Society, Economy, Religion and Culture of The Sangam Age | Tamil Nadu State PSC (TNPSC): Preparation - TNPSC (Tamil Nadu) PDF Download

 Page 1


3. SOCIETY, ECONOMY, RELIGION
AND CULTURE OF THE SANGAM AGE
Learning Objectives:
The Sangam Age in Tamil country is significant and unique
for its social, economic, religious and cultural life of the Tamils.
There was an all round development during this period. The
Sangam literature as well as the archaeological findings reveal these
developments.
Social Life:
In the Sangam Age, the Tamil people had a common language
and culture. But, they lived in five different natural landscapes.
These natural landscapes or geographical regions were known as
Tinais. The five Tinais referred to in the Sangam literature
were Kurinji, Mullai, Marudham, Neydal and Palai. Each Tinai
was geographically distinct from the other. Moreover, each of these
regions had reflected their own social characteristics.
Kurinji:
The Kurinji Tinai refers to the hilly region. The people in
this region were called Vettuvar and Kuravar. Hunting was their
primary occupation. They also cultivated fruits and vegetables and
gathered honey. They worshipped Murugan or Seyon.
Mullai:
It is a forest tract with green pastures. The people of this region
domesticated animals. The people of the Mullai region were called as
Kovalar or Ayar. Being shepherds, they produced dairy products like
milk, curd and ghee. Their chief deity was Thirumal or Mayon.
Marudham:
The region Marudham refers to fertile and cultivable lands.
Most of the people in this region were called as Vellalars because
they practised agriculture. They cultivated paddy, sugar cane and
a variety of fruits like mango, plantain and Jackfruit. Irrigation
methods were also known to them. Their chief deity was Indra or
the rain God.
Neydal:
Neydal was the coastal region. The people of this region were
known as Parathavar or Meenavar. Fishing was their natural
occupation. They were also famous sailors. A few people of this
region produced and sold salt. They were called as Umanar. The
God of the Neydal region was Varunan or the God of the sea.
Page 2


3. SOCIETY, ECONOMY, RELIGION
AND CULTURE OF THE SANGAM AGE
Learning Objectives:
The Sangam Age in Tamil country is significant and unique
for its social, economic, religious and cultural life of the Tamils.
There was an all round development during this period. The
Sangam literature as well as the archaeological findings reveal these
developments.
Social Life:
In the Sangam Age, the Tamil people had a common language
and culture. But, they lived in five different natural landscapes.
These natural landscapes or geographical regions were known as
Tinais. The five Tinais referred to in the Sangam literature
were Kurinji, Mullai, Marudham, Neydal and Palai. Each Tinai
was geographically distinct from the other. Moreover, each of these
regions had reflected their own social characteristics.
Kurinji:
The Kurinji Tinai refers to the hilly region. The people in
this region were called Vettuvar and Kuravar. Hunting was their
primary occupation. They also cultivated fruits and vegetables and
gathered honey. They worshipped Murugan or Seyon.
Mullai:
It is a forest tract with green pastures. The people of this region
domesticated animals. The people of the Mullai region were called as
Kovalar or Ayar. Being shepherds, they produced dairy products like
milk, curd and ghee. Their chief deity was Thirumal or Mayon.
Marudham:
The region Marudham refers to fertile and cultivable lands.
Most of the people in this region were called as Vellalars because
they practised agriculture. They cultivated paddy, sugar cane and
a variety of fruits like mango, plantain and Jackfruit. Irrigation
methods were also known to them. Their chief deity was Indra or
the rain God.
Neydal:
Neydal was the coastal region. The people of this region were
known as Parathavar or Meenavar. Fishing was their natural
occupation. They were also famous sailors. A few people of this
region produced and sold salt. They were called as Umanar. The
God of the Neydal region was Varunan or the God of the sea.
3. SOCIETY, ECONOMY, RELIGION
AND CULTURE OF THE SANGAM AGE
Learning Objectives:
The Sangam Age in Tamil country is significant and unique
for its social, economic, religious and cultural life of the Tamils.
