UPSC Mains 2013 · GS I · Q1 · 10 marks · 200 words

Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment.

हिन्दी में

दक्षिण भारत के राजनैतिक इतिहास की दृष्टि से अधिक उपयोगी न होते हुए भी संगम साहित्य उस समय की सामाजिक व आर्थिक स्थिति का अत्यंत प्रभावी शैली में वर्णन करता है। टिप्पणी कीजिए।

Ancient IndiaLiterature

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Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Sangam literature provides a vivid account of the contemporary economic and socio-cultural life. Discuss.”

Swati SharmaAIR 17 · CSE 2023 · 168 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Sangam literature is a collection of literary developments under the patronage of Pandyans in South India.

IT PROVIDES A VIVID ACCOUNT OF CONTEMPORARY LIFE

Body

  1. The narrative texts / 18 major texts dealt with heroic poetry of rulers and soldiers.

II) Perpetual wars were glorified, cattle raids are mentioned.

III) It also explains the pastoral life of the early Tamil age.

eg - traces of megalithic life

  • production of rice

IV) Towns of economic importance are mentioned - eg - Kanchi, Madurai

  • Uraiyur for cotton production

V) There are references of trade with Roman and Greek eg - coins are mentioned to be found at sea ports

VI) Tolkappiyam shows the political account of the time

VII) Epics giving account of everyday life eg - Silappadikaram

  • Manimekalai

Close

VIII) Murugan was worshipped as mentioned in texts.

IX) The warriors were given special honour eg - virakal were erected with precious items and jewels.

Hence, sangam literature gives a vivid account of contemporary Tamil kingdoms and society.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper I, Q1. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.