All questions of The Sangam Age for UPSC CSE Exam

It was called pandya-kavada in the kapatapuram in kalithogai. It is situated about 3km north of the Thamirabarani and about 6km from the shore of Bay of Bengal.

-The material was first made in the city of Mosul (now in Iraq), from which it derived its name. Early Indian muslins were handwoven of extremely fine handspun yarns. They were imported into Europe from India in the 17th century and were later manufactured in Scotland and England.

The great centre of cotton trade

Introduction:
The great centre of cotton trade in ancient India refers to a place that played a significant role in the trade of cotton during that time. Among the given options, Uraiyur is considered the correct answer for being a prominent centre of cotton trade. Let's explore the reasons behind this choice.

Uraiyur:
Uraiyur, also known as Thiruvaiyaru, was an important city located in present-day Tamil Nadu, India. It was the capital of the early Chola dynasty and served as a major centre for cotton trade during ancient times.

Reasons for Uraiyur being a great centre of cotton trade:
1. Geographical location: Uraiyur was strategically located on the banks of the River Kaveri, which provided easy access to transportation and trade. This proximity to a major river allowed for the smooth movement of goods, including cotton.

2. Agricultural fertility: The region surrounding Uraiyur was known for its fertile land, ideal for cotton cultivation. The availability of abundant raw cotton encouraged the growth of cotton-based industries and trade in the area.

3. Skilled craftsmanship: Uraiyur was home to skilled artisans and weavers who were experts in producing high-quality cotton textiles. The city's reputation for producing fine cotton fabrics attracted traders from various parts of India and beyond, contributing to its prominence as a centre of cotton trade.

4. Exchange of goods: Uraiyur's strategic location and vibrant trade network facilitated the exchange of cotton textiles with other regions. The city acted as a nexus for trade routes connecting different parts of South India, including the ports along the eastern and western coasts.

5. Cultural significance: Uraiyur was not only a commercial hub but also a cultural center. The city hosted various festivals and cultural events, attracting traders, merchants, and visitors from different regions. This cultural vibrancy further enhanced the city's status as a centre of cotton trade.

Conclusion:
Uraiyur, with its advantageous geographical location, fertile agricultural land, skilled craftsmanship, and vibrant trade network, emerged as a great centre of cotton trade in ancient India. The city's prominence in cotton trade contributed significantly to its economic growth and cultural importance during that period.

Answer is a here

King Senuguttuvan, the brother of Ilango, was a Chera king who ruled in the Sangam period. He is mentioned in the Sangam literature as a patron of poets and a great warrior. He is also believed to have been a contemporary of the famous Chola king Karikala.

Explanation:

- The Sangam literature is a collection of Tamil literature from the ancient Sangam period in Tamil Nadu, India. It includes poems, songs, and epics that were composed by Tamil poets and bards between 300 BCE and 300 CE. The Sangam literature provides valuable insights into the social, cultural, and political life of the Tamil people during this period.
- Silappadikaram is one of the five great epics of Tamil literature. It was written by Ilango Adigal, who was the brother of King Senuguttuvan, a Chera king who ruled in the Sangam period. The epic tells the story of the life of Kovalan and his wife Kannagi, and their tragic end.
- King Senuguttuvan is mentioned in several Sangam poems and epics as a great patron of poets and a warrior. He is believed to have fought in several battles and conquered several kingdoms.
- According to the Sangam literature, King Senuguttuvan was a just and wise ruler who took care of his people and promoted the welfare of his kingdom. He is also said to have built several temples and other public works.
- King Senuguttuvan is believed to have been a contemporary of the famous Chola king Karikala. Karikala is also mentioned in the Sangam literature as a great warrior and ruler who expanded the Chola kingdom and defeated several other kingdoms.
- In conclusion, King Senuguttuvan, the brother of Ilango, was a Chera king who ruled in the Sangam period. He was a great patron of poets, a warrior, and a just and wise ruler. His reign is considered a golden period in the history of the Chera kingdom.

Heracles' Daughter and the Pandya Kingdom

Heracles, also known as Vasudeva Krishnas, was a legendary figure in ancient Greek mythology, and in the Indian context, he is identified with Lord Krishna. Magasthenes was an ancient Greek historian who visited India during the period of Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya's reign. He wrote about the Indian society, culture, and political system in his book Indica.

In his book, Magasthenes refers to the rule of Heracles' daughter, who was assigned villages to rule in the southern region of India. She was probably the founder of the Pandya kingdom, which was one of the three ancient Tamil kingdoms that existed in the southern part of India.

Identifying Heracles' Daughter

The question asks to identify Heracles' daughter who was assigned villages to rule in the southern region of India and who was probably the founder of the Pandya kingdom. The options provided are:

a) Pandai
b) Panlavi
c) Maitri
d) Pandara

The correct answer is option 'A,' Pandai. Pandya is the name of the kingdom, and the founder's name is believed to be Pandai, which is a Tamil word meaning "ruler" or "leader." Pandai was believed to have been a princess from the Heracles dynasty who was sent to the southern region of India to establish a settlement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Magasthenes' reference to Heracles' daughter and the Pandya kingdom provides an interesting insight into the ancient history of India. The identification of Pandai as the founder of the kingdom is significant as it highlights the role of women in ancient Indian society and politics.