There was an all round development during this period. The
Sangam literature as well as the archaeological findings reveal these
developments.
Social Life:
In the Sangam Age, the Tamil people had a common language
and culture. But, they lived in five different natural landscapes.
These natural landscapes or geographical regions were known as
Tinais. The five Tinais referred to in the Sangam literature
were Kurinji, Mullai, Marudham, Neydal and Palai. Each Tinai
was geographically distinct from the other. Moreover, each of these
regions had reflected their own social characteristics.
Kurinji:
The Kurinji Tinai refers to the hilly region. The people in
this region were called Vettuvar and Kuravar. Hunting was their
primary occupation. They also cultivated fruits and vegetables and
gathered honey. They worshipped Murugan or Seyon.
Mullai:
It is a forest tract with green pastures. The people of this region
domesticated animals. The people of the Mullai region were called as
Kovalar or Ayar. Being shepherds, they produced dairy products like
milk, curd and ghee. Their chief deity was Thirumal or Mayon.
Marudham:
The region Marudham refers to fertile and cultivable lands.
Most of the people in this region were called as Vellalars because
they practised agriculture. They cultivated paddy, sugar cane and
a variety of fruits like mango, plantain and Jackfruit. Irrigation
methods were also known to them. Their chief deity was Indra or
the rain God.
Neydal:
Neydal was the coastal region. The people of this region were
known as Parathavar or Meenavar. Fishing was their natural
occupation. They were also famous sailors. A few people of this
region produced and sold salt. They were called as Umanar. The
God of the Neydal region was Varunan or the God of the sea.
Page 3


3. SOCIETY, ECONOMY, RELIGION
AND CULTURE OF THE SANGAM AGE
Learning Objectives:
The Sangam Age in Tamil country is significant and unique
for its social, economic, religious and cultural life of the Tamils.
There was an all round development during this period. The
Sangam literature as well as the archaeological findings reveal these
developments.
Social Life:
In the Sangam Age, the Tamil people had a common language
and culture. But, they lived in five different natural landscapes.
These natural landscapes or geographical regions were known as
Tinais. The five Tinais referred to in the Sangam literature
were Kurinji, Mullai, Marudham, Neydal and Palai. Each Tinai
was geographically distinct from the other. Moreover, each of these
regions had reflected their own social characteristics.
Kurinji:
The Kurinji Tinai refers to the hilly region. The people in
this region were called Vettuvar and Kuravar. Hunting was their
primary occupation. They also cultivated fruits and vegetables and
gathered honey. They worshipped Murugan or Seyon.
Mullai:
It is a forest tract with green pastures. The people of this region
domesticated animals. The people of the Mullai region were called as
Kovalar or Ayar. Being shepherds, they produced dairy products like
milk, curd and ghee. Their chief deity was Thirumal or Mayon.
Marudham:
The region Marudham refers to fertile and cultivable lands.
Most of the people in this region were called as Vellalars because
they practised agriculture. They cultivated paddy, sugar cane and
a variety of fruits like mango, plantain and Jackfruit. Irrigation
methods were also known to them. Their chief deity was Indra or
the rain God.
Neydal:
Neydal was the coastal region. The people of this region were
known as Parathavar or Meenavar. Fishing was their natural
occupation. They were also famous sailors. A few people of this
region produced and sold salt. They were called as Umanar. The
God of the Neydal region was Varunan or the God of the sea.
3. SOCIETY, ECONOMY, RELIGION
AND CULTURE OF THE SANGAM AGE
Learning Objectives:
The Sangam Age in Tamil country is significant and unique
for its social, economic, religious and cultural life of the Tamils.
There was an all round development during this period. The
Sangam literature as well as the archaeological findings reveal these
developments.
Social Life:
In the Sangam Age, the Tamil people had a common language
and culture. But, they lived in five different natural landscapes.
These natural landscapes or geographical regions were known as
Tinais. The five Tinais referred to in the Sangam literature
were Kurinji, Mullai, Marudham, Neydal and Palai. Each Tinai
was geographically distinct from the other. Moreover, each of these
regions had reflected their own social characteristics.
