Context:
January 16 observed as Thiruvalluvar day
Thiruvalluvar:
- Who was Thiruvalluvar? – An ancient saint, poet, and philosopher
- Also known as – Valluvar
- Place – Tamil Nadu
- Time period – Believed to be 5th century BC or earlier
- Important work – Tirukkural
- Divided into 3 books: Aram (virtue), Porul (government and society), and Kamam (love)
- Important contribution to the Sangam literature.
Sangam Literature:
- Word meaning of ‘Sangam’ – Group of persons or an association.
- Tamil Sangam – Academy of poets who flourished under the patronage of the Pandyan kings.
- Time period – Around the beginning of the Christian era (3rd Sangam).
- Important works – Tolkappiyam, Pattupattu, Ettutogai and Padinenkilkanakku
- Deals with – matters of government, war charity, trade, worship, agriculture, etc.
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture.
(b) The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.
(c) Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethics.
(d) Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statements a and c are incorrect. Sangam Literature has references to material culture and war tactics and ethics.
Statement d is incorrect because Sangam literature doesn’t refers to magical forces as irrational.
