The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Ancient Tamil society, particularly during the Sangam Age, exhibited a stratified social structure within agricultural settlements. Distinctions were made based on land ownership and the nature of agricultural labor performed.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The term kadaisiyar referred to landless labourers. These individuals occupied the lower strata of the social hierarchy and performed manual labor in fields owned by others.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The term uzhavar referred to ordinary ploughmen or farmers who tilled the land. In contrast, large landowners were known as vellalar.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The term adimai referred to slaves. Along with kadaisiyar, they constituted the workforce that carried out the physical labor required for agriculture.
Key Takeaway:
The agricultural hierarchy in ancient Tamil society consisted of Vellalar (large landowners), Uzhavar (ordinary ploughmen), and Kadaisiyar/Adimai (landless labourers and slaves).