Question

In ancient times the region ranging from Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh to Kanyakumari was called _____?
A) Dravidam
B) Srilankan
C) Tamilakam
D) Aryavarta

Answer 1

Hint: Tirupati is located in Chittoor district of South India in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Tirupati has a tropical wet and dry climate Telugu is the official language.

Complete answer: In ancient times, the area ranging from Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh to Kanyakumari was known as Tamiakam. Tamilakam refers to the geographical area where the ancient Tamilian people used to live. Tamilakam encompasses Kerala, Puducherry, Lakshadweep and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka region presently. Traditional histories of Tamilakam referred to these areas as a single culture where Tamil was the national language. It was divided into various kingdoms. Chola and Pallavas are the best-known kingdoms. During the Sangam period, Tamil culture started to spread globally, Tamil culture was found in Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Tamilakam can be translated as the habitat of the Tamils. The term Tamilakam was used to designate the ancient Tamil territory. There were no clear definitions on the demarcation of eastern and western boundaries. Scholars assumed that the boundaries were demarcated using seas.
Tamilakam was ruled by three dynasties: Chola dynasty, Pandyan Dynasty and the Chera dynasty. It also had three important political regions which were Chera Nadu, Chola Nadu and Pandya Nadu. Also, Tamilakam were categorised into 12 socio-geographical regions which were known as Nadu or country. Each of the Nadu has its own dialect and language.
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

Note: The rich history of Tamilakam can be deciphered because of the inscriptions which were found on caves and pottery, and writings in Tamil script were also important literary sources to know about ancient Tamilakam.