Kurinji:
The Kurinji Tinai refers to the hilly region. The people in
this region were called Vettuvar and Kuravar. Hunting was their
primary occupation. They also cultivated fruits and vegetables and
gathered honey. They worshipped Murugan or Seyon.
Mullai:
It is a forest tract with green pastures. The people of this region
domesticated animals. The people of the Mullai region were called as
Kovalar or Ayar. Being shepherds, they produced dairy products like
milk, curd and ghee. Their chief deity was Thirumal or Mayon.
Marudham:
The region Marudham refers to fertile and cultivable lands.
Most of the people in this region were called as Vellalars because
they practised agriculture. They cultivated paddy, sugar cane and
a variety of fruits like mango, plantain and Jackfruit. Irrigation
methods were also known to them. Their chief deity was Indra or
the rain God.
Neydal:
Neydal was the coastal region. The people of this region were
known as Parathavar or Meenavar. Fishing was their natural
occupation. They were also famous sailors. A few people of this
region produced and sold salt. They were called as Umanar. The
God of the Neydal region was Varunan or the God of the sea.
Palai:
The term Palai refers to the desert region. But, there was no
desert in the Tamil country. Therefore, it could be said that
whenever there was drought due to failure of rains, that region
was called as Palai. The people of this region were called as
Maravar or Kalvar. They were forced to live as robbers due to
poverty. Maravar were also known for their heroism. These people
worshipped the Goddess Kotravai or Kali.
We have already studied about the pre-historic society in
the Tamil country. The Sangam age was the continuation of the
pre-historic period. As in the pre-historic period, the life of the
people in the Sangam age had remained simple and natural. The
Sangam Tamils had chosen their occupation according to their
natural environment. Although they lived in five different regions,
there was a close interaction between them. This interaction had
resulted in the development of a common language and culture in
the Tamil country.
Learn the importance of protecting the natural
environment for healthy living.
Social Divisions:
The Tamil society during the Sangam period was broadly
divided into several groups. In the beginning of the Sangam Age,
the Tamil society was not organised on the basis of the Vedic caste
system, namely Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras.
However, the earliest of the Sangam literature, Tolkappiyam refers
to the four divisions prevalent in the Sangam society namely,
Anthanar, Arasar, Vaisiyar and Vellalar. It may be said that
this classification roughly corresponds to the Vedic social division.
Another Sangam work, Purananuru mentions the names of ancient
Tamil tribes such as Tudiyan, Panan, and Kadamban. These
divisions indicate the complex social structure prevalent in the
Sangam Age.
Status of Women:
The Sangam literature describes the position of women in
ancient Tamil society. In the Sangam Age, women were treated
with special consideration. The natural feminine qualities such as
Achcham, Madam and Nanam were insisted in the Sangam
literature. Their most important virtue was chastity. The heroine
of Silappathigaram, Kannagi had been hailed for her chastity and
worshipped by the people. The women were given freedom to
choose their life partners during the Sangam period. The concept
of love had been elaborately discussed in Agananuru.
Women treated their husbands as equivalent to God during
the Sangam period. They were not permitted to remarry and inherit
property. Sati or the custom of self-immolation at the death of
one’s husband was not generally prevalent during this period.
However, some women from the royal family indulged in the
practice of Sati. According to the Sangam literature, a woman had
to play different roles in the family such as a dutiful wife,
responsible mother and an ideal hostess to guests. Women’s
education was also insisted during the Sangam Age. We come to
know a few women poets like Avvaiyar, Kakkai Padiniyar and
Nachchellaiyar, whose verses are found in the Sangam literature.
Sangam women were also known for their courage. However, from
the post-Sangam period, there was a decline in the status of women.
Food and Hospitality:
Rice was the staple food during the Sangam period. The food
-habits varied among the people according to their economic status.
27
Page 4


3. SOCIETY, ECONOMY, RELIGION
AND CULTURE OF THE SANGAM AGE
Learning Objectives:
The Sangam Age in Tamil country is significant and unique
for its social, economic, religious and cultural life of the Tamils.
