Test: The Sangam Age Kingdoms and The Social and Economic Conditions - Class 9 MCQ

Explanation of Correct Answer

The primary source of information about the Sangam Age is Sangam literature. This body of work, composed in Tamil, provides insights into the social, political, and cultural aspects of the period.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• Inscriptions: While inscriptions provide valuable historical data, they are not as comprehensive as Sangam literature concerning the cultural and literary aspects of the period.
• Archaeological findings: Archaeological evidence contributes to our understanding of the Sangam Age, but it does not offer the detailed narratives found in Sangam literature.
• Oral traditions: Oral traditions may have existed, but they are less documented and cannot be considered a primary source compared to the written records of Sangam literature.

Explanation of Correct Answer

The correct answer is D. During the Sangam Age, the Velirs were local chieftains who played a significant role in supporting Tamil poets and contributing to the cultural development of the region. They patronised literature and the arts, which flourished during this period, and their support was crucial for the creation and dissemination of Tamil poetry.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• A. They established trade routes with foreign merchants.
  This option is misleading as while trade was important during the Sangam Age, the Velirs were not primarily known for establishing trade routes. This task was more associated with larger kingdoms and merchant guilds.
• B. They ruled independently from the major kingdoms.
  This statement is not entirely accurate; while the Velirs had some autonomy, they were often vassals or allies of larger kingdoms and did not rule completely independently.
• C. They were primarily focused on military conquests.
  This is incorrect as the Velirs were not primarily military leaders; their contributions were more cultural and supportive rather than militaristic.

Explanation of Correct Answer

The correct answer is B. Hero stones, also known as 'veerakkal', are significant in the Sangam Age as they were erected in memory of individuals who sacrificed their lives for their community or during battles. They often featured inscriptions that celebrated the bravery of these individuals.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• A. They were used as building materials for temples.
  This is incorrect. Hero stones were not primarily used for construction; they served a commemorative purpose.
• C. They served as currency for trade.
  This is incorrect. Hero stones did not function as currency; they were memorials, not monetary objects.
• D. They documented agricultural practices.
  This is incorrect. Hero stones focused on commemorating individuals and did not record agricultural activities.

Explanation of Correct Answer

The correct answer is Cheran Senguttuvan. He is a prominent figure in the Sangam literature, particularly known for his military expeditions and conquests. His exploits are celebrated in various poems, highlighting his role as a powerful king in ancient Tamil history.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• Tolkappiar: He is credited as the author of the Tolkappiyam, an ancient Tamil grammar text, rather than a military leader.
• Nedunchezhiyan: While he is a notable king mentioned in Sangam literature, he is not specifically renowned for military expeditions compared to Cheran Senguttuvan.
• Karikalan: He is also a significant figure in Tamil history, known for his contributions to the development of irrigation and infrastructure, but he is not primarily noted for military expeditions in the Sangam texts.

Explanation of Correct Answer

The correct answer is A. Agriculture and trade. During the Sangam Age, the Chola Kingdom thrived on its agricultural production and extensive trade networks. They were known for their rice cultivation, which was a staple food, and their trade activities, which included both inland and maritime trade routes connecting them with other regions.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• B. Fishing and hunting: While fishing and hunting were part of the lifestyle, they were not the primary economic activities that defined the Chola Kingdom during the Sangam Age.
• C. Mining and metallurgy: Although mining existed to some extent, it was not as significant as agriculture and trade in the context of the Chola economy during this period.
• D. Textile manufacturing: Textile manufacturing was important, but it was largely a part of the trade activities rather than a standalone significant economic activity in comparison to agriculture.

Explanation of Correct Answer

The correct answer is C. A series of long poems. Pattuppattu is an ancient Tamil literary work consisting of a collection of long poetic compositions that celebrate various themes, including love and valor.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• A. A collection of short stories - This option is incorrect as Pattuppattu does not consist of short stories but rather long poems.
• B. A grammatical text - This option is also incorrect; Pattuppattu is not a grammatical text, but a poetic anthology.
• D. A historical account - While some poems in Pattuppattu may touch upon historical themes, it is not primarily a historical account.

