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Social Life During the Sangam Age

Sangam Age: Social Development | History Optional for UPSC (Notes)Sangam Society: Castes and Tribes:

  • The Sangam literature mentions various tribes and traditional castes, indicating that caste divisions and tribal arrangements coexisted.
  • Tolkappiar, an ancient Tamil grammarian, recognizes the four castes: Andanar (Brahmins), Arasar (warriors), Vaisiyar (traders), and Velalar (agriculturists).

Priests and Social Life:

  • Although priests were gradually gaining influence in Sangam society, it was not dominated by them.
  • Social life during this period was characterized by heroic deeds and valor.
  • Despite their small numbers, Brahmins in Tamilaham played a crucial role in shaping Tamil culture.

Brahmins in Sangam Society

  • Tamil Brahmins were respected for their cleanliness, hygiene, and orderly domestic life. They lived in separate streets and adhered strictly to their caste duties.
  • Brahmins sometimes served the king as judicial officers, purohits (priests), and astrologers. They also acted as ambassadors and exchanged patronage with the kings.

Slavery and Servitude:

  • There is no concrete evidence of slavery as an institution in Tamilaham during the Sangam age. There are no records of the sale and purchase of human beings.
  • However, it is likely that there were laborers or low-status servants whose living conditions were poor.

Question for Sangam Age: Social Development
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Which social group in Sangam society was known for their cleanliness, hygiene, and orderly domestic life?
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Status of Women

The status of women in Sangam society was not equal to that of men, both in theory and practice.
Women were categorized into different groups:

  • Married women who fulfilled traditional roles as housewives, taking care of their husbands, children, and households. Some of these women practiced Sati (self-immolation on their husband’s funeral pyre) or faced difficult lives as widows.
  • Female ascetics associated with Buddhism or Jainism, such as Kaundi Adigal and Manimekalai.
  • A significant number of courtesans, who sometimes acted as bodyguards.
  • Women were generally not involved in roles such as soldiers, ministers, ambassadors, or advisors to the king. They also did not own property.

Marriage Customs:
There were various types of marriages in Sangam society:

  • Idealistic marriages performed by mutual consent of the couple without parental consent.
  • Marriages involving elaborate rituals.
  • Marriages with differing rituals for Brahmins, kings, Vaisyas, and Velalars.
  • Women’s lives varied significantly based on their marital status. Widows often led lives of penance and degradation, as not all women committed Sati.

Beliefs and Education:

  • Sangam people held various beliefs and superstitions, such as the significance of dreams, omens, ghosts, and spirits.
  • Education was highly valued and widespread. It involved not just reading but also listening to learned individuals.
  • Subjects like grammar, poetics, mathematics, astronomy, and fine arts were taught, often through oral tradition. Writing was less common, and memorization was emphasized.

Religion

  • The religion of the Sangam Tamils was diverse, encompassing ritualistic and supplicatory aspects. Various forms of worship, such as tree, stone, water, animal, and celestial body worship, were practiced.
  • Three strands of religion coexisted during this period: indigenous gods, exotic Hindu gods, and non-Hindu religious faiths.
  • Worship of deities like Murugan, Indra, Varuna, and Sivan was common, but there was no significant conflict among different religious practices.

Temples and Worship:

  • Temples, referred to as Nagar, were prominent in Sangam literature. Although the name Siva is rarely mentioned, many of his attributes are noted.
  • Temples dedicated to gods like Indra were also recognized, reflecting the religious diversity and practices of the Sangam people.

Question for Sangam Age: Social Development
Try yourself:
Which of the following describes the religious practices of the Sangam Tamils?
View Solution

The document Sangam Age: Social Development | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) is a part of the UPSC Course History Optional for UPSC (Notes).
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FAQs on Sangam Age: Social Development - History Optional for UPSC (Notes)

1. What was the significance of social life during the Sangam Age?
Ans. The Sangam Age, which spanned from approximately 300 BCE to 300 CE in southern India, was marked by a vibrant social life characterized by a rich tapestry of cultural practices, community interactions, and artistic expressions. It was a period where poetry and literature flourished, reflecting the values, beliefs, and everyday experiences of society. The social structure was relatively fluid, allowing for interactions across various communities, including traders, farmers, and artisans, which contributed to economic prosperity and cultural exchange.
2. How did the role of Brahmins evolve in Sangam society?
Ans. Brahmins in Sangam society held a significant position, acting as religious leaders, scholars, and educators. Their primary role was to perform rituals and maintain religious traditions, which were highly revered by the community. Over time, Brahmins also became involved in the political sphere, advising kings and participating in governance. Their influence extended beyond religion to include education and literature, making them pivotal figures in the cultural and social developments of the period.
3. What was the status of women during the Sangam Age?
Ans. The status of women in the Sangam Age was relatively progressive compared to later periods in Indian history. Women enjoyed certain rights and freedoms, such as participation in social gatherings, the ability to own property, and involvement in arts and literature. However, their roles were often tied to familial duties and societal expectations. The poetry of the time often depicted women as strong, independent figures, highlighting their importance in both the social and domestic spheres.
4. What were the major religions practiced during the Sangam Age?
Ans. The Sangam Age witnessed a blend of various religious practices, predominantly Hinduism, which was characterized by the worship of various deities and adherence to Vedic traditions. Additionally, there were influences from Jainism and Buddhism, which emphasized non-violence and asceticism. The coexistence of these religions fostered a culture of philosophical inquiry and spiritual exploration, contributing to the overall richness of the period's social life.
5. How did social development manifest in the Sangam Age?
Ans. Social development during the Sangam Age was evident through the establishment of trade networks, urbanization, and cultural exchanges. The growth of towns and cities facilitated economic prosperity, while the patronage of arts and literature led to significant advancements in poetry, music, and dance. Social stratification existed, but it was more fluid compared to later periods, allowing for increased interactions among different classes and communities, thereby enriching the overall cultural fabric of the society.
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