There was an all round development during this period. The
Sangam literature as well as the archaeological findings reveal these
developments.
Social Life:
In the Sangam Age, the Tamil people had a common language
and culture. But, they lived in five different natural landscapes.
These natural landscapes or geographical regions were known as
Tinais. The five Tinais referred to in the Sangam literature
were Kurinji, Mullai, Marudham, Neydal and Palai. Each Tinai
was geographically distinct from the other. Moreover, each of these
regions had reflected their own social characteristics.
Kurinji:
The Kurinji Tinai refers to the hilly region. The people in
this region were called Vettuvar and Kuravar. Hunting was their
primary occupation. They also cultivated fruits and vegetables and
gathered honey. They worshipped Murugan or Seyon.
Mullai:
It is a forest tract with green pastures. The people of this region
domesticated animals. The people of the Mullai region were called as
Kovalar or Ayar. Being shepherds, they produced dairy products like
milk, curd and ghee. Their chief deity was Thirumal or Mayon.
Marudham:
The region Marudham refers to fertile and cultivable lands.
Most of the people in this region were called as Vellalars because
they practised agriculture. They cultivated paddy, sugar cane and
a variety of fruits like mango, plantain and Jackfruit. Irrigation
methods were also known to them. Their chief deity was Indra or
the rain God.
Neydal:
Neydal was the coastal region. The people of this region were
known as Parathavar or Meenavar. Fishing was their natural
occupation. They were also famous sailors. A few people of this
region produced and sold salt. They were called as Umanar. The
God of the Neydal region was Varunan or the God of the sea.
3. SOCIETY, ECONOMY, RELIGION
AND CULTURE OF THE SANGAM AGE
Learning Objectives:
The Sangam Age in Tamil country is significant and unique
for its social, economic, religious and cultural life of the Tamils.
There was an all round development during this period. The
Sangam literature as well as the archaeological findings reveal these
developments.
Social Life:
In the Sangam Age, the Tamil people had a common language
and culture. But, they lived in five different natural landscapes.
These natural landscapes or geographical regions were known as
Tinais. The five Tinais referred to in the Sangam literature
were Kurinji, Mullai, Marudham, Neydal and Palai. Each Tinai
was geographically distinct from the other. Moreover, each of these
regions had reflected their own social characteristics.
Kurinji:
The Kurinji Tinai refers to the hilly region. The people in
this region were called Vettuvar and Kuravar. Hunting was their
primary occupation. They also cultivated fruits and vegetables and
gathered honey. They worshipped Murugan or Seyon.
Mullai:
It is a forest tract with green pastures. The people of this region
domesticated animals. The people of the Mullai region were called as
Kovalar or Ayar. Being shepherds, they produced dairy products like
milk, curd and ghee. Their chief deity was Thirumal or Mayon.
Marudham:
The region Marudham refers to fertile and cultivable lands.
Most of the people in this region were called as Vellalars because
they practised agriculture. They cultivated paddy, sugar cane and
a variety of fruits like mango, plantain and Jackfruit. Irrigation
methods were also known to them. Their chief deity was Indra or
the rain God.
Neydal:
Neydal was the coastal region. The people of this region were
known as Parathavar or Meenavar. Fishing was their natural
occupation. They were also famous sailors. A few people of this
region produced and sold salt. They were called as Umanar. The
God of the Neydal region was Varunan or the God of the sea.
Palai:
The term Palai refers to the desert region. But, there was no
desert in the Tamil country. Therefore, it could be said that
whenever there was drought due to failure of rains, that region
was called as Palai. The people of this region were called as
Maravar or Kalvar. They were forced to live as robbers due to
poverty. Maravar were also known for their heroism. These people
worshipped the Goddess Kotravai or Kali.
We have already studied about the pre-historic society in
the Tamil country. The Sangam age was the continuation of the
pre-historic period. As in the pre-historic period, the life of the
people in the Sangam age had remained simple and natural. The
Sangam Tamils had chosen their occupation according to their
natural environment. Although they lived in five different regions,
there was a close interaction between them. This interaction had
resulted in the development of a common language and culture in
the Tamil country.
