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.