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?

Correct Option The correct option is (b) 1 and 3 only. Explanation Sangam literature refers to the earliest known literature of South India, written in ancient Tamil. The term 'Sangam' implies an assembly or academy of poets and scholars where these literary works were compiled and codified. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: Sangam literature represents the earliest works in Tamil. These texts were composed around 2300 years ago (roughly dating between 300 BCE and 300 CE). This period marks the transition from the Megalithic phase to the Early Historic period in South India. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: According to tradition, the Sangam assemblies were held in the city of Madurai under the patronage of the Pandya kings. Kanchipuram became a significant center of learning and power much later, primarily under the Pallava dynasty. - Statement 3 is Correct: The Sangam texts provide detailed insights into the social structure of the time. They mention specific terms for different categories of people living in villages, based on their occupation and status. For example: - Vellalar: Large landowners. - Uzhavar: Ordinary ploughmen. - Kadaisiyar / Adimai: Landless labourers and slaves. Key Takeaway Sangam assemblies were held in Madurai under the Pandyas, not Kanchipuram. The literature is a primary source for early Tamil social stratification, identifying groups like Vellalar and Uzhavar.

With reference to the Sangam literature,… - NCERT Class 6 History MCQ

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

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With reference to the Sangam literature, consider the following statements:

It represents the earliest works in Tamil composed around 2300 years ago.
The texts were compiled in assemblies of poets held in the city of Kanchipuram.
The terms for different categories of people in villages are found in this literature.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Our Past -1 · Page 89

Options

A1 only
B1 and 3 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (b) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Sangam literature refers to the earliest known literature of South India, written in ancient Tamil. The term 'Sangam' implies an assembly or academy of poets and scholars where these literary works were compiled and codified.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Sangam literature represents the earliest works in Tamil. These texts were composed around 2300 years ago (roughly dating between 300 BCE and 300 CE). This period marks the transition from the Megalithic phase to the Early Historic period in South India.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: According to tradition, the Sangam assemblies were held in the city of Madurai under the patronage of the Pandya kings. Kanchipuram became a significant center of learning and power much later, primarily under the Pallava dynasty.
Statement 3 is Correct: The Sangam texts provide detailed insights into the social structure of the time. They mention specific terms for different categories of people living in villages, based on their occupation and status. For example:
- Vellalar: Large landowners.
- Uzhavar: Ordinary ploughmen.
- Kadaisiyar / Adimai: Landless labourers and slaves.

Key Takeaway

Sangam assemblies were held in Madurai under the Pandyas, not Kanchipuram. The literature is a primary source for early Tamil social stratification, identifying groups like Vellalar and Uzhavar.

Your note

More from Chapter 8: Vital villages, thriving towns

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