Learn the importance of protecting the natural
environment for healthy living.
Social Divisions:
The Tamil society during the Sangam period was broadly
divided into several groups. In the beginning of the Sangam Age,
the Tamil society was not organised on the basis of the Vedic caste
system, namely Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras.
However, the earliest of the Sangam literature, Tolkappiyam refers
to the four divisions prevalent in the Sangam society namely,
Anthanar, Arasar, Vaisiyar and Vellalar. It may be said that
this classification roughly corresponds to the Vedic social division.
Another Sangam work, Purananuru mentions the names of ancient
Tamil tribes such as Tudiyan, Panan, and Kadamban. These
divisions indicate the complex social structure prevalent in the
Sangam Age.
Status of Women:
The Sangam literature describes the position of women in
ancient Tamil society. In the Sangam Age, women were treated
with special consideration. The natural feminine qualities such as
Achcham, Madam and Nanam were insisted in the Sangam
literature. Their most important virtue was chastity. The heroine
of Silappathigaram, Kannagi had been hailed for her chastity and
worshipped by the people. The women were given freedom to
choose their life partners during the Sangam period. The concept
of love had been elaborately discussed in Agananuru.
Women treated their husbands as equivalent to God during
the Sangam period. They were not permitted to remarry and inherit
property. Sati or the custom of self-immolation at the death of
one’s husband was not generally prevalent during this period.
However, some women from the royal family indulged in the
practice of Sati. According to the Sangam literature, a woman had
to play different roles in the family such as a dutiful wife,
responsible mother and an ideal hostess to guests. Women’s
education was also insisted during the Sangam Age. We come to
know a few women poets like Avvaiyar, Kakkai Padiniyar and
Nachchellaiyar, whose verses are found in the Sangam literature.
Sangam women were also known for their courage. However, from
the post-Sangam period, there was a decline in the status of women.
Food and Hospitality:
Rice was the staple food during the Sangam period. The food
-habits varied among the people according to their economic status.
27
Palai:
The term Palai refers to the desert region. But, there was no
desert in the Tamil country. Therefore, it could be said that
whenever there was drought due to failure of rains, that region
was called as Palai. The people of this region were called as
Maravar or Kalvar. They were forced to live as robbers due to
poverty. Maravar were also known for their heroism. These people
worshipped the Goddess Kotravai or Kali.
We have already studied about the pre-historic society in
the Tamil country. The Sangam age was the continuation of the
pre-historic period. As in the pre-historic period, the life of the
people in the Sangam age had remained simple and natural. The
Sangam Tamils had chosen their occupation according to their
natural environment. Although they lived in five different regions,
there was a close interaction between them. This interaction had
resulted in the development of a common language and culture in
the Tamil country.
Learn the importance of protecting the natural
environment for healthy living.
Social Divisions:
The Tamil society during the Sangam period was broadly
divided into several groups. In the beginning of the Sangam Age,
the Tamil society was not organised on the basis of the Vedic caste
system, namely Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras.
However, the earliest of the Sangam literature, Tolkappiyam refers
to the four divisions prevalent in the Sangam society namely,
Anthanar, Arasar, Vaisiyar and Vellalar. It may be said that
this classification roughly corresponds to the Vedic social division.
Another Sangam work, Purananuru mentions the names of ancient
Tamil tribes such as Tudiyan, Panan, and Kadamban. These
divisions indicate the complex social structure prevalent in the
Sangam Age.
Status of Women:
The Sangam literature describes the position of women in
ancient Tamil society. In the Sangam Age, women were treated
with special consideration. The natural feminine qualities such as
Achcham, Madam and Nanam were insisted in the Sangam
literature. Their most important virtue was chastity. The heroine
of Silappathigaram, Kannagi had been hailed for her chastity and
worshipped by the people. The women were given freedom to
choose their life partners during the Sangam period. The concept
of love had been elaborately discussed in Agananuru.
Women treated their husbands as equivalent to God during
the Sangam period. They were not permitted to remarry and inherit
property. Sati or the custom of self-immolation at the death of
one’s husband was not generally prevalent during this period.
