An ordinary ploughman
Explanation
During the Sangam Age (Early Historic period in South India), the agrarian society in the Tamil region was stratified into distinct categories based on land ownership and labor roles. These distinctions are frequently mentioned in early Tamil literature.
Detailed Analysis:
The social hierarchy in agricultural settlements included the following categories:
- Vellalar: This term referred to large landowners who held significant influence and economic power in the village structure.
- Uzhavar: This term referred to ordinary ploughmen or farmers who engaged directly in tilling the land.
- Kadaisiyar and Adimai: These terms referred to landless labourers and slaves, respectively, who worked on the fields owned by others.
Therefore, in the context of ancient Tamil society, 'Uzhavar' specifically denotes the ordinary ploughman.
Key Takeaway:
In the Sangam age agrarian structure, Vellalar were landowners, Uzhavar were ploughmen, and Adimai/Kadaisiyar were landless labourers.