MCQ: The Sangam Age- 1 - UPSC MCQ

• Statement I is correct. The Sangam Period in South India is indeed named after the Sangam academies, which were scholarly assemblies supported under the royal patronage of the Pandya kings in Madurai. These academies were central to the literary and cultural developments of the time.

• Statement II is also correct. Sangam literature includes works like the Tolkappiyam (an early work on Tamil grammar and poetics), Ettutogai and Pattuppattu (anthologies of poems), Pathinenkilkanakku (collection of didactic texts), Silappathikaram (an epic story of a loyal wife), and Manimegalai (the story of Manimegalai and her conversion to Buddhism). These works provide a wealth of information on the history, culture, and society of the Sangam era, including details on the daily life, economic activities, and social structures.

While both statements are correct, Statement II does not explain Statement I; it merely details the literary compositions of the Sangam period, which, while contributing to our understanding of the time, do not directly explain the function or origin of the Sangam academies themselves. Thus, the correct answer is option B.

Statement-I correctly describes the territorial control and geographical focus of the Cholas in Tamil Nadu, particularly highlighting their dominance over the Kaveri delta region. Statement-II accurately portrays the territorial reign of the Pandyas, emphasizing their rule from Madurai and their association with the region near the confluence of Thampraparani with the Bay of Bengal. Both statements are factually correct, and Statement-II logically supplements and provides additional information that complements Statement-I, making option (a) the most suitable answer.

1. Cheras - Vanji: This pair is correctly matched. The Cheras had Vanji as their capital. They controlled the central and northern parts of Kerala and the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu.

2. Cholas - Korkai: This pair is incorrectly matched. The Cholas did not have Korkai as their port. Korkai was actually the main port of the Pandyas. The Cholas had Uraiyur as their capital and Puhar (or Kaviripattinam) as a prominent port.

3. Pandyas - Madurai: This pair is correctly matched. The Pandyas ruled from Madurai, which was their capital. They were known for their pearl fishery and trade activities.

4. Cholas - Tiger (Emblem): This pair is correctly matched. The emblem of the Cholas was indeed the tiger, and they were known for their military prowess and naval strength.

Thus, pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched.

The Pandya country, as per the traditions extended from the Podukottai district to Kanyakumari in south and Achankovil River in Kerala (west) to River Vegai (Madura) in East. The kingdom was ordinarily divided into 5 principalities which were known as “Five Pandyas“. The early days capital of Pandyas is Korkai. 

Statement 1 is correct. Tolkappiyam is indeed a significant work from Sangam literature, focusing on Tamil grammar while also providing valuable insights into the socio-political conditions of that era. It is considered the earliest Tamil literary work.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The Second Sangam was not held at Madurai; it was held at Kapadapuram. Additionally, Tolkappiyam is indeed a surviving work from the Second Sangam, but the location mentioned is incorrect for the Second Sangam.

Statement 3 is incorrect. While Silappathikaram and Manimegalai are two epics included in Sangam literature, they primarily provide insights into the society and polity of the Sangam period, not specifically focusing on trade relations with the West. The trade relations are more prominently mentioned by Greek authors and other sources.

Thus, only Statement 1 is correct, making Option A the right answer.

- Statement 1 is correct. The Cheras indeed controlled the central and northern parts of Kerala and the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu, with Vanji as their capital. Their emblem was the "bow and arrow". They played a significant role in trade, particularly with the Romans.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. The Cholas had their capital at Uraiyur (near Tiruchirapalli), and Puhar (Kaviripattinam) was also a significant port and alternative royal residence. Their emblem was the "Tiger", not the "Fish", which was associated with the Pandyas. Korkai was the main port of the Pandyas.

- Statement 3 is correct. The Pandyas were indeed famous for their pearl fisheries and chank diving at Korkai, which was a significant port. They adopted the Vedic religion of sacrifice and patronized Brahmin priests, a notable feature of their rule.

Thus, statements 1 and 3 are correct, making the correct option Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

Statement-I correctly highlights that during the Sangam period, the primary deity worshiped was Murugan, considered the Tamil God. Statement-II is also accurate, mentioning the significance of Hero Stone or Nadu Kal worship, which commemorated the bravery of warriors in battle. However, Statement-II does not directly explain or elaborate on Statement-I but instead provides additional information about the Hero Stone worship practices. Therefore, both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I, making option (b) the correct answer.

The Romans began to arrive in the Tamil country 1^st and 2^nd century AD. The Pandyan kingdom was the first to get the benefit of the Roman trade. The Romans had employed the Tarn ii merchants to buy and sell goods in the local market. They had also served in the Pandyan army. In the First and Second centuries A,D,, both the Greeks and Romans expanded their trade in the Tamil country. After that period, there was a gradual decline in the overseas trade. The confusion in the Roman Empire and the collapse of the Sangam age in the Third century A.D. put an end to the Greek and Roman contacts with the Tamil country. 