However, some women from the royal family indulged in the
practice of Sati. According to the Sangam literature, a woman had
to play different roles in the family such as a dutiful wife,
responsible mother and an ideal hostess to guests. Women’s
education was also insisted during the Sangam Age. We come to
know a few women poets like Avvaiyar, Kakkai Padiniyar and
Nachchellaiyar, whose verses are found in the Sangam literature.
Sangam women were also known for their courage. However, from
the post-Sangam period, there was a decline in the status of women.
Food and Hospitality:
Rice was the staple food during the Sangam period. The food
-habits varied among the people according to their economic status.
27
Page 5


3. SOCIETY, ECONOMY, RELIGION
AND CULTURE OF THE SANGAM AGE
Learning Objectives:
The Sangam Age in Tamil country is significant and unique
for its social, economic, religious and cultural life of the Tamils.
There was an all round development during this period. The
Sangam literature as well as the archaeological findings reveal these
developments.
Social Life:
In the Sangam Age, the Tamil people had a common language
and culture. But, they lived in five different natural landscapes.
These natural landscapes or geographical regions were known as
Tinais. The five Tinais referred to in the Sangam literature
were Kurinji, Mullai, Marudham, Neydal and Palai. Each Tinai
was geographically distinct from the other. Moreover, each of these
regions had reflected their own social characteristics.
Kurinji:
The Kurinji Tinai refers to the hilly region. The people in
this region were called Vettuvar and Kuravar. Hunting was their
primary occupation. They also cultivated fruits and vegetables and
gathered honey. They worshipped Murugan or Seyon.
Mullai:
It is a forest tract with green pastures. The people of this region
domesticated animals. The people of the Mullai region were called as
Kovalar or Ayar. Being shepherds, they produced dairy products like
milk, curd and ghee. Their chief deity was Thirumal or Mayon.
Marudham:
The region Marudham refers to fertile and cultivable lands.
Most of the people in this region were called as Vellalars because
they practised agriculture. They cultivated paddy, sugar cane and
a variety of fruits like mango, plantain and Jackfruit. Irrigation
methods were also known to them. Their chief deity was Indra or
the rain God.
Neydal:
Neydal was the coastal region. The people of this region were
known as Parathavar or Meenavar. Fishing was their natural
occupation. They were also famous sailors. A few people of this
region produced and sold salt. They were called as Umanar. The
God of the Neydal region was Varunan or the God of the sea.
3. SOCIETY, ECONOMY, RELIGION
AND CULTURE OF THE SANGAM AGE
Learning Objectives:
The Sangam Age in Tamil country is significant and unique
for its social, economic, religious and cultural life of the Tamils.
There was an all round development during this period. The
Sangam literature as well as the archaeological findings reveal these
developments.
Social Life:
In the Sangam Age, the Tamil people had a common language
and culture. But, they lived in five different natural landscapes.
These natural landscapes or geographical regions were known as
Tinais. The five Tinais referred to in the Sangam literature
were Kurinji, Mullai, Marudham, Neydal and Palai. Each Tinai
was geographically distinct from the other. Moreover, each of these
regions had reflected their own social characteristics.
Kurinji:
The Kurinji Tinai refers to the hilly region. The people in
this region were called Vettuvar and Kuravar. Hunting was their
primary occupation. They also cultivated fruits and vegetables and
gathered honey. They worshipped Murugan or Seyon.
Mullai:
It is a forest tract with green pastures. The people of this region
domesticated animals. The people of the Mullai region were called as
Kovalar or Ayar. Being shepherds, they produced dairy products like
milk, curd and ghee. Their chief deity was Thirumal or Mayon.
Marudham:
The region Marudham refers to fertile and cultivable lands.
Most of the people in this region were called as Vellalars because
they practised agriculture. They cultivated paddy, sugar cane and
a variety of fruits like mango, plantain and Jackfruit. Irrigation
methods were also known to them. Their chief deity was Indra or
the rain God.
Neydal:
Neydal was the coastal region. The people of this region were
known as Parathavar or Meenavar. Fishing was their natural
occupation. They were also famous sailors. A few people of this
region produced and sold salt. They were called as Umanar. The
God of the Neydal region was Varunan or the God of the sea.
Palai:
The term Palai refers to the desert region. But, there was no
desert in the Tamil country. Therefore, it could be said that
whenever there was drought due to failure of rains, that region
was called as Palai. The people of this region were called as
Maravar or Kalvar. They were forced to live as robbers due to
poverty. Maravar were also known for their heroism. These people
worshipped the Goddess Kotravai or Kali.
We have already studied about the pre-historic society in
the Tamil country. The Sangam age was the continuation of the
pre-historic period. As in the pre-historic period, the life of the
people in the Sangam age had remained simple and natural. The
Sangam Tamils had chosen their occupation according to their
natural environment. Although they lived in five different regions,
there was a close interaction between them. This interaction had
resulted in the development of a common language and culture in
the Tamil country.
Learn the importance of protecting the natural
environment for healthy living.
Social Divisions:
The Tamil society during the Sangam period was broadly
divided into several groups. In the beginning of the Sangam Age,
the Tamil society was not organised on the basis of the Vedic caste
system, namely Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras.
However, the earliest of the Sangam literature, Tolkappiyam refers
to the four divisions prevalent in the Sangam society namely,
Anthanar, Arasar, Vaisiyar and Vellalar. It may be said that
this classification roughly corresponds to the Vedic social division.
Another Sangam work, Purananuru mentions the names of ancient
Tamil tribes such as Tudiyan, Panan, and Kadamban. These
divisions indicate the complex social structure prevalent in the
Sangam Age.
Status of Women:
The Sangam literature describes the position of women in
ancient Tamil society. In the Sangam Age, women were treated
with special consideration. The natural feminine qualities such as
Achcham, Madam and Nanam were insisted in the Sangam
literature. Their most important virtue was chastity. The heroine
of Silappathigaram, Kannagi had been hailed for her chastity and
worshipped by the people. The women were given freedom to
choose their life partners during the Sangam period. The concept
of love had been elaborately discussed in Agananuru.
Women treated their husbands as equivalent to God during
the Sangam period. They were not permitted to remarry and inherit
property. Sati or the custom of self-immolation at the death of
one’s husband was not generally prevalent during this period.
However, some women from the royal family indulged in the
practice of Sati. According to the Sangam literature, a woman had
to play different roles in the family such as a dutiful wife,
responsible mother and an ideal hostess to guests. Women’s
education was also insisted during the Sangam Age. We come to
know a few women poets like Avvaiyar, Kakkai Padiniyar and
Nachchellaiyar, whose verses are found in the Sangam literature.
Sangam women were also known for their courage. However, from
the post-Sangam period, there was a decline in the status of women.
Food and Hospitality:
Rice was the staple food during the Sangam period. The food
-habits varied among the people according to their economic status.
27
Palai:
The term Palai refers to the desert region. But, there was no
desert in the Tamil country. Therefore, it could be said that
whenever there was drought due to failure of rains, that region
was called as Palai. The people of this region were called as
Maravar or Kalvar. They were forced to live as robbers due to
poverty. Maravar were also known for their heroism. These people
worshipped the Goddess Kotravai or Kali.
We have already studied about the pre-historic society in
the Tamil country. The Sangam age was the continuation of the
pre-historic period. As in the pre-historic period, the life of the
people in the Sangam age had remained simple and natural. The
Sangam Tamils had chosen their occupation according to their
natural environment. Although they lived in five different regions,
there was a close interaction between them. This interaction had
resulted in the development of a common language and culture in
the Tamil country.
Learn the importance of protecting the natural
environment for healthy living.
Social Divisions:
The Tamil society during the Sangam period was broadly
divided into several groups. In the beginning of the Sangam Age,
the Tamil society was not organised on the basis of the Vedic caste
system, namely Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras.
However, the earliest of the Sangam literature, Tolkappiyam refers
to the four divisions prevalent in the Sangam society namely,
Anthanar, Arasar, Vaisiyar and Vellalar. It may be said that
this classification roughly corresponds to the Vedic social division.
Another Sangam work, Purananuru mentions the names of ancient
Tamil tribes such as Tudiyan, Panan, and Kadamban. These
divisions indicate the complex social structure prevalent in the
Sangam Age.
Status of Women:
The Sangam literature describes the position of women in
ancient Tamil society. In the Sangam Age, women were treated
with special consideration. The natural feminine qualities such as
Achcham, Madam and Nanam were insisted in the Sangam
literature. Their most important virtue was chastity. The heroine
of Silappathigaram, Kannagi had been hailed for her chastity and
worshipped by the people. The women were given freedom to
choose their life partners during the Sangam period. The concept
of love had been elaborately discussed in Agananuru.
Women treated their husbands as equivalent to God during
the Sangam period. They were not permitted to remarry and inherit
property. Sati or the custom of self-immolation at the death of
one’s husband was not generally prevalent during this period.
However, some women from the royal family indulged in the
practice of Sati. According to the Sangam literature, a woman had
to play different roles in the family such as a dutiful wife,
responsible mother and an ideal hostess to guests. Women’s
education was also insisted during the Sangam Age. We come to
know a few women poets like Avvaiyar, Kakkai Padiniyar and
Nachchellaiyar, whose verses are found in the Sangam literature.
Sangam women were also known for their courage. However, from
the post-Sangam period, there was a decline in the status of women.
Food and Hospitality:
Rice was the staple food during the Sangam period. The food
-habits varied among the people according to their economic status.
27
The rich had their feasts every day, while the poor took simple
food. Chewing betel leaves was most common among the people.
Offering betel leaves to guests had become a social formality.
Hospitality was a special virtue of the Sangam Tamils. The Sangam
literature describes how hosts had always been waiting to welcome
guests.
Try to know the custom of hospitality prevalent in
modern times.
Dress and Ornaments:
The Sangam Tamils paid more attention to their dress. It
varied according to their status. The rich wore silk and fine cotton
garments. The middle class people generally wore two pieces of
clothes made of cotton. Women paid much attention to their
hairstyle. They used flowers like Jasmine to decorate their plaits
and tufts. Both men and women used perfumes made of sandal
and flowers.
The Sangam literature refers to a variety of ornaments worn
by both men and women. They were made of gold, silver, pearls
and precious stones. Poor people used ornaments made of shells
and beads.
Economic Life:
Generally, the Tamil society had enjoyed an affluent
economy during the Sangam Age. Agriculture, industry, trade and
commerce made the Sangam Tamils almost self-sufficient. Exports
were also made to the other parts of the world.
Agriculture:
The chief occupation of the people was agriculture. Paddy
was the main crop. Millet, grams and sugarcane were also
cultivated. Irrigation through rivers, tanks and wells was used for
cultivation.
Occupation:
Weaving and spinning were the most important crafts of the
Sangam period. Uraiyur and Madurai were the main centres for
the manufacture of cotton fabrics. The weavers produced and
exported fine cotton clothes. The word Kalingam refers to very
nice garments. The Sangam literature refers to clothes, which were
thinner than steam. Silk clothes were also produced in the Tamil
country. Other craftsmen like the carpenter, blacksmith, goldsmith
and potter had practised their respective occupations. Fishing and
hunting had also remained as important occupation during this
period.
Trade and Commerce:
In the beginning of the Sangam Age, the barter system of
trade was followed. Generally, the people exchanged their
commodities with their neighbours. For example, the people of
Kurinji region exchanged honey with the people of Neydal region
for getting fish and salt. Likewise, the Mullai people gave their
milk products to Marudham people to get rice from them.
Later, when they began to use coins, trade picked up rapidly.
Local markets came up and they were known as Angadis. Both
Day Market (Nalangadi) and Evening Bazaar (Allangadi) existed
in port towns. The Pattinappalai refers to their existence at Puhar.
Goods from distant places were brought to these markets. The
expansion of trade led to the growth of towns. Moreover, export
of goods to other countries had increased. (It will be described in
the next chapter).