The Post-Sangam Period - The Kalabhras | Tamil Nadu State PSC (TNPSC): Preparation - TNPSC (Tamil Nadu) PDF Download

 Page 1


5. THE POST-SANGAM PERIOD -
THE KALABHRAS
Learning Objectives:
1. To know the condition of the Tamil country during
the post-Sangam period.
2. To know about the Kalabhras.
The Sangam Age came to an end during the middle of the
Third century A.D. The closing years of the Sangam Age was called
the post-Sangam period. Then the Kalabhras captured the Tamil
country from the Chera, Chola and Pandyan rulers.
Tamil country during the post-Sangam period:
There were indications of the declining trends in the Tamil
society even during the post-Sangam period. The North Indian
religions, namely Buddhism and Jainism began to spread in the
Tamil region. The traditional religious beliefs of the Tamil people gave
way to the new religious ideas.
There was also a declining trend in the social life of the Tamil
people. Social ethics began to decline during this period. The Tamil
literature of this period reflected the ethical and moral ideas with a view
to reform the society. The post-Sangam literature consists of the twin-
epics - Silappathikaram and Manimekalai and also Pathinen
Keezhkanakku
Try to know what are the eighteen works in Pathinen
Keezhkanakku.
The impulse of these works was oriented towards reforming
the society. For example, morality in political and social life had
been strictly insisted in the poems of Thirukkural, Inna
Narpathu, Iniyavai Narpathu and Naladiyar. But finally, the
Kalabhra rule had put an end to the classic age of the Sangam.
The Kalabhras – Sources:
The Kalabhras had occupied the Tamil country from the
middle of the Third century A.D. to the end of the Sixth century
A.D. We have very few sources to study the history of the
Kalabhras. This is one of the reasons to call this period as Dark
Age. The literary sources for this period include Tamil Navalar
Charithai, Yapperunkalam and Periyapuranam. The
Velvikkudi and Dalavaipuram copper plates also mention about
the Kalabhras. The inscriptions at Thiruppugalur and Vaikunda
Perumal temple in Kanchipuram also refer to the Kalabhra rule.
Origin:
There is no clear evidence about the origin of the Kalabhras.
The popular belief was that the Kalabhras remained subordinates
43 44
Page 2


5. THE POST-SANGAM PERIOD -
THE KALABHRAS
Learning Objectives:
1. To know the condition of the Tamil country during
the post-Sangam period.
2. To know about the Kalabhras.
The Sangam Age came to an end during the middle of the
Third century A.D. The closing years of the Sangam Age was called
the post-Sangam period. Then the Kalabhras captured the Tamil
country from the Chera, Chola and Pandyan rulers.
Tamil country during the post-Sangam period:
There were indications of the declining trends in the Tamil
society even during the post-Sangam period. The North Indian
religions, namely Buddhism and Jainism began to spread in the
Tamil region. The traditional religious beliefs of the Tamil people gave
way to the new religious ideas.
There was also a declining trend in the social life of the Tamil
people. Social ethics began to decline during this period. The Tamil
literature of this period reflected the ethical and moral ideas with a view
to reform the society. The post-Sangam literature consists of the twin-
epics - Silappathikaram and Manimekalai and also Pathinen
Keezhkanakku
Try to know what are the eighteen works in Pathinen
Keezhkanakku.
The impulse of these works was oriented towards reforming
the society. For example, morality in political and social life had
been strictly insisted in the poems of Thirukkural, Inna
Narpathu, Iniyavai Narpathu and Naladiyar. But finally, the
Kalabhra rule had put an end to the classic age of the Sangam.
The Kalabhras – Sources:
The Kalabhras had occupied the Tamil country from the
middle of the Third century A.D. to the end of the Sixth century
A.D. We have very few sources to study the history of the
Kalabhras. This is one of the reasons to call this period as Dark
Age. The literary sources for this period include Tamil Navalar
Charithai, Yapperunkalam and Periyapuranam. The
Velvikkudi and Dalavaipuram copper plates also mention about
the Kalabhras. The inscriptions at Thiruppugalur and Vaikunda
Perumal temple in Kanchipuram also refer to the Kalabhra rule.
Origin:
There is no clear evidence about the origin of the Kalabhras.
The popular belief was that the Kalabhras remained subordinates
43 44
5. THE POST-SANGAM PERIOD -
THE KALABHRAS
Learning Objectives:
1. To know the condition of the Tamil country during
the post-Sangam period.
2. To know about the Kalabhras.
The Sangam Age came to an end during the middle of the
Third century A.D. The closing years of the Sangam Age was called
the post-Sangam period. Then the Kalabhras captured the Tamil
country from the Chera, Chola and Pandyan rulers.
