Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?

UPSC Prelims 2022 Question:

Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?

a) Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture.

b) The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.

c) Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethic.

d) Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational.

Correct Answer: Option b)The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.

Learn more about Sangam Literature in the given explanation below.

Explanation:

The corpus of poems known as Sangam literature was produced over six centuries, from around 300 BC to 300 AD, by Tamils from very diverse social backgrounds. It was compiled in anthologies several centuries later. It gives information about material culture during those times as well as describes important warriors. These works provide insight into early Tamil culture and into trade relations between South India and the Mediterranean, West Asia and Southeast Asia. The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets. In the Purattinai of Tolkappiyam, we find a Sutra (74) that uses the term Vahai (type) denoting four Varnas.

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.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

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