Explanation of Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: It influenced the types of crops grown and livelihoods. During the Sangam Age, the geography of the region, including factors such as climate, soil type, and topography, played a critical role in determining agricultural practices. The fertile plains supported a variety of crops, which were essential for sustenance and trade, thus shaping the livelihoods of the people.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• A: It dictated the political alliances formed. While geography can influence political dynamics, the political alliances during the Sangam Age were more significantly shaped by cultural and economic factors rather than geography alone.
• B: It determined the languages spoken. Languages in the Sangam Age were influenced by migration and cultural exchange rather than solely by geography.
• C: It shaped the architectural styles of the period. Architectural styles were influenced by cultural practices and available materials rather than geography alone.

Explanation of Correct Answer

The term Ettuttogai refers to a compilation of over 2,000 poems from the Sangam period of Tamil literature. This collection is significant as it showcases the poetic traditions and themes prevalent during that era.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• Option A: A single epic poem - This is incorrect because Ettuttogai is not a single work but a collection of multiple poems.
• Option B: A collection of short stories - This is incorrect as Ettuttogai consists of poems, not short stories.
• Option D: A grammatical treatise - This option is incorrect because Ettuttogai does not focus on grammar; it is a literary collection.

Explanation of Correct Answer

The correct answer is A. Tolkappiyam is primarily known as a grammar textbook that classifies the elements of the Tamil language. It is an essential text that outlines the rules of Tamil grammar and linguistics.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• B: This option is incorrect because Tolkappiyam is not the only work from the Third Sangam; there are other texts associated with this period.
• C: This option is incorrect as Tolkappiyam is not a collection of love poems. It focuses on linguistic structure rather than poetry.
• D: This option is incorrect because Tolkappiyam is not classified as an epic; it is a grammatical treatise.

The correct answer is A: The division of society into high-born and low-born categories. This reflects the hierarchical nature of Sangam society, where social stratification was prominent.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• B: The promotion of equality among all castes is incorrect as Sangam society did not promote equality but rather maintained distinct social divisions.
• C: The absence of a caste system is incorrect because the caste system was indeed present in Sangam society, influencing social interactions and status.
• D: The complete dominance of traders over farmers is misleading as the social hierarchy was more complex and included various other classes beyond just traders and farmers.

Explanation of Correct Answer

The correct answer is Revenge and Buddhist ideals. In the epic Silappadikaram, themes of vengeance are prominent, particularly in the narrative of Kannagi seeking revenge for the wrongful death of her husband. Additionally, Manimegalai explores Buddhist ideals, focusing on the philosophical aspects of suffering and enlightenment.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• A. Agricultural practices and caste systems - While these themes are present in some Tamil literature, they are not central to the narratives of Silappadikaram and Manimegalai.
• B. Military conquests and trade - These themes are not major focuses in either epic. The stories are more concerned with personal and moral dilemmas than with military exploits.
• D. Love and heroism - Although love is a theme, it is intertwined with revenge in Silappadikaram. Heroism is more of a backdrop rather than a central theme compared to revenge and Buddhist philosophies.

The correct answer is Tirukkural, which is one of the eighteen minor works of Sangam literature. It is a classic Tamil text composed by the poet Thiruvalluvar and is renowned for its poetic wisdom and moral teachings.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• Tolkappiyam: This is a significant ancient Tamil text on grammar but is not considered one of the eighteen minor works.
• Manimegalai: This is part of the major works of Sangam literature, specifically classified as an epic, and not part of the minor works.
• Silappadikaram: Like Manimegalai, this is another major epic in Tamil literature and does not fall under the eighteen minor works.

Explanation of Correct Answer

The correct answer is Tamil Brahmi inscriptions. These inscriptions are crucial for understanding the history and culture of the Sangam Age, which flourished in ancient Tamil Nadu. They provide valuable insights into the language, administration, and social structure of the time.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• Stone carvings in temples: While stone carvings are significant in understanding the artistic achievements of the period, they do not provide the same level of detailed historical information as Tamil Brahmi inscriptions.
• Inscriptions on pottery: Inscriptions on pottery are less common and do not typically offer comprehensive insights into the Sangam Age compared to Tamil Brahmi inscriptions.
• Written records on parchment: Parchment was not commonly used in ancient Tamil Nadu for recording information during the Sangam period; thus, it is not a relevant source for this historical context.

