Correct Option (b)
The social classification of Varna, though not as rigidly applied or central as in North India, was known to Sangam poets. References to Brahmins and their rituals, as well as the concept of social hierarchy, indicate an awareness of the Varna system, particularly through cultural interactions and the presence of Vedic traditions in the Tamil region.
Incorrect Options:
- Option (a): Sangam poems are rich in references to material culture. They describe various aspects of economic life, including trade (both internal and external), urban centers (like Puhar and Madurai), different crafts, and the accumulation of wealth, indicating a sophisticated material existence.
- Option (c): The warrior ethic, characterized by valor, heroism, and the pursuit of glory in battle, is a prominent and recurring theme in Sangam poetry, especially in collections like Purananuru. It extensively praises the bravery and sacrifices of kings, chieftains, and warriors.
- Option (d): Sangam literature does not explicitly refer to magical forces as irrational. While the primary focus is on human emotions, social life, and heroic deeds, there are occasional references to omens, supernatural beliefs, and rituals, reflecting the cultural context of the time without a critical dismissal of such elements.