Question

Which of the following are the well known epics of Sangam literature?
A. Silappadhikaram
B. Manimekhalai
C. Both A and B
D. None of these

Answer 1

Hint: The above-mentioned literature, Silappadhikaram is written by a Tamil Jain, Ilango Adigal, and Manimekhalia is written by a Buddhist, Sithalai Sattanar. Both of them are the oldest Tamil Literature.

Complete answer: The word Sangam signifies an association and when it comes to Tamil Sangam, it refers to an association of Tamil poets, which, in ancient India, prospered the most.
The composition of literature by the Tamil poets came to be known as Tamil Sangam. Sangam Age is the period in which it was composed. The Cheras, The Cholas, The Pandyas were the three significant kingdoms during this age.
Cilappatikaram or Silappadhikaram, Manimekhalia, Civaka Cintamani, Valayapathi, and Kuntalakeci are the Five Great Epics of Sangam Literature.
Tamil Jains wrote Silappadhikaram, Civaka Cintamani, and Valayapathi while the other two epics were authored by Buddhists.
These epics provided historical evidence about the society, culture, religion, academic life of the Tamil people. From the 5th century to the 10th century, these five epics were written.
While talking about the options, The earliest Tamil epic is Silappadhikaram. It is authored by Ilango Adigal. The poem contains a tragic love story of a rich couple, Kovalan and his husband Kannaki.
A Buddhist anti-love sequel to the Silappadhikaram, Manimekhalia, composed around the 6th century. The epic is authored by Sithalai Sattanar.

Thus the correct option is C.

Note: The Sangam Literature is also known as the Poetry of the Noble Ones and is the oldest literature of South India. The Tamil literature is more quiet and dramatic as compared to any other Indian Literature.