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.

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?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

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

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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 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?

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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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Correct Option

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

Explanation

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.