RS Sharma Test: The Sangam Age - UPSC MCQ

Uraiyur was well known during the Sangam period for its high-quality pearls and fine muslins.

• The town was especially famous for muslin cloth so thin it was compared to the skin of a snake.

• Uraiyur's muslins were highly prized in ancient trade and valued for their delicate texture.

• Its pearls were also renowned, making it a busy centre of commerce.

The Chera monarch who was called Imayavaramban, meaning "He who had the Himalaya for his boundary," and who carved the Chera emblem of the bow on the face of the great mountain is Senguttuvan.

So, the correct answer is: c) Senguttuvan

• In his 13th Rock Edict (circa 3rd century BCE), Emperor Ashoka mentions the Cholas, Pandyas, Satyaputras, and Keralaputras as neighboring southern kingdoms.

• This is the earliest epigraphic reference to the Tamil kingdoms, including the Pandyas.

• Ashoka refers to these kingdoms in the context of the spread of Dhamma (his moral code), showing his awareness of the independent southern polities.

Hence, Ashokan inscriptions are the first reliable historical source to mention the Pandyas and Tamils.

Incorrect Statement on Sangam History

• Vishnu worship with Tulsi was popular among the Sangam people: This statement is correct.
• The Sangam people did not worship Siva, Balaram, and Krishna: This statement is incorrect. The Sangam people worshipped various deities including Siva, Balaram, and Krishna.
• Vedic religion of sacrifice was followed by the Sangam kings: This statement is correct.
• Buddhism and Jainism found a footing in the land of Sangam people: This statement is correct.

In conclusion, statement B is incorrect as the Sangam people did worship deities like Siva, Balaram, and Krishna.

A. He defeated the Ceylonese and captured 12,000 prisoners and put them to work at Puhar, a sea-port at the mouth of Kaveri.
Correct. Karikala Chola is credited with invading Ceylon (Sri Lanka), capturing prisoners, and employing them in the development of Kaveripattinam (Puhar).

B. He had the grand Ancient Srirangam built, thus controlling the waters of the Kaveri at the head of the delta.
 Correct. Karikala is famed for constructing the Grand Anicut (Kallanai), regulating the waters of the Kaveri.

C. He patronised Brahmanical religion and Tamil literature. 
 Correct. Karikala supported Brahmanical traditions and his reign saw the rise of early Tamil literature like Pattinappalai.

D. He was defeated at the battle of Venni. 
 Incorrect. Karikala actually won the Battle of Venni, defeating a confederacy of Tamil kings (including Cheras and Pandyas), establishing his supremacy in the region.

Therefore, Correct Answer- Option D

Tamil Designation of Ministers during the Sangam Age

• Amaichchar: The correct Tamil designation of ministers during the Sangam age was 'Amaichchar'. This term was used to refer to ministers who held important positions in the governing bodies of the Sangam period.
• Surram: 'Surram' was not the correct Tamil designation of ministers during the Sangam age. It is not a term commonly used to refer to ministers in ancient Tamil literature.
• Mantri: 'Mantri' is a Sanskrit term used to refer to ministers or advisors in Indian history. However, during the Sangam age, the term 'Amaichchar' was more commonly used in Tamil literature.
• Amatya: Although 'Amatya' is a term used in ancient Indian administration to refer to ministers or officers, it was not the specific Tamil designation used during the Sangam age.

Therefore, the correct Tamil designation of ministers during the Sangam age was 'Amaichchar'. This term signifies the important role that ministers played in the governance and administration of the ancient Tamil society during the Sangam period.

After the death of Nero, the Roman Empire faced serious financial problems. This led to a decline in the use of coins for trade.

• Due to economic difficulties, people began to rely more on barter to exchange goods instead of using money.
• This shift happened because coins became scarce and less valuable during this period.

The great poet who lived during the time of Karikala Chola and Senguttuvan Chera was Paranar.

• Paranar was a famous Tamil poet known for his works during the Sangam period.
• He was a contemporary of both Chola king Karikala and Chera king Senguttuvan, making his poetry significant in understanding the history and culture of that era.
• His verses offer insights into the social and political life of early South India.

A. Enadi → I. Captains of the army
Enadis were considered captains or leaders in warfare.

B. Malavar → V. Robbers
Malavars were known for their association with robbery.

C. Eyinar → III. Hunters
Eyinar were primarily hunters.

D. Kalabhras → IV. Evil rulers
Kalabhras were often depicted as oppressive rulers in Tamil traditions.

E. Pulaiyans → II. Low class artisans
Pulaiyans were associated with low caste occupations, including artisanship.

Thus, Option A is the correct match.