< b="" />The script used in the earliest Tamil inscriptions was Brahmi.< />

The Brahmi script is one of the oldest writing systems in the Indian subcontinent and was used to write various ancient Indian languages including Tamil. It originated during the Mauryan period in the 3rd century BCE and spread across different regions, including South India.

< b="" />Origin and Development of Brahmi Script< />

The Brahmi script is believed to have evolved from the Aramaic script and was developed by the ancient Indian scholars. It was initially used to write Prakrit, the popular language of the time. Over time, it was adapted to write various regional languages, including Tamil.

< b="" />Adaptation of Brahmi for Tamil< />

When the Brahmi script was adapted for Tamil, some modifications were made to accommodate the unique phonetic sounds of the language. Tamil has a distinct set of consonants and vowels, and the Brahmi script was adapted to represent these sounds accurately.

< b="" />Earliest Tamil Inscriptions< />

The earliest Tamil inscriptions are found in the caves and rock-cut temples of Tamil Nadu. These inscriptions date back to the 2nd century BCE and provide valuable insights into the ancient Tamil society, culture, and political history. The inscriptions are mainly written in the Brahmi script.

< b="" />Significance of Brahmi Script in Tamil Inscriptions< />

The use of the Brahmi script in the earliest Tamil inscriptions is of great significance as it signifies the influence of the script in the region during that time. It also indicates the existence of a written tradition in Tamil Nadu, highlighting the importance of literacy and documentation in ancient Tamil society.

< b="" />Conclusion< />

In conclusion, the script used in the earliest Tamil inscriptions was the Brahmi script. It was adapted to accurately represent the phonetic sounds of the Tamil language. These inscriptions provide valuable information about the ancient Tamil society and highlight the significance of literacy and documentation in that era.

Foreign authors and their references to Sangam age:

I. Pliny, the Elder:
- Roman author and naturalist
- Wrote about pearls found in the Gulf of Mannar during the Sangam age
- Mentioned the Pandyan kingdom and its trade relations with Rome

II. Strabo:
- Greek geographer and historian
- Mentioned the Pandyan kingdom and its pearl fisheries
- Described the port city of Korkai in detail

III. Author of the Periplus of the Erythrean Sea:
- Anonymous Greek author
- Described the maritime trade routes and ports along the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea
- Mentioned the Pandyan kingdom and its trade in pearls, textiles, and spices

IV. Ptolemy:
- Greek astronomer and geographer
- Included the Pandyan kingdom and its capital Madurai in his map of the world
- Described the Chera and Chola kingdoms as well

Therefore, the correct answer is option D, as all of the mentioned foreign authors have made references to the Sangam age in their works.

Overview of Sangam Age Economy
The Sangam Age, which spanned from 300 BCE to 300 CE in southern India, was marked by vibrant trade and cultural exchanges. Let's analyze the pairs related to its economy.
Analysis of Each Pair
- Uraiyur - Known for cotton clothes
- This pair is correctly matched. Uraiyur was indeed known for its cotton textiles and played a significant role in textile production during the Sangam period.
- Puhar - Major import of horses
- This pair is incorrectly matched. Puhar (or Kaveripattinam) was primarily a port city famous for its trade, but it was not specifically known for the import of horses. Instead, it was more of a trade hub for various goods.
- Musiri - Port involved in internal trade
- This pair is incorrectly matched. Musiri was an important port for international trade, particularly with the Roman Empire, rather than being primarily known for internal trade.
- Arikkamedu - Shipbuilding center
- This pair is incorrectly matched. While Arikkamedu was an important port and trading center, it was not specifically recognized as a shipbuilding center. It was more significant for its connection to trade and commerce.
Conclusion
From the analysis, only the first pair about Uraiyur is correctly matched. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A': Only one pair is correctly matched.

Port of Balita in Sangam Age

The Sangam Age was a period of Tamil history that lasted from 300 BCE to 300 CE. During this time, trade and commerce flourished, and ports played a crucial role in facilitating trade relations with other countries.

The important port on the western coast during the Sangam Age was the Port of Balita. It was located near the present-day city of Vizhinjam in Kerala, India. The port was known for its strategic location and was one of the busiest ports in South India.

Importance of the Port of Balita

The Port of Balita played a significant role in the trade relations between South India and other countries. Some of the commodities that were traded through this port included:

- Spices such as pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon
- Pearls
- Ivory
- Textiles

The port was also an important center for shipbuilding and repair. The ships that were built in this port were known for their quality and durability.

Apart from trade and commerce, the Port of Balita was also an important center for cultural exchange. It was a hub for scholars, poets, and artists who came from different parts of the world to exchange ideas and knowledge.

