Question

The Tamil land during the Sangam Age consisted of ____ tinais or physiographic divisions.
A.3
B.4
C.5
D.6

Answer 1

Hint: The Tinais referred to particular landscapes. The Sangam period is estimated to be roughly between third century B.C. and third century A.D. in South of India. It was named after Sangam academies which flourished under the Royal Patronage of Pandya Kings (Madurai).

Complete answer:Tamil land consisted of five thinais or physiographic divisions -kurinji (hilly backwoods), palai (parched zones), mullai (pastoral tract), marutam (wet land), and neital (littoral land). A tinai is a type of poetical mode or theme.
The word ‘sangam’ means ‘assembly.’ It is acknowledged that as per the traditions, three Sangams were held at Madurai, center of literary activities in Tamil Country. A lot of poets, scholars and bards met there and wrote literature - large volumes of outstanding poetry. Such literary compositions were together collected as a part of Sangam literature.
According to the Tamil legends, there were three Sangams (Academy of Tamil poets) held in the ancient South India popularly called Muchchangam. The first was held at Madurai, the second at Kapadapuram and the third, again at Madurai which was founded by Mudathirumaran. The Sangam literature also includes Tolkappiyam,Ettutogai,Pattuppattu,Pathinenkilkanakku and the two epics- Silapathikaram and Manimegalai.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: Other sources which have helped us to reconstruct Sangam literature are accounts of Greek authors like Megasthenes, Strabo and Pliny, Asokan inscriptions mentioning Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas etc. The overseas economic activities around the time were revealed by the excavations at Arikkamedu, Poompuhar, Kodumanal and other places. However, the chronology of Sangam literature remains disputed among the scholars.