Sangam Period (300 BCE – 300 CE): An Overview
The Sangam Period refers to the era in South Indian history when Tamil literature flourished under the patronage of Tamil kings. It is named after the Sangams (academies) of poets and scholars who composed and compiled Tamil texts.
1. Timeline and Geographical Extent
- The Sangam Age lasted from around 300 BCE to 300 CE.
- The major kingdoms during this period were the Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties (also known as the Muvendar).
- The region covered present-day Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Sri Lanka.
2. Sangam Literature
- The Sangam texts were composed in three Sangams held at Madurai.
- The literature includes poems, epics, and ethical texts written in Tamil.
- The main literary sources are:
- Tolkappiyam – An early Tamil grammar text.
- Ettuthogai (Eight Anthologies) – Collection of poems.
- Pattuppattu (Ten Idylls) – Poetic compositions.
- Silappadikaram & Manimekalai – Tamil epics written later.
3. Political Structure – The Muvendar (Three Crowned Kings)
The three major dynasties that ruled Tamilakam were:
1. Cheras (Kerala Region)
- Capital: Vanji (Karur) & Muziris (Trade Port)
- Famous Rulers:
- Udayan Cheralathan – Established maritime trade.
- Senguttuvan Chera – Introduced Pattini cult (Kannagi worship).
- Trade with Rome and Southeast Asia.
2. Cholas (Northern Tamil Nadu)
- Capital: Urayur & Puhar (Kaveripattinam, a major port city)
- Famous Rulers:
- Karikala Chola – Built Kallanai Dam (Grand Anicut) on the Kaveri River.
- Strong navy and maritime trade with Rome and Southeast Asia.
3. Pandyas (Southern Tamil Nadu)
- Capital: Madurai
- Famous Rulers:
- Nedunjeliyan – A powerful Pandya king mentioned in Sangam texts.
- Patronized Tamil Sangams (literary assemblies).
4. Society and Economy
Social Structure
- Society was divided into five eco-zones (Thinai concept):
- Kurinji (Mountains) – Hunters, tribal people.
- Mullai (Forests) – Pastoral people.
- Marutham (Plains) – Farmers.
- Neydal (Coastal) – Fishermen, traders.
- Palai (Desert) – Bandits, nomads.
- Women enjoyed a respectable position in society.
- Hero stones (Virakkal) were erected to honor warriors.
Economic Activities
- Agriculture – Paddy (Rice) was the staple crop.
- Trade and Commerce – Extensive trade with Rome, Greece, and Southeast Asia.
- Major ports: Muziris, Kaveripattinam, Arikamedu.
- Coins and Roman gold coins have been found, indicating international trade.
5. Religion and Culture
- Worship of Murugan, Shiva, and Kannagi was common.
- Jainism and Buddhism also existed.
- Performing arts (music, dance, and drama) were highly developed.
6. Decline of the Sangam Age
- Political conflicts between the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas.
- Roman trade declined after the 3rd century CE.
- Eventually, the Kalabhras invaded Tamilakam, marking the end of the Sangam Age.