Conclusion

The Port of Balita was a crucial center of trade, commerce, and cultural exchange during the Sangam Age. Its strategic location and efficient management made it one of the busiest ports in South India. Today, the port is not in use, but its legacy continues to inspire and inform our understanding of the rich history and culture of India.

Discovery of Monsoon Winds by Hippalus in 45 A.D.

Introduction: Monsoon winds are seasonal winds that blow across the Indian Ocean and bring significant rainfall to the Indian subcontinent. The discovery of these winds is credited to Hippalus, a Greek navigator, who lived in Alexandria during the first century AD.

Discovery: Hippalus discovered the monsoon winds while on a voyage to India. He observed that the winds blew from the southwest during the summer months and from the northeast during the winter months. He realized that these winds could be used to his advantage as they could speed up his journey to India.

Impact: The discovery of the monsoon winds had a significant impact on trade and commerce between India and the Mediterranean. The winds allowed traders to make quicker and safer journeys, which in turn led to an increase in trade between the two regions. It also paved the way for the establishment of trade routes across the Indian Ocean.

Recognition: Hippalus' discovery of the monsoon winds was recognized by his contemporaries and later by historians. His name is mentioned in several ancient texts, including the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, a Greek navigation manual written in the first century AD.

Conclusion: The discovery of the monsoon winds by Hippalus was a significant milestone in the history of navigation and trade. It facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas between the Mediterranean and the Indian subcontinent and paved the way for the establishment of trade routes across the Indian Ocean.

During the Sangam period, the ma and vedi were measures of land.

Explanation:
The Sangam period was an ancient period in South India, lasting from 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE. During this period, the Tamil country was ruled by three dynasties - the Cholas, the Cheras, and the Pandyas. The society was divided into four categories - Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Agriculture was the main occupation of the people, and the economy was based on trade and commerce.

The ma and vedi were the measures of land used during the Sangam period. The ma was a unit of land measurement used for dry lands, while the vedi was used for wetlands. The ma was equivalent to 1/8th of an acre, while the vedi was equivalent to 1/16th of an acre. These measures were used to determine the amount of tax to be paid by the farmers to the rulers.

Apart from these measures, there were other units of measurement used during the Sangam period, such as the kalam, which was used to measure grains, and the seer, which was used to measure liquids. These measures were standardized and used across the Tamil country.

In conclusion, the ma and vedi were measures of land used during the Sangam period. They played an important role in determining the taxes to be paid by the farmers to the rulers.

The temple of Augustus was built by the Romans in one of the trading ports of the Sangam kingdoms. The correct answer is option 'B', which is Muziris.

Muziris was an ancient port town located in present-day Kerala, India. It was a major center for international trade in the ancient world, and was frequented by traders from Rome, Greece, Egypt, and other regions.

The temple of Augustus was built by the Romans in Muziris in order to establish a presence in the region and to promote their religion and culture. The temple was dedicated to the Roman emperor Augustus, who was revered as a god by the Romans.

The temple of Augustus was a significant landmark in Muziris, and it served as a symbol of the close ties between the Sangam kingdoms and the Roman Empire. It also played a role in the spread of Roman influence and culture in India.

Today, Muziris is a popular tourist destination, and the temple of Augustus is one of the many historical sites that visitors can explore. The ruins of the temple serve as a reminder of the ancient connections between India and the Roman Empire, and they provide valuable insights into the history and culture of both regions.

The Rock Edicts of Ashoka are a collection of inscriptions on rocks and pillars across the Indian subcontinent, written by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka during his reign in the 3rd century BCE. These edicts are considered to be one of the earliest examples of public proclamation of ethical and moral principles.

The two Rock Edicts of Ashoka that mention the Southern kingdoms are the Second and Thirteenth. These edicts mention the Cholas, Pandyas, Satiyaputra, Keralaputra, and Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka) as part of the Mauryan empire.

Details of the Second Rock Edict:

- This edict is written in Brahmi script and is located at Girnar in Gujarat.
- It mentions Ashoka's desire to propagate Dhamma (Buddhist teachings) among the people of the Southern kingdoms and beyond.
- The edict states that Ashoka has sent envoys to the Southern kingdoms, including Cholas, Pandyas, and Satiyaputra, to spread the message of Dhamma.
- Ashoka also mentions that he has sent missions to Greek and Hellenistic kingdoms to propagate Dhamma.

Details of the Thirteenth Rock Edict:

- This edict is written in Brahmi script and is located at Dhauli in Odisha.
- It mentions Ashoka's desire to promote social welfare and harmony among the people of his empire, including the people of the Southern kingdoms.
- The edict states that Ashoka has appointed Dhamma Mahamatras (officials responsible for spreading Dhamma) in the Southern kingdoms, including Keralaputra and Ceylon.
- Ashoka also mentions that he has abolished the practice of animal sacrifice and other cruel practices in his empire.

In conclusion, the Second and Thirteenth Rock Edicts of Ashoka mention the Southern kingdoms Cholas, Pandyas, Satiyaputra, Keralaputra, and Ceylon as part of the Mauryan empire and Ashoka's efforts to promote Dhamma and social welfare among the people of his empire.