Sangam Society: Social Disparities, Eco-Zones and Religious Ideologies

During the Sangam era, Tamil society was characterized by distinct social disparities, economic practices, ecological zones, and religious ideologies. Social inequality, Brahmin influence, and the emergence of different societal classes were prominent features. This period also saw the division of Tamilagam into five eco-zones, each with its unique cultural and environmental traits. Buddhism, Jainism, and the early stages of Brahminism also shaped religious beliefs and practices.

An Overview of Sangam Society

A. Sangam Society

• Social Disparities: There were sharp social inequalities during the Sangam era.
  • The affluent dwelled in brick and mortar houses, while the poor lived in huts and simpler structures.
• Brahmin Influence: Dominance of Brahmins and ruling caste was visible but clear-cut caste distinction was lacking in the early Sangam period.
  • Though, references of slaves are also found.
• Emergence and Role of Brahmanas: Brahmanas first appeared during the Sangam era in Tamil land. Many of them worked as poets. 
  • An ideal king would never hurt them.
• Absence of Kshatriya and Vaisya Varnas: The Kshatriya and Vaisya do not appear as regular varna in sangam text. Though warrior class was not absent.
• Enadi: Captains of the army received the title of  “Enadi” at a formal ceremony.
• Vallalas: Civil and military offices were held by Vallalas, or rich peasants (under both Cholas and Pandyas).
• Arasar: The ruling caste was referred to as Arasar and had marriage relations with Vallalas (fourth Caste).
• Vellalars, Uzhavars, Kadaisiyar, and Adimai: Large landowners were known as vellalar, ordinary ploughmen were known as uzhavar, and landless labourers, including slaves, were known as kadaisiyar and adimai.
• Pulaiyans: Low-class artisans (Pulaiyans) were responsible for crafting charpayis.

B. Tamil Eco-Zones

• Thinai Classification: According to the Thinai (landscape) concept, Tamilagam was divided into five landscapes. Each region had its distinct characteristics – a presiding deity, people and cultural life according to the environmental conditions.
  • Kurinji: Hilly region characterised by hunting and gathering activities.
  • Marutham: Riverine tract, where agriculture was practised using ploughs and irrigation.
  • Mullai:  Forest region where pastoralism was combined with shifting cultivation.
  • Neythal: Coastal land primarily used for fishing and salt production.
  • Palai:  Arid and parched land unsuitable for cultivation, leading people to engage in cattle lifting and robbery.

C. Ideology and Religion

Buddhism

• Emergence of Formal Religious Activities: The earliest evidence of the appearance of formal religious activities appeared in the time of the Asoka when Buddhism reached south India and Sri Lanka.
  • Asoka’s daughter is considered to have taken the Bodhi tree to Sri Lanka.
• Chandragupta Maurya’s Presence: Legends suggest Chandragupta Maurya’s presence in Karnataka before Asoka.
• Buddhism’s Influence: Buddhism left a notable mark in South India, especially in the Krishna and Godavari delta of Andhra Pradesh. 
  • Sites like Amaravathi and Nagarjunakonda provide archaeological evidence.
• Comparative Evidence: But compared to Jainism, the evidence for Buddhism is restricted to a few sites in Tamil Nadu.

Jainism

• Jainism’s Strong Presence: Jainism had a stronger presence in Tamil Nadu, as evidenced by numerous cave shelters with Tamil Brahmi inscriptions. 
• Rock Shelters and Offerings: Their influence on the common people is not known, but there is evidence of the merchants and devotees supporting Jain monks by providing rock shelters and offerings.
• Contributions: In the post-Sangam era, Jains made significant contributions to Tamil literature.

Beginning of Brahmanism

• Early Supporters: The Satavahanas, Sangam kings, and Ikshvahus supported Vedic sacrifices, as indicated in Sangam texts.
• Brahmin Migration: The evidence of Brahmin migration and the performance of Vedic rituals exists in Sangam texts. 
  • Though the varnasrama ideology had not taken hold in Tamil Nadu.
• Vishnu Worship: The worship of Vishnu is also mentioned.
• Continuation of Megalithic Practices: Megalithic practice of providing for the dead continued (people offered paddy).
• Introduction of Cremation: Cremation was introduced, but inhumation was not abandoned.
• Worship of Local Deity Murugan: Local god Murugan (also known as Subramaniya) was worshipped by people.

Conclusion

The Sangam society was marked by diversity and complexity, with social, economic, ecological, and religious dimensions interwoven into its fabric. The land of Tamilagam, the influence of Brahmanism, and the emergence of Buddhism and Jainism reflect the dynamic nature of the era. This richness of societal elements laid the foundation for the cultural heritage of the region, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to shape Tamil identity today.