
• Name Origin: Derived from the Tamil word “Sangam,” meaning “assembly” or “conclave.”
• Historical Context:
  • The Sangam Period is considered the classical age of Tamil history.
  • It is marked by the flourishing of Tamil culture, literature, and governance.
  • The Sangam Council is believed to have been a body of scholars, poets, and officials.
• Key Features:
  • Development of early Tamil script (Tamil Brahmi).
  • Emergence of a distinct Tamil identity.
  • Growth of trade and cultural exchanges with Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

2. Sangam Council

• Definition: A council of scholars, poets, and officials that governed the Tamilakam region.
• Functions:
  • Administered the region.
  • Preserved and promoted Tamil literature and culture.
  • Functioned as a center for intellectual and literary activity.
• Composition:
  • Composed of poets, grammarians, historians, and administrators.
  • Included both secular and religious scholars.
• Location:
  • Traditionally believed to have been centered in Madurai, though some scholars suggest Tiruchirappalli or Kanchi.
• Structure:
  • The council was presided over by a Sangam President.
  • The council’s proceedings were recorded in Sangam Literature.
• Significance:
  • Represented a unique model of governance and intellectual patronage.
  • Played a crucial role in the development of Tamil civilization.

3. Sangam Literature

• Definition: A body of ancient Tamil literature produced during the Sangam Period.
• Key Works:
  • Epic Poetry: Silappatikaram, Manimekalai, Kural (by Thiruvalluvar).
  • Epic Narratives: Kumaramangalam, Kurunthogai, Tirukural.
  • Poetic Collections: Pathinenkilkanakku (the Eighteen Minor Anthologies).
• Themes:
  • Human emotions, ethics, social life, and governance.
  • Focus on virtues like Kural (virtue), Kandu (duty), Kinnam (honor), and Koyil (temple).
• Literary Forms:
  • Tolkappiyam: A foundational grammar text of Tamil.
  • Epic Poetry: Long narrative poems with moral and philosophical depth.
  • Lyric Poetry: Expressive verses on love, war, and nature.
• Language:
  • Written in Tamil using Tamil Brahmi script.
  • Preserved in Grantha script in later centuries.
• Important Authors:
  • Thiruvalluvar: Author of Tirukural.
  • Kamban: Author of Kambaramayanam (a Tamil version of the Ramayana).
  • Cheran Chola: A noted poet and ruler.
• Significance:
  • Provides insight into the social, cultural, and political life of ancient Tamil Nadu.
  • Forms the basis of Tamil literary tradition.
  • Often asked in exams: Tirukural is considered the “Bible of Tamil literature.”

4. Key Facts for Competitive Exams

5. Comparison: Sangam Period vs. Other Periods

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: What is the significance of the Sangam Period in Indian history?
  A: It marks the classical age of Tamil civilization, characterized by literary, cultural, and administrative advancements.

• Q: Who is considered the father of Tamil literature?
  A: Thiruvalluvar, author of Tirukural.

• Q: What are the Eighteen Minor Anthologies?
  A: A collection of early Tamil poetic works, forming part of the Sangam Literature.

• Q: Which script was used for writing Sangam Literature?
  A: Tamil Brahmi script, later preserved in Grantha script.

• Q: What is the main theme of Tirukural?
  A: Ethics, duty, and moral conduct, often referred to as the “Bible of Tamil literature.”