THE SANGAM AGE
➮ The word Sangam is associated with the assembly of Tamil Scholars and Poets flourished under the royal patronage of the Pandyan Kings at Madurai.
➮ The first Sangam was held at Madurai but its work has not survived. Its Chairman was Agastya.
➮ The second Sangam was held in Kapatpuram. Its Chairman was Tolkapiyar.
➮ The third Sangam