SOCIAL CONDITIONS DURING THE SANGAM AGE

1. SOCIAL CONDITIONS DURING THE SANGAM AGE

2. Introduction In the Sangam Age , the Tamil people had a common language and Culture . In the Sangam Age , the Tamil people lived in five different natural landscapes or geographical regions were known as Tinais Tolkappiyam refers to the Five – Fold division of lands __Kurinji( hilly tracks ) Mullai ( Pastoral ) , Marutham ( Agricultural ) , Neydal ( Coastal ) and Palai( Desert ) Kurinji ___ It refers to the Hilly region The people in these region were called Vettuvar and Kuravar . Hunting was their primary occupation . They also cultivated fruits and vegetables and gathered honey . They worshipped Murugan or Seyon .

3. Mullai __ It is a forest tract with green pastures . The people of the Mullai region domesticated animals . The people of the Mullai region being Shepherds . They produced dairy products like Milk , Curd and Ghee . Their chief Deity was Thirumal or Mayon . Marudham __ It refers to Fertile and Cultivable lands Most of the people in Marudham region were called as Vellalars because they practised agriculture . Marudham region people cultivated Paddy , Sugar cane and a variety of fruits like Mango , Plantain and Jackfruit .Irrigation methods were also known to them . Their chief deity was Indra or the rain God .

4. Neydal __ Neydal was the Coastal region The people of this region were known as Parathvar or Meenavar . Fishing was their natural occupation . They were also famous Sailors . They produced and Sold Salt and Fish .They were called Umanar . The God of the Neydal region was Varunan or the God of the Sea . Palai ___ The term palai refers to the desert region . But , there was no desert in the Tamil Country . It could be said that whenever there was drought due to failure of rains , that region was called as Palai .

5. The people of Palai region were called as Maravar or Kalvar . They were forced to live as robbers due to poverty . Maravar were also known for their Heroism . They worshipped the Goddess Kotravai or Kali Social Divisions Tolkappiyam refers to four castes namely Arasar , Anthanar ,Vanigar and Vellalar . The ruling class was called Arasar The class which spread knowledge were Anthanars, who had been religious priests Vanigarscarried on trade and commerce . TheVellalarswere Agriculturists .

6. Other tribal groups like Parathavar , Panar , Eyinar , Kadambar , Maravar and Pulaiyar were also found in the Sangam society . Status of Women Women were treated with special consideration . The natural feminine qualities such as Achcham , Madam , Nanam and Payirpu were insisted in the Sangam literature . The Chastity was worshipped by the people . The Heroine of Silappathigaram , Kannagi had been hailed for her Chastity and worshipped by the people . The women were given freedom to choose their life partners . Women treated their husbands as equivalent to God . They were not permitted to remarry and inherit property .

7. Sati or the custom of Self – immolation at the death of one’s husband was not generally prevalent during this period . Some women from the royal family indulged in the practice of Sati A women had to play different roles in the family such as a dutiful wife , responsible mother and an ideal hostess to guests . Women’s Education was also insisted during the Sangam Age. women poets like Avvaiyar , KakkaiPadiniyar and Nachchellaiyar , whose verses are found in the Sangam literature . Chivalry . The Tamil people had observed certain Social , Religious and Moral customs , possessed the qualities of courage , Honour , Courtesy and Loyalty . The Chera King Neduncheralathan went up to the Himalayas and returned victoriously , assumed the title of Himayavaramban .

8. The ancient Tamils had the practice of raising hero stones called Virakkals in honour of the heroes who died while fighting for the king , receiving wounds in the battlefields at the back was considered as a shameful deed. They were also known as Hero Stones or Nadukal . The Purananooruapeaks about the Chivalry of the Ancient Tamils . Food and Hospitality Rice was their stable food The food – habits varied among the people according to their economic status . Chewing betel leaves was most common among the people . Offering betel leaves to quests had become a social formality .

9. Dress and Ornaments The Sangam Tamils paid more attention to their hairstyle and dress according to their status . The rich wore silk and fine cotton garments . The middle class people generally wore a clothes made of cotton . They used flowers like Jasmine to decorate their plaits and tufts . Both men and women used perfumes made of Sandal and flowers . The Sangam literature refers to a variety of ornaments made of Gold , Silver , Pearls and Precious Stones worn by both men and women . Poor people used ornaments made of Shells and Beads .

10. Religion The Sangam people worshipped the natural objects , the Sun , the Moon , the Earth , the Rivers and the Mountains . The Neem Tree was considered sacred . The primary deity of the Sangam period was Murugan , who is hailed as Tamil God . The festivals relating to God Murugan was mentioned in the Sangam literature . Other Gods worshipped during the Sangam period were Mayon , Indra , Varunan and Kotravai .

11. Cultural Life : The Sangam Tamils enjoyed a high degree of cultural life . Their interest in Education , Literature , Music , Dance , Drama and Festivals have been described in the Sangam literature . Fine Arts : The Sangam Tamils developed the concept of Muthamizh __ Iyal, Isai and Natakam . The Panars or bards were experts in music . They moved from place to place singing Bards in praise of kings and local chieftains . Later , The Tamils developed musical notes or Swarams . The Musical tune was known as Pann . Famous instruments , Drums , Flute and Lutes were used . Attam and Koothu were performed during festivals time .

12. Tolkappiyam refers to Natakam or Drama The art of painting was also known to the Sangam Tamils They celebrated Kaarthigai and Indra festivals . The Indra festival had been celebrated annually at puhar . The royal courts were croweded with singing Bards called Panar and Viraliyar They were experts in folk songs and folk dances The art of Music and Dancing were highly developed . __________