Sangam Age and Literature

The Sangam Age is a significant phase in the history of ancient South India, spanning roughly from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. It is also referred to as the period of Tamil Literature. The term "Sangam" refers to assemblies or gatherings of poets and scholars that took place in ancient South India. These gatherings were instrumental in nurturing a literary tradition that focused on various aspects of life, including love, war, ethics, politics, and nature.

The works composed by different poets during the Sangam age provide insights into the social, cultural, and political dynamics of the time. The Sangam age left a significant cultural legacy, influencing the region's history and heritage.

Sangam Literature

According to Tamil scholars, three sangams (academies of Tamil poets) existed in ancient Tamil Nadu, also known as Muchchangam. Under the Pandyan dynasty's royal patronage, these Sangam flourished. These Tamil literary works continue to be valuable resources for rewriting Sangam age history.

• First Sangam: Legendary gods and sages attended the first Sangam held in Madurai, although there are no recorded accounts of it.
• Second Sangam: It was held in Kapadapuram in Tamilnadu.Except for Tolkappiyam, none of the literary works written during this Sangam survived.
• Third Sangam: The third Sangam was established in Madurai by Mudathirumaran. Although many poets participated and created substantial work, only some persisted.
• Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai, Pattuppattu, Pathinenkilkanakku, and the two epics Silappathigaram and Manimegalai are among the works in the Sangam literature corpus.
• Pathinen Melkanakku includes Ettutogai and Pattuppattu.

Early Sangam Literature

The earliest Sangam literature provides invaluable insights into the social, cultural, and literary aspects of ancient South India. It incudes Agattiyam, Tolkappiyam, Ettuttogai and Pattuppattu.

Aham and Puram Concept

The use of the poetic form is an important aspect of Sangam literature. Tholkappiyam, an ancient Tamil treatise, divides poetry into two categories: Aham and Puram. These two are related in the sense that they are the polar opposites of each other while also complementing each other.

Agattiyam (Akattiyam)

Agattiyam was the earliest book on Tamil grammar according to Tamil tradition.

• This book was a non-extant text (not existing), written and compiled by sage Agattiar (Agastya) during the First Sangam.

Tolkappiyam

It was written by Tolkappiyar and is considered the first Tamil literary work.

• First mentioned by name in Iraiyanar's Akapporul as an authoritative text on Tamil grammar.
• This was the most ancient Tamil grammar text and the oldest extant long work of Tamil literature.
• Arranged into three books – Eluttatikaram, Sollatikaram and Porulatikaram 
• Source: It also gives an insight into the political and socio-economic conditions of the time.

Ettuttogai

Ettuttogai is a classical Tamil poetic work consisting of eight works long and short, both or eight anthologies. It is included in the Pathinen Melkanakku (Eighteen Greater Texts).

Pattuppattu

It is an anthology of ten longer poems in the Sangam literature – the earliest known Tamil literature.

Later Sangam Literature

The Sangam age was a time of great literary achievement, where poets and scholars thrived, creating a vibrant literary tradition.

• The works produced during this era continue to be revered for their poetic excellence, imaginative storytelling, and cultural significance. 
• This includes mainly poetic work Patinen Kilkanakku, also known as the “The Eighteen Lesser Texts”, and five great epics, extensive narrative Tamil epics according to later Tamil literary tradition.

Patinen Kilkanakku (The Eighteen Lesser Texts)

It is a collection of eighteen poetic works created during the post-Sangam period. It mainly deals with morals and ethics.

Five Great Epics

Other Literary Sources of the Sangam Age

• The commercial ties between the West and South India are mentioned by Greek authors like Megasthenes, Pliny, Strabo, and Ptolemy.
• The Chera, Chola, and Pandya kings in the southern region of the Mauryan empire are mentioned in Asokan inscriptions.
• The Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela of Kalinga also mentions Tamil kingdoms.

Art and Architecture During Sangam Age

Art and architecture during the Sangam Age in ancient South India were not as extensively documented as the literature. While physical remnants are rare, references in literature and archaeological findings provide insights into the art and architecture during the Sangam age.

Art of Sangam Age

• The Sangam age was characterised by the widespread popularity of poetry, music, and dancing. Kings, chieftains, and nobles lavishly bestowed gifts upon poets.
• Panar and Viraliyar, two singing bards, were common performers in the royal courts. They were experts at folk music and dance.
• Dance and music were both highly developed arts. The Sangam literature makes reference to a wide range of yazhs and drums.
• Kanigaiyar performed dances. Koothu was the most popular form of entertainment among the people.
• Sangam painters employed the painting guidebook Oviya Nul to direct their creative endeavours.

Architecture of Sangam Age

Information and documentation regarding the architecture of the Sangam ages are limited. It can, however, be deduced from literary references.

• The Hero Stone worship (Nadu Kal worship): During the Sangam age, Nadu Kal worship was important. The Hero Stone was erected to commemorate the warrior's valour in battle. Many hero stones with legends carved on them have been discovered in various parts of Tamil Nadu.
• Port cities: Pattinappalai refers to the seaport of Puhar. Other seaports during the Sangam period are Tondi, Musiri and Korkai.
• Building irrigation tanks: Karaikala built Kallanai across the Kaveri River and built a large number of irrigation tanks.

Keeladi Excavation

• It is a small village in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district.
• These findings demonstrate the existence of an urban civilisation in Tamil Nadu during the Sangam age along the Vaigai River's banks.
• Excavations at Keeladi have pushed the Sangam age back about 300 years earlier than the previously believed third century BCE.
• The discovery of pottery heaps points to the existence of a pottery manufacturing industry.
• Findings of inscribed potsherds suggest the long survival of the script.
• Presence of the weaving industry: Spindle whorls, copper needles, terracotta seals, hanging stones of the yarn, terracotta spheres and earthen vessels to hold liquid.
• Dyeing industry and glass bead industry: There is evidence of the existence of a dyeing industry and a glass bead industry in the Keeladi finding.