The inland capital of the Sangam Cholas was Uraiyur. This city served as an important administrative and cultural centre during the Sangam period, contributing significantly to the region's history and development.

The royal emblem of the Cheras was the bow.

• This symbol represented the Chera dynasty's strength and identity.
• The bow was often used in their official seals and coins.

The Tolkappium, a foundational text of the second Sangam period, primarily focuses on grammar. It is a significant work in Tamil literature that outlines the rules and principles of the Tamil language, making it essential for understanding the linguistic structure and usage during that era.

Key points about the Tolkappium include:

• It serves as a comprehensive guide to the syntax, morphology, and phonetics of Tamil.
• The text is divided into three main sections: Ezhuthu (letters), Sol (words), and Porul (meaning).
• Tolkappium also reflects the cultural and social aspects of ancient Tamil society.
• It is regarded as the first known treatise on Tamil grammar, influencing subsequent literary works.

During the Sangam period, the Vellals were the largest land-owning group. Their control over land gave them a high status in government and administration.

• There are no direct references to ‘serfs’ in records from this period.
• However, the condition of agricultural labourers was very poor, almost like that of serfs.
• This means that while both statements are correct, the poor status of agricultural labourers does not explain why the Vellals had such a high position; their power came from land ownership, not from the labourers’ status.

• Merchants in the past openly declared the profits they intended to make when selling their goods. This practice was part of their business strategy, demonstrating transparency in their dealings.
• Additionally, these merchants often operated in groups known as ‘Vanikachattu’. This collective approach provided them with a support system to negotiate better terms and share resources.
• In essence, while both the assertion and reason are true, the reason highlights a broader context of merchant practices rather than directly explaining the assertion. Thus, while they relate, one does not cause the other.

Therefore , Correct Answer - Option B

During the Sangam age, the Variyilar was responsible for revenue collection, while the Ayakkarar handled revenue accounts and travelled to collect trade and transit duties.

• Both statements are true: The Variyilar did manage revenue collection, and the Ayakkarar was the accountant who moved between locations for duty collections.
• However, the Reason does not directly explain the Assertion. The two roles were separate, and the function of the Ayakkarar does not clarify the duties of the Variyilar.

Therefore, Correct Answer is Option B

• Assertion (A) is true because the royal seal was affixed to goods after the payment of custom duties to signify that the goods were legally cleared for trade.
• Reason (R) is false because the royal seal was not primarily used to identify the type or quantity of goods but to indicate that customs duties had been paid and the goods were authorized for transport.

Therefore, Correct Answer is Option C

Assertion (A): The unit of revenue-yielding territory was known as Variyam.
This statement is true. In the Chola administration, Variyam referred to administrative or revenue-related committees responsible for managing fiscal matters in villages.

Reason (R): Brahmins were totally exempted from the payment of land revenue or other taxes.
This statement is false. While Brahmins often received tax-free lands called Brahmadeya, they were not universally or totally exempted from all forms of taxation in every region or period. Exemptions depended on grants and specific conditions.

Therefore, A is true and R is false. Hence, the correct answer is Option C.

• Assertion A is true. The lack of local administrative bodies often led to the neglect of urban areas.
• Reason R is also true. Villages granted to Brahmins without revenue obligations were indeed termed as Brahmatyam.

However, the reason provided does not explain the assertion about urban neglect. The concept of Brahmatyam relates more to land grants than to urban administration.
Therefore, the correct conclusion is that both the assertion and the reason are true, but Reason R is not the correct explanation of Assertion A.

• If we look at the history of Uraiyur and Madurai, both cities were indeed known for their flourishing textile industry during ancient times. The textile industry was a major economic activity in these regions.
• Untouchability was a prevalent practice in ancient India, including in regions like Uraiyur and Madurai. However, historical records suggest that slavery, referred to as "adimai" or "atiyor," was indeed practiced in these regions.

Therefore, the statement about slavery being unknown is incorrect, making Reason R false.
Hence, the correct option is B 

Korkai served as the coastal capital of the Pandyas. It was a significant port city in ancient Tamil Nadu, contributing to trade and commerce during its time. The Pandyas were known for their maritime activities, and Korkai played a vital role in facilitating trade with other regions. The city was not only a political centre but also a hub for economic activities, connecting various cultures and facilitating the exchange of goods.

Hence, the Correct Answer is Option C

One of the significant Tamil works that highlight India’s thriving trade with the Roman Empire is the Silappadikaram. This epic poem, composed by Ilango Adigal, provides valuable insights into the cultural and economic exchanges between ancient India and Rome.

