Question

Choose all the correct statements about the Sangam period:

1. The Sangam period covers the history of ancient Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Sri Lanka from the 6th century BCE to the 3rd century CE.
2. The term 'Sangam' means 'confluence' and refers to an assembly or academy of learned people in ancient South India.
3. The Sangam academies were primarily patronized by the Chola kings.

• A. i, ii
• B. All
• C. None of these
• D. ii, iii

Answer 1

Answer:

A. i, ii

The Sangam period

• The Sangam period, spanning from the 6th century BCE to the 3rd century CE, holds a distinctive place in the annals of Indian history.
• It refers to an era of  vibrant literature, and profound societal developments primarily in the regions of ancient Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Sri Lanka
• These regions were collectively known as 'Tamilakam'
• The term 'Sangam' in the context of early South Indian history refers to an assembly, college, or academy of learned people 
• While the Sangam period included interactions with various Tamil dynasties, it was particularly associated with the Pandyan kings who patronized these academies.
• Tolkappiyam, a treatise on Tamil grammar and poetics, composed probably during the Sangam period is the oldest extant literary work in Tamil.