The correct answer is Rice. The Chera region, which corresponds to parts of present-day Kerala, India, was known for its fertile land and conducive climate for rice cultivation, making it a staple agricultural product.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• Wheat: While wheat is a significant crop in many regions of India, it is less suited to the tropical climate of the Chera region compared to rice.
• Cotton: Although cotton is cultivated in various parts of India, it was not the primary agricultural product in the Chera region.
• Jackfruit: While jackfruit is native to the region and widely consumed, it is not classified as a staple agricultural product like rice.

Explanation of Correct Answer

The correct answer is Social behaviours and relationships. The Tolkappiyam, an ancient Tamil text, categorises various aspects of society, with a significant focus on social interactions and norms, detailing how individuals relate to one another within the community.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• Economic activities: While the Tolkappiyam may touch upon aspects of economics, it does not primarily focus on economic activities as a classification.
• Military strategies: This option is not relevant to the Tolkappiyam, which is more concerned with social norms rather than military tactics.
• Political structures: Although political aspects might be discussed, the primary emphasis of the Tolkappiyam lies in social behaviours rather than formal political structures.

The correct answer is B: It was largely self-sufficient and agrarian. During the Sangam Age, the economy was predominantly agrarian, with a strong emphasis on agriculture, which provided the mainstay for the population. The region was known for its agricultural productivity and self-sufficiency.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• A: It was heavily reliant on foreign imports. This statement is incorrect because the economy was primarily self-sufficient and did not rely significantly on foreign imports.
• C: It was based solely on fishing. Although fishing may have been a component of the economy, it was not the sole basis, as agriculture played a much larger role.
• D: It focused exclusively on luxury goods. This option is misleading as the economy was not exclusively focused on luxury goods; it was largely centred around agriculture and essential goods.

Explanation of Correct Answer

The correct answer is Silappadikaram, which is a Tamil epic that tells the story of Kannagi, a woman who seeks revenge for the wrongful punishment of her husband, Kovalan. This epic is renowned for its themes of justice and morality.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• Manimegalai: This is another Tamil epic, but it focuses on the story of a young woman named Manimegalai, who becomes a Buddhist nun, rather than a quest for revenge.
• Kundalakesi: This epic narrates the story of a woman named Kundalakesi, but it does not primarily revolve around revenge. It deals more with themes of love and devotion.
• Tirukkural: This is a classic Tamil text consisting of couplets that address ethical and philosophical topics, but it is not an epic and does not narrate a story of revenge.

Explanation of Correct Answer

The correct answer is Pandya Kingdom. The Pandya Kingdom is renowned for its agricultural advancements and had Uraiyur as its capital during its early period. The Pandya rulers encouraged agriculture, trade, and irrigation, which significantly contributed to the prosperity of the region.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• Velir Kingdom: While the Velir were a notable clan during the early Tamil period, they are not specifically known for significant agricultural advancements, nor did they have Uraiyur as a capital.
• Chola Kingdom: The Chola Kingdom is also recognized for its advancements, particularly in trade and architecture, but its capital was Thanjavur, not Uraiyur, and it was not primarily known for agricultural advancements compared to the Pandyas.
• Chera Kingdom: The Chera Kingdom had its capital at Karur and is famous for its trade and maritime activities. It is not specifically noted for agricultural advancements in the same way as the Pandya Kingdom.

Explanation of Correct Answer

The correct answer is Pottery, shells, and megaliths. Archaeological findings from the Sangam Age primarily included these materials, reflecting the daily life, trade, and cultural practices of the time.

Explanation of Incorrect Options

• Gold and silver: While these materials were known and used in ancient India, they were not the primary findings in Sangam archaeological sites.
• Wood and textiles: Although wood and textiles were likely used in daily life, they do not represent the primary materials discovered in archaeological excavations from the Sangam Age.
• Stone and marble: These materials were used in some contexts, but again, they were not the main focus of the archaeological findings from this period.

The Chera Kingdom, located along the western coast of Tamilakam (modern Kerala and western Tamil Nadu), was famous for its extensive overseas trade. They exported spices (especially black pepper), ivory, pearls, and precious stones to the Roman Empire. The Roman gold coins and amphorae jars found in Tamil Nadu and Kerala confirm this flourishing Indo-Roman trade.