• Silappadikaram is set in the backdrop of Tamil Nadu and explores the life and adventures of its protagonist, Kannagi.
• The text reflects the social and trade practices of the time, illustrating the connections between Tamil merchants and Roman traders.
• It mentions various goods traded, such as spices and textiles, showcasing the economic interdependence of the regions.
• This work is crucial for understanding the historical context of trade relationships in ancient times.

Therefore, Correct Answer is Option D

Fish was the royal emblem of Pandya Kingdom. The Pandyas were also mentioned by Megasthanese who said that then kingdom was famous for pearls.

Murugan, also known as Kartikeya or Skanda, was the chief deity of the Sangam age. He is a popular Hindu god, particularly worshipped in South India.

Other Deities

• Siva, while a prominent deity in Hinduism, did not hold the position of chief deity during the Sangam age; that position was held by Murugan.
• Indra is a deity in Hindu mythology, known as the king of gods, but he was not considered the chief deity during the Sangam age.
• Vishnu, known as the preserver of the universe, is another important deity in Hinduism, but he was also not the chief deity during the Sangam age.

By studying the historical and cultural context of the Sangam age, it is evident that Murugan held the position of chief deity during that period.

The king mentioned in the Silappadikaram is Nedunjeliyan. This ancient Tamil epic narrates the story of Kannagi and her husband, Kovalan. Nedunjeliyan plays a crucial role in the narrative, highlighting the themes of justice and morality. His character reflects the values and traditions of the Pandyan dynasty during that period.

Yavanapriya is another name for pepper in ancient Indian texts and Ayurveda. Pepper, also known as black gold, is one of the most popular spices used worldwide for its flavour and medicinal properties. It was highly valued in ancient times and considered a precious commodity due to its various uses in cooking, medicine, and preserving food.

Ayurvedic Properties

• In Ayurveda, pepper is believed to have digestive properties.
• It is known for its antioxidant benefits.
• Pepper has antibacterial properties, making it a valuable spice in traditional medicine.

Uraiyur, during the Sangam period, was renowned for its production of muslin. This fine and soft fabric was highly valued for its quality and was a significant part of the region's trade and culture.
Therefore,Correct Answer- Option B

During the Sangam age, the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas frequently engaged in conflicts primarily to gain control over fertile river deltas, especially the Kaveri delta. These regions were agriculturally rich, providing surplus crops and substantial land revenue. Control over such areas not only ensured economic prosperity but also enhanced political power and stability. Hence, the desire to dominate these fertile lands was a major cause of inter-dynastic warfare.

Therefore, Correct Answer is Option A

The Pandya king who triumphed over the Chola and Chera kings in the battle of Talaiyalanganam was Nedunjeliyan. He is a significant figure from the Sangam age, known for his military prowess and leadership.

• Nedunjeliyan was a prominent ruler of the Pandya dynasty.
• His victory at Talaiyalanganam solidified the Pandya's power in South India.
• This battle is an important event in Tamil history, showcasing the conflicts between the three major kingdoms: Pandya, Chola, and Chera.
  
   

   

Jivak-Chintamani: This Tamil work highlights the importance of Jaina philosophy through its content and themes. The text is known for its portrayal of Jain principles and teachings.

Other Works

• Silappadikaram: While Silappadikaram is a significant Tamil epic that explores various themes and moral values, it does not specifically focus on Jaina philosophy.
• Manimekalai: Manimekalai is another Tamil work that does not primarily highlight Jaina philosophy. It revolves around Buddhist teachings and principles.
• Pattupattu: Pattupattu is a collection of ten Tamil poetic works that primarily focus on love, nature, and other aspects of life, without emphasising Jaina philosophy.

Therefore, the correct answer is A: Jivak-Chintamani, as it is a Tamil work that specifically highlights the importance of Jaina philosophy in its content and themes.

Tolkappiyam is considered the most significant masterpiece of ancient Tamil literature from the Sangam age. It is a comprehensive work on Tamil grammar and poetics, laying the foundation for the Tamil language and literature. This text is essential for understanding the linguistic and cultural context of the time.

Other notable works include:

• Pattupattu: A collection of ten poems celebrating the glory of chieftains and their heroic deeds.
• Ettutogai: An anthology of eight poetic works, showcasing various themes of love and valor.
• Padienenkilkanakku: A collection of didactic poems focusing on ethics and morality.

While all these works are important, Tolkappiyam stands out due to its foundational role in the development of Tamil literature.