The Cheras were a prominent South Indian dynasty during the Sangam Age known for their trade relations with the Romans and their emblem of "bow and arrow." They controlled the central and northern parts of Kerala and the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu. The greatest ruler of the Cheras was Senguttuvan, also known as the Red Chera or the Good Chera, who made significant military achievements chronicled in the epic Silapathikaram.

Let's evaluate each pair:

1. Tolkappiyam - Authored by Tolkappiyar: This is correctly matched. Tolkappiyam is indeed authored by Tolkappiyar and is a significant work in Tamil literature, focusing on grammar and also providing insights into the political and socio-economic conditions of the Sangam period.

2. Silappathikaram - Written by Sittalai Sattanar: This is incorrectly matched. Silappathikaram was actually written by Ilango Adigal. It is one of the great epics of the Sangam period, providing valuable insights into the society and culture of the time.

3. Ettutogai - Eight Anthologies: This is correctly matched. Ettutogai, meaning "Eight Anthologies," is a collection of works that are part of Sangam literature and include eight different poetic anthologies.

4. Tirukkural - Authored by Thiruvalluvar: This is correctly matched. Tirukkural is a well-known work on ethics and morals authored by the philosopher and poet Thiruvalluvar. It is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Tamil literature.

Thus, pairs 1, 3, and 4 are correctly matched.

To determine the correct answer, let's evaluate each statement based on the provided information:

1. Statement 1: "The port city of Puhar was a significant center for internal trade, primarily dealing with the exchange of goods within the Tamil region."

- This statement is incorrect. While Puhar was indeed a significant port city during the Sangam Age, it was known for being an important place for foreign trade, not just internal trade. Large ships entered this port carrying precious goods from different regions, indicating its role in international commerce, not merely internal trade.

2. Statement 2: "Roman coins found in Tamil Nadu indicate that Sangam Age trade included exchanges with the Roman Empire."

- This statement is correct. The discovery of Roman coins, issued by emperors such as Augustus, Tiberius, and Nero, across Tamil Nadu strongly indicates that there was trade between the Sangam period Tamil regions and the Roman Empire. This highlights the extensive reach and foreign interactions of the Sangam economy.

3. Statement 3: "Major imports during the Sangam Age included horses and sweet wine."

- This statement is correct. Horses and sweet wine are explicitly mentioned as significant imports during the Sangam Age, indicating selective trade practices that fulfilled specific regional demands for these items.

Based on the analysis, Statement 2 is correct, and Statement 3 is also correct. However, Statement 1 is not correct as it misrepresents the nature of trade at Puhar. Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

The earliest deciphered epigraphic inscriptions of significant length are the Edicts of Ashoka of the 3rd century BCE, written in forms of Prakrit in the Brahmi script. Jain inscriptions in South India written in Tamil-Brahmi , Bhattiprolu alphabet and the Kadamba alphabet are also of relatively early date. 

- Statement 1 is correct. Murugan was indeed the primary deity of the Sangam period and was worshipped in six abodes, known as Arupadai Veedu. This reflects the significant cultural and religious role Murugan played during this period.

- Statement 2 is incorrect. Tolkappiyam mentions four castes, among which the vanigar were engaged in trade and commerce, not agriculture. The vellalar were the ones primarily involved in agriculture. This misstatement about the role of vanigar makes this statement false.

- Statement 3 is incorrect. The chief source of state income during the Sangam period was land revenue, not foreign trade. Although customs duties on foreign trade contributed to the state’s income, the primary source was indeed land revenue, complemented by the booty captured in wars.

Thus, only Statement 1 is correct. Therefore, the correct answer is Option A: 1 Only.

Tolkappiyam is considered the earliest of Tamil literary works authored by Tolkappiyar. While primarily a work on Tamil grammar, it also offers valuable insights into the political and socio-economic conditions prevalent during the Sangam Period.

1. Uraiyur - Known for cotton clothes: This pair is correctly matched. Uraiyur was famous for its cotton clothes, which were in great demand, especially in the western world during the Sangam Age.

2. Puhar - Major import of horses: This pair is incorrectly matched. Puhar was a significant port for foreign trade where big ships arrived with precious goods, but imports of horses were not specifically linked to Puhar. Horses were generally imported by traders, not specifically through Puhar.

3. Musiri - Port involved in internal trade: This pair is incorrectly matched. Musiri was an important port for external trade, dealing significantly with the Roman Empire, rather than just internal trade.

4. Arikkamedu - Shipbuilding center: This pair is incorrectly matched. Arikkamedu was a notable ancient trading port but not specifically known for shipbuilding. Shipbuilding was a significant handicraft of the Sangam period but was not particularly associated with Arikkamedu.

Correctly matched pairs are: 1 (Uraiyur - Known for cotton clothes). Hence, only one pair is correctly matched.