Consider the following statements regarding the social structure in the Tamil region during the early historic period: 1. Large landowners were known as vellalar. 2. Ordinary ploughmen were known as adimai. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (a) 1 only. Explanation During the early historic period in the Tamil region (Sangam Age), agrarian society was stratified based on land ownership and labor. Sangam literature records specific terminology for different classes of people involved in agriculture. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: In the Tamil region, large landowners were known as Vellalar. They occupied a significant position in the social hierarchy and were distinct from ordinary cultivators. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Ordinary ploughmen were known as Uzhavar. The term Adimai referred to slaves, while landless labourers were often referred to as Kadaisiyar. Key Takeaway Agrarian Social Structure in the Sangam Age: - Vellalar: Large landowners. - Uzhavar: Ordinary ploughmen. - Kadaisiyar/Adimai: Landless labourers and slaves.

NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 8: Vital villages, thriving towns

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Consider the following statements regarding the social structure in the Tamil region during the early historic period:

Large landowners were known as vellalar.
Ordinary ploughmen were known as adimai.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a) 1 only.

Explanation

During the early historic period in the Tamil region (Sangam Age), agrarian society was stratified based on land ownership and labor. Sangam literature records specific terminology for different classes of people involved in agriculture.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: In the Tamil region, large landowners were known as Vellalar. They occupied a significant position in the social hierarchy and were distinct from ordinary cultivators.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Ordinary ploughmen were known as Uzhavar. The term Adimai referred to slaves, while landless labourers were often referred to as Kadaisiyar.

Key Takeaway

Agrarian Social Structure in the Sangam Age:

Vellalar: Large landowners.
Uzhavar: Ordinary ploughmen.
Kadaisiyar/Adimai: Landless labourers and slaves.

Your note

More from Chapter 8: Vital villages, thriving towns

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Which agricultural innovation is considered a primary factor in the rise of production in the Ganga valley during the 6th century BCE?

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Consider the following statements regarding the development of agriculture in early historic India: 1. Irrigation works such as canals, wells, and artificial lakes were built to support flourishing villages. 2. The use of iron axes helped in clearing forests for expanding cultivation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements with reference to the ancient Tamil society: 1. The term kadaisiyar referred to landless labourers. 2. The term uzhavar referred to large landowners. 3. The term adimai included slaves. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Sangam literature, consider the following statements: 1. It represents the earliest works in Tamil composed around 2300 years ago. 2. The texts were compiled in assemblies of poets held in the city of Kanchipuram. 3. The terms for different categories of people in villages are found in this literature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (a) 1 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: In the Tamil region, large landowners were known as Vellalar. They occupied a significant position in the social hierarchy and were distinct from ordinary cultivators.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Ordinary ploughmen were known as Uzhavar. The term Adimai referred to slaves, while landless labourers were often referred to as Kadaisiyar.

Key Takeaway

Agrarian Social Structure in the Sangam Age:

Vellalar: Large landowners.
Uzhavar: Ordinary ploughmen.
Kadaisiyar/Adimai: Landless labourers and slaves.