Ans:

Introduction:

Sangam literature comprises a vast collection of poems and texts composed between 300 BCE and 300 CE in the region. It emerged from the three assemblies held by the Pandya rulers in Madurai and Kapatapuram. Example- Silappathikaram by Ilango Adigal.

Body:

Significance of Sangam literature in understanding ancient Tamil society and culture:

• Division of Land: It mentions five categories based on fertility: Kurinji (mountainous), Mullai (forest), Marudham (agricultural), Neytal (coastal), and Palai (arid).
• Role of Temples: They served as centres of religious and cultural activities, fostering devotion and offering rituals to deities as well as functioning as educational institutions.

• Division in Society: It depicts a hierarchical society divided into five main categories: Kings and nobles, warriors, merchants, farmers, and labourers with each group having specific rights, duties, and responsibilities.
• Economy of that Period: It highlights the cultivation of various crops like paddy, millets, sugarcane, and spices. Trade and commerce also played a significant role, with ports serving as hubs for maritime trade.
• Position of Women: It portrays a society where women enjoyed relative freedom and respect holding positions of authority and were engaged in various professions such as poets, warriors, and businesswomen. Example- Avvaiyar, a female poet who wrote 59 poems in ‘Purananuru’
• Principles of society: For instance, the work of poets like Thiruvalluvar in “Thirukkural” offers valuable insights into ethical principles, governance, and social structure.
• Gender Roles: For instance, the poems of Sangam women poets like Nachiyar highlight their agency, intellect, and contribution to society. Women were also allowed to choose their life partners.
• Cultural Practices: For example, the poems of Purananuru reveal their customs, rituals, music, dance forms like Bharatanatyam, and the importance of Tamil festivals like Pongal.

Contributions of Sangam literature to the fields of history and language:

• Highlights socio-political and cultural aspects: For example, the epic poem Silappadikaram depicts the political rivalries and social customs prevalent during the Sangam period.
• Reconstructing the political landscape: For instance, the “Purananuru” anthology contains descriptions of Chola, Chera, and Pandya dynasties, shedding light on their histories.
• Showcases the evolution of the Tamil language: The work “Tolkappiyam” is an influential treatise on Tamil grammar, elucidating linguistic rules and classifications.
• Linguistic Development: The works of poets such as Avvaiyar exemplify the linguistic richness and poetic brilliance of the period.
• Preserves ancient Tamil poetry: The “Ainkurunuru” anthology features diverse poetic genres, demonstrating the literary prowess of the time.

Conclusion:

Thus, the Sangam literature serves as a valuable source for understanding the history, language, gender dynamics, and cultural practices of ancient Tamil society, offering a glimpse into the richness and diversity of the period.