Tamil country during the post-Sangam period:
There were indications of the declining trends in the Tamil
society even during the post-Sangam period. The North Indian
religions, namely Buddhism and Jainism began to spread in the
Tamil region. The traditional religious beliefs of the Tamil people gave
way to the new religious ideas.
There was also a declining trend in the social life of the Tamil
people. Social ethics began to decline during this period. The Tamil
literature of this period reflected the ethical and moral ideas with a view
to reform the society. The post-Sangam literature consists of the twin-
epics - Silappathikaram and Manimekalai and also Pathinen
Keezhkanakku
Try to know what are the eighteen works in Pathinen
Keezhkanakku.
The impulse of these works was oriented towards reforming
the society. For example, morality in political and social life had
been strictly insisted in the poems of Thirukkural, Inna
Narpathu, Iniyavai Narpathu and Naladiyar. But finally, the
Kalabhra rule had put an end to the classic age of the Sangam.
The Kalabhras – Sources:
The Kalabhras had occupied the Tamil country from the
middle of the Third century A.D. to the end of the Sixth century
A.D. We have very few sources to study the history of the
Kalabhras. This is one of the reasons to call this period as Dark
Age. The literary sources for this period include Tamil Navalar
Charithai, Yapperunkalam and Periyapuranam. The
Velvikkudi and Dalavaipuram copper plates also mention about
the Kalabhras. The inscriptions at Thiruppugalur and Vaikunda
Perumal temple in Kanchipuram also refer to the Kalabhra rule.
Origin:
There is no clear evidence about the origin of the Kalabhras.
The popular belief was that the Kalabhras remained subordinates
43 44
Page 3


5. THE POST-SANGAM PERIOD -
THE KALABHRAS
Learning Objectives:
1. To know the condition of the Tamil country during
the post-Sangam period.
2. To know about the Kalabhras.
The Sangam Age came to an end during the middle of the
Third century A.D. The closing years of the Sangam Age was called
the post-Sangam period. Then the Kalabhras captured the Tamil
country from the Chera, Chola and Pandyan rulers.
Tamil country during the post-Sangam period:
There were indications of the declining trends in the Tamil
society even during the post-Sangam period. The North Indian
religions, namely Buddhism and Jainism began to spread in the
Tamil region. The traditional religious beliefs of the Tamil people gave
way to the new religious ideas.
There was also a declining trend in the social life of the Tamil
people. Social ethics began to decline during this period. The Tamil
literature of this period reflected the ethical and moral ideas with a view
to reform the society. The post-Sangam literature consists of the twin-
epics - Silappathikaram and Manimekalai and also Pathinen
Keezhkanakku
Try to know what are the eighteen works in Pathinen
Keezhkanakku.
The impulse of these works was oriented towards reforming
the society. For example, morality in political and social life had
been strictly insisted in the poems of Thirukkural, Inna
Narpathu, Iniyavai Narpathu and Naladiyar. But finally, the
Kalabhra rule had put an end to the classic age of the Sangam.
The Kalabhras – Sources:
The Kalabhras had occupied the Tamil country from the
middle of the Third century A.D. to the end of the Sixth century
A.D. We have very few sources to study the history of the
Kalabhras. This is one of the reasons to call this period as Dark
Age. The literary sources for this period include Tamil Navalar
Charithai, Yapperunkalam and Periyapuranam. The
Velvikkudi and Dalavaipuram copper plates also mention about
the Kalabhras. The inscriptions at Thiruppugalur and Vaikunda
Perumal temple in Kanchipuram also refer to the Kalabhra rule.
Origin:
There is no clear evidence about the origin of the Kalabhras.
The popular belief was that the Kalabhras remained subordinates
43 44
5. THE POST-SANGAM PERIOD -
THE KALABHRAS
Learning Objectives:
1. To know the condition of the Tamil country during
the post-Sangam period.
2. To know about the Kalabhras.
The Sangam Age came to an end during the middle of the
Third century A.D. The closing years of the Sangam Age was called
the post-Sangam period. Then the Kalabhras captured the Tamil
country from the Chera, Chola and Pandyan rulers.
Tamil country during the post-Sangam period:
There were indications of the declining trends in the Tamil
society even during the post-Sangam period. The North Indian
religions, namely Buddhism and Jainism began to spread in the
Tamil region. The traditional religious beliefs of the Tamil people gave
way to the new religious ideas.
There was also a declining trend in the social life of the Tamil
people. Social ethics began to decline during this period. The Tamil
literature of this period reflected the ethical and moral ideas with a view
to reform the society. The post-Sangam literature consists of the twin-
epics - Silappathikaram and Manimekalai and also Pathinen
Keezhkanakku
Try to know what are the eighteen works in Pathinen
Keezhkanakku.
The impulse of these works was oriented towards reforming
the society. For example, morality in political and social life had
been strictly insisted in the poems of Thirukkural, Inna
Narpathu, Iniyavai Narpathu and Naladiyar. But finally, the
Kalabhra rule had put an end to the classic age of the Sangam.
The Kalabhras – Sources:
The Kalabhras had occupied the Tamil country from the
middle of the Third century A.D. to the end of the Sixth century
A.D. We have very few sources to study the history of the
Kalabhras. This is one of the reasons to call this period as Dark
Age. The literary sources for this period include Tamil Navalar
Charithai, Yapperunkalam and Periyapuranam. The
Velvikkudi and Dalavaipuram copper plates also mention about
the Kalabhras. The inscriptions at Thiruppugalur and Vaikunda
Perumal temple in Kanchipuram also refer to the Kalabhra rule.
Origin:
There is no clear evidence about the origin of the Kalabhras.
The popular belief was that the Kalabhras remained subordinates
43 44
to the Gangas and Kadambas of the Kannda region. Later,
they might have migrated into the Tamil country.
Kalabhra rule:
We have little information about the Kalabhra rule in the
Tamil country. The Tamil grammar Y apperunkalam refers to a
Kalabhra king, namely Achutha Kalappalan. It appeared that he
ruled the Tamil country from Uraiyur. He had also patronised the
Tamil poets. A Buddhist scholar namely Buddhadatta lived in his
kingdom. According to traditions, he imprisoned the Chera, Chola
and Pandyan rulers. He had extended patronage to Buddhism and
Buddhist monasteries.
By the end of the Sixth century A.D. the Pandyan ruler
Kadungon had liberated the southern part of the Tamil country
from the Kalabhras. By the same period, the Pallava king,
Simhavishnu had captured Tondaimandalam and
Cholamandalam from the Kalabhras. Thus, the Kalabhra rule in
Tamil country came to an end due to the ascendancy of the Pandyas
and Pallavas.
Society under the Kalabhras:
We can find a lot of difference between the society and culture
of the Sangam Age and those of the Kalabhra rule. There was a
political chaos during the Kalabhra rule. The secular outlook of
the Sangam period gave way to the religious outlook of the
Kalabhras. Both Buddhism and Jainism became dominant
religions during the Kalabhra period. Particularly, the Jain monks
had preached Jainism in the Tamil country. They were patronised
by the Kalabhra rulers. At the same time, efforts were made to
remove the evils from the society. The Tamil Siddhars like Thirumoolar
had preached their philosophical ideas. Morals and ethics had been
preached through education and literature.
Education and Literature:
The Kalabhra rule in the Tamil country had witnessed the
growth of education and literature. Sanskrit and Prakrit languages
had been introduced in the Tamil region. This had resulted in the
development of a new script called Vattezhththu. The Tamil
literature had also taken new forms and the Tamil grammar had
also undergone a few changes during this period. Many works
under Pathinen Kilkanakku were composed during this period.
Epics like Sivaka Chinthamani and Kundalakesi were written.
Nigandus were also composed during the Kalabhra period.
The Buddhist and Jain monks had contributed much to the
growth of education. The Buddhist educational institutions were
called Ghatikas. Scholars like Buddhadatta, Buddhaghosha and
Bodhidharma lived during this period. The Jain Pallis had
remained important educational centres during the Kalabhra rule.
The Jain Palli (School) at Thirupathirippuliyur remained an
important educational centre during this period. Sarva Nandi and
Vajra Nandi were the two great Jain scholars, who lived in this
period.
During the end of the Kalabhra rule, the religion Saivism
began to emerge as a great religion. Some of the Kalabhra rulers
had embraced Saivism. However, it was only after the end of the
Kalabhra rule, the Bakthi-cult flourished in the Tamil country
through which both Saivism and Vaishnavism began to flourish.
46
Page 4


5. THE POST-SANGAM PERIOD -
THE KALABHRAS
Learning Objectives:
1. To know the condition of the Tamil country during
the post-Sangam period.
2. To know about the Kalabhras.
The Sangam Age came to an end during the middle of the
Third century A.D. The closing years of the Sangam Age was called
the post-Sangam period. Then the Kalabhras captured the Tamil
country from the Chera, Chola and Pandyan rulers.
Tamil country during the post-Sangam period:
There were indications of the declining trends in the Tamil
society even during the post-Sangam period. The North Indian
religions, namely Buddhism and Jainism began to spread in the
Tamil region. The traditional religious beliefs of the Tamil people gave
way to the new religious ideas.
There was also a declining trend in the social life of the Tamil
people. Social ethics began to decline during this period. The Tamil
literature of this period reflected the ethical and moral ideas with a view
to reform the society. The post-Sangam literature consists of the twin-
epics - Silappathikaram and Manimekalai and also Pathinen
Keezhkanakku
Try to know what are the eighteen works in Pathinen
Keezhkanakku.
The impulse of these works was oriented towards reforming
the society. For example, morality in political and social life had
been strictly insisted in the poems of Thirukkural, Inna
Narpathu, Iniyavai Narpathu and Naladiyar. But finally, the
Kalabhra rule had put an end to the classic age of the Sangam.
The Kalabhras – Sources:
The Kalabhras had occupied the Tamil country from the
middle of the Third century A.D. to the end of the Sixth century
A.D. We have very few sources to study the history of the
Kalabhras. This is one of the reasons to call this period as Dark
Age. The literary sources for this period include Tamil Navalar
Charithai, Yapperunkalam and Periyapuranam. The
Velvikkudi and Dalavaipuram copper plates also mention about
the Kalabhras. The inscriptions at Thiruppugalur and Vaikunda
Perumal temple in Kanchipuram also refer to the Kalabhra rule.
Origin:
There is no clear evidence about the origin of the Kalabhras.
The popular belief was that the Kalabhras remained subordinates
43 44
5. THE POST-SANGAM PERIOD -
THE KALABHRAS
Learning Objectives:
1. To know the condition of the Tamil country during
the post-Sangam period.
2. To know about the Kalabhras.
The Sangam Age came to an end during the middle of the
Third century A.D. The closing years of the Sangam Age was called
the post-Sangam period. Then the Kalabhras captured the Tamil
country from the Chera, Chola and Pandyan rulers.
Tamil country during the post-Sangam period:
There were indications of the declining trends in the Tamil
society even during the post-Sangam period. The North Indian
religions, namely Buddhism and Jainism began to spread in the
Tamil region. The traditional religious beliefs of the Tamil people gave
way to the new religious ideas.
There was also a declining trend in the social life of the Tamil
people. Social ethics began to decline during this period. The Tamil
literature of this period reflected the ethical and moral ideas with a view
to reform the society. The post-Sangam literature consists of the twin-
epics - Silappathikaram and Manimekalai and also Pathinen
Keezhkanakku
Try to know what are the eighteen works in Pathinen
Keezhkanakku.
The impulse of these works was oriented towards reforming
the society. For example, morality in political and social life had
been strictly insisted in the poems of Thirukkural, Inna
Narpathu, Iniyavai Narpathu and Naladiyar. But finally, the
Kalabhra rule had put an end to the classic age of the Sangam.
The Kalabhras – Sources:
The Kalabhras had occupied the Tamil country from the
middle of the Third century A.D. to the end of the Sixth century
A.D. We have very few sources to study the history of the
Kalabhras. This is one of the reasons to call this period as Dark
Age. The literary sources for this period include Tamil Navalar
Charithai, Yapperunkalam and Periyapuranam. The
Velvikkudi and Dalavaipuram copper plates also mention about
the Kalabhras. The inscriptions at Thiruppugalur and Vaikunda
Perumal temple in Kanchipuram also refer to the Kalabhra rule.
Origin:
There is no clear evidence about the origin of the Kalabhras.
The popular belief was that the Kalabhras remained subordinates
43 44
to the Gangas and Kadambas of the Kannda region. Later,
they might have migrated into the Tamil country.
Kalabhra rule:
We have little information about the Kalabhra rule in the
Tamil country. The Tamil grammar Y apperunkalam refers to a
Kalabhra king, namely Achutha Kalappalan. It appeared that he
ruled the Tamil country from Uraiyur. He had also patronised the
Tamil poets. A Buddhist scholar namely Buddhadatta lived in his
kingdom. According to traditions, he imprisoned the Chera, Chola
and Pandyan rulers. He had extended patronage to Buddhism and
Buddhist monasteries.
By the end of the Sixth century A.D. the Pandyan ruler
Kadungon had liberated the southern part of the Tamil country
from the Kalabhras. By the same period, the Pallava king,
Simhavishnu had captured Tondaimandalam and
Cholamandalam from the Kalabhras. Thus, the Kalabhra rule in
Tamil country came to an end due to the ascendancy of the Pandyas
and Pallavas.
Society under the Kalabhras:
We can find a lot of difference between the society and culture
of the Sangam Age and those of the Kalabhra rule. There was a
political chaos during the Kalabhra rule. The secular outlook of
the Sangam period gave way to the religious outlook of the
Kalabhras. Both Buddhism and Jainism became dominant
religions during the Kalabhra period. Particularly, the Jain monks
had preached Jainism in the Tamil country. They were patronised
by the Kalabhra rulers. At the same time, efforts were made to
remove the evils from the society. The Tamil Siddhars like Thirumoolar
had preached their philosophical ideas. Morals and ethics had been
preached through education and literature.
Education and Literature:
The Kalabhra rule in the Tamil country had witnessed the
growth of education and literature. Sanskrit and Prakrit languages
had been introduced in the Tamil region. This had resulted in the
development of a new script called Vattezhththu. The Tamil
literature had also taken new forms and the Tamil grammar had
also undergone a few changes during this period. Many works
under Pathinen Kilkanakku were composed during this period.
Epics like Sivaka Chinthamani and Kundalakesi were written.
Nigandus were also composed during the Kalabhra period.
The Buddhist and Jain monks had contributed much to the
growth of education. The Buddhist educational institutions were
called Ghatikas. Scholars like Buddhadatta, Buddhaghosha and
Bodhidharma lived during this period. The Jain Pallis had
remained important educational centres during the Kalabhra rule.
The Jain Palli (School) at Thirupathirippuliyur remained an
important educational centre during this period. Sarva Nandi and
Vajra Nandi were the two great Jain scholars, who lived in this
period.
During the end of the Kalabhra rule, the religion Saivism
began to emerge as a great religion. Some of the Kalabhra rulers
had embraced Saivism. However, it was only after the end of the
Kalabhra rule, the Bakthi-cult flourished in the Tamil country
through which both Saivism and Vaishnavism began to flourish.
46
to the Gangas and Kadambas of the Kannda region. Later,
they might have migrated into the Tamil country.
Kalabhra rule:
We have little information about the Kalabhra rule in the
Tamil country. The Tamil grammar Y apperunkalam refers to a
Kalabhra king, namely Achutha Kalappalan. It appeared that he
ruled the Tamil country from Uraiyur. He had also patronised the
Tamil poets. A Buddhist scholar namely Buddhadatta lived in his
kingdom. According to traditions, he imprisoned the Chera, Chola
and Pandyan rulers. He had extended patronage to Buddhism and
Buddhist monasteries.
By the end of the Sixth century A.D. the Pandyan ruler
Kadungon had liberated the southern part of the Tamil country
from the Kalabhras. By the same period, the Pallava king,
Simhavishnu had captured Tondaimandalam and
Cholamandalam from the Kalabhras. Thus, the Kalabhra rule in
Tamil country came to an end due to the ascendancy of the Pandyas
and Pallavas.
Society under the Kalabhras:
We can find a lot of difference between the society and culture
of the Sangam Age and those of the Kalabhra rule. There was a
political chaos during the Kalabhra rule. The secular outlook of
the Sangam period gave way to the religious outlook of the
Kalabhras. Both Buddhism and Jainism became dominant
religions during the Kalabhra period. Particularly, the Jain monks
had preached Jainism in the Tamil country. They were patronised
by the Kalabhra rulers. At the same time, efforts were made to
remove the evils from the society. The Tamil Siddhars like Thirumoolar
had preached their philosophical ideas. Morals and ethics had been
preached through education and literature.
Education and Literature:
The Kalabhra rule in the Tamil country had witnessed the
growth of education and literature. Sanskrit and Prakrit languages
had been introduced in the Tamil region. This had resulted in the
development of a new script called Vattezhththu. The Tamil
literature had also taken new forms and the Tamil grammar had
also undergone a few changes during this period. Many works
under Pathinen Kilkanakku were composed during this period.
Epics like Sivaka Chinthamani and Kundalakesi were written.
Nigandus were also composed during the Kalabhra period.
The Buddhist and Jain monks had contributed much to the
growth of education. The Buddhist educational institutions were
called Ghatikas. Scholars like Buddhadatta, Buddhaghosha and
Bodhidharma lived during this period. The Jain Pallis had
remained important educational centres during the Kalabhra rule.
The Jain Palli (School) at Thirupathirippuliyur remained an
important educational centre during this period. Sarva Nandi and
Vajra Nandi were the two great Jain scholars, who lived in this
period.
During the end of the Kalabhra rule, the religion Saivism
began to emerge as a great religion. Some of the Kalabhra rulers
had embraced Saivism. However, it was only after the end of the
Kalabhra rule, the Bakthi-cult flourished in the Tamil country
through which both Saivism and Vaishnavism began to flourish.
46