Question

The collection of ancient Tamil songs is known as Sangam Literature.
A. True
B. False

Answer 1

Hint: The Sangam literature is among the earliest known literature of South India and is also known as ‘the poetry of the noble ones’. It was composed of around 470 poets which include people from various families and backgrounds.

Complete answer:
The Sangam literature is a collection of Tamil heroic poems which was composed by around 470 poets which included merchants, farmers, people from royal family and women also contributed to the formation of this literature. The Sangam literature was divided into two broad categories namely the Akam poetry and Puram Poetry. The Akam poetry was poetry that dealt with the subject matters related to emotions and feelings of an individual and almost three fourth of Sangam literature consists of Akam poetry. The second category was Puram poetry which had poetry related to subjects such as heroism and public welfare in general. The Akam poetry and Puram poetry were further classified into seven categories known as tinai based on the location in which the poetry has been set. Some of the famous poets were Nakkirar, Perunkaucikanar, kapilar, Nakkirar, Mankuti Marutanar, Nattattanar, and Napputanar.

Additional information: After the second millennium the works of Sangam literature suddenly disappeared. They were again found during the 17th century in colonial India. Many Tamil scholars including the very famous Aiyar, who is known for his major discoveries of the Sangam literature, found manuscripts and translated them.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note:
Sangam literature is considered of great significance as it was the only parallel literary development with Sanskrit in south India and the majority of south Indian history is known from the sources of the Sangam literature.