Question

What is meant by Sangam?
A. Gathering of learned men
B. Gathering of learned women
C. Gathering of labourers
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The Sangam period refers to the time period in ancient India from 3rd century BC to 4th century AD. It took place in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and parts of Sri Lanka.

Complete answer: Sangam refers to the Sangam period . The name was given because of the gatherings of poets, scholars and other academicians who were men in the city of Madurai. The Sangam age refers to the period in which volumes of Tamil literature were written in these gatherings of scholars. The Sangam age was ruled by the Cheras, Cholas and the Pandya dynasties.
The Pandya kings patronised these gatherings of learned men. It is believed that there were three Sangams held popularly known as Muchchangam. The first Sangam was held in Madurai, the second in Kapadapuram, the third was again held in Madurai. The Tamil literature comprises of Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai, Pattuppattu, Pathinenkilkanakku. The names of two and two epics were Silappathikaram and Manimegalai. The Sangam rule had a system of hereditary monarchy. The army was quite efficient for each monarchy.
Option D is the correct answer.

Note: The emblem of the three dynasties were, for the Cheras it was the bow, for the Cholas it was tiger and fish for the Pandyas. There were four castes in Sangam society. The ruling class was called the Arasar, those who carried on trade and commerce were called anthanar and vanigar, the agriculturalists were called Vellalar. Although women were given the freedom to choose their life partners, the lives of widows were pathetic. The practice of Sati was also said to be prevalent among the women of the higher class.