Question

The stratification in the Tamil Sangam society was mainly based on the distinction between _________. It is also differentiating the Brahmanas and their patrons from the common men.
A. The high born and the low born
B. The rich and the poor
C. The strong and the week
D. The educated and the uneducated

Answer 1

Hint:
Many of the communities during the Iron Age society consisted of the tribes. Some of them were the Chiefdoms. The Sangam Age society was the main society, which was in transition from a tribal community ruled by a chief to a larger kingdom ruled by a king.

Complete solution:
The basic structure of the Sangam society was based on the traditional caste system. There were the farmers, shepherds, hunters, fisherman, blacksmiths etc. These also had weavers, carpenters, merchants, shippers, and priests. The Brahmins were the ideal priests and also the main advisors to the kings. The important thing here is that though the Brahmins played the essential as well as the constructive role. Still, the Sangam society was not priest dominated. Therefore, other castes enjoyed respect in society.

Additional Information:
Social stratification started to take the root in Tamil society by the Sangam times. There were many clan-based communities like Panar, Paratavar, Eyinar, Uzhavar and Kanavar. The Vendhars were the chiefs, and their associates formed the higher social groups.

There were priests termed as Antanars. There were artisan groups who were experts in pottery and blacksmithing. Their caste system was not like northern India. Their Tamil social groups were divided into five situational types and related to the patterns of occupation.

Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note:
This Sangam society was known for the limited consumption of commodities. People at the margins were living in poverty. Panars were dependent on their patrons for their livelihood. The development of agriculture in the wet-land region was possible for the use of certain groups of people as labourers.