UPSC CSE Prelims
Sangam Literature Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

The question asks which king–dynasty pair is not correctly matched in early historical Tamilakam.

• Pair 1 is Correct: Senguttuvan was a famous ruler of the Chera dynasty.

• Pair 2 is Incorrect: Udiyanjeral (Uthiyan Cheralathan) belonged to the Chera dynasty, not the Chola dynasty.

• Pair 3 is Correct: Nedunjeliyan was a renowned ruler of the Pandya dynasty.

• Therefore, only Pair 2 is incorrectly matched, making Option B the correct answer.

Pair-wise Analysis

Sangam Age Dynasties

Important Facts

• The Sangam Age (c. 300 BCE–300 CE) is known mainly through Sangam literature.

• The three major dynasties of Tamilakam were the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms.

• Senguttuvan is celebrated in the Tamil epic Silappadikaram.

• Nedunjeliyan is famous for his victory in the Battle of Talaiyalanganam.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 4 — A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death

'Vattakirutal' (also spelled 'Vatakkiruthal') was a ritualistic practice mentioned in Sangam literature where a defeated king would fast unto death to preserve his honor and dignity. This practice reflected the warrior ethos of ancient Tamil society, where death with honor was preferred over the humiliation of defeat and capture. The term literally means 'sitting facing north' and involved the king abstaining from food and water until death, demonstrating ultimate commitment to his code of honor.

📝 Short Notes: Sangam Literature & Society

• Sangam Period: Refers to ancient Tamil literature composed roughly between 300 BCE and 300 CE, named after the legendary 'Sangam' (assembly) of Tamil poets.
• Warrior Culture: Sangam poems, especially those in 'Purananuru' (one of the Pattuppattu collections), extensively describe warfare, valor, and the code of honor among Tamil kings and warriors.
• Vattakirutal: A ritual suicide by fasting, undertaken by defeated kings or warriors to avoid dishonor; sitting facing north was considered the direction of death.
• Social Values: Honor, courage, and self-respect were paramount; capture by enemies or submission was seen as worse than death.
• Other Sangam Practices: Various customs like 'Sati' (though less common), hero stones (Nadu Kal), and elaborate funeral rites for warriors are mentioned in Sangam texts.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.

Sangam literature (c. 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE) from ancient South India contains references to the Varna system, indicating that Sangam poets were aware of this social classification. The texts provide valuable insights into the societal structures of that period, including social stratification.

❌ Option 1 – Incorrect: Sangam poems contain extensive references to material culture, including trade, agriculture, urban life, crafts, and everyday objects.

✅ Option 2 – Correct: The Varna system was known to Sangam poets and is referenced in their works, though the Tamil society had its own distinct social organization.

❌ Option 3 – Incorrect: Sangam literature frequently glorifies warrior ethics, valor, bravery, and military prowess, particularly in the Puram (exterior) poems.

❌ Option 4 – Incorrect: Sangam literature includes references to supernatural and magical forces as part of cultural and religious beliefs, not explicitly labeled as irrational.

📝 Short Notes: Sangam Literature

• Period: Approximately 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE, representing the classical period of Tamil literature.
• Corpus: Comprises eight anthologies (Ettuthokai) and ten idylls (Pattupattu), totaling over 2,000 poems by numerous poets.
• Two Main Categories: Akam (interior/love poetry) dealing with personal and romantic themes, and Puram (exterior/heroic poetry) dealing with war, valor, and public life.
• Social Structure: References to Varna system alongside indigenous Tamil social divisions; mentions of various occupational groups and social classes.
• Material Culture: Rich descriptions of trade (both inland and overseas), agriculture, urban centers, crafts, jewelry, and daily life.
• Warrior Ethics: Extensive glorification of martial valor, code of conduct for warriors, and the concept of heroic death in battle.
• Religious References: Mentions of various deities, rituals, and supernatural elements integrated into the cultural framework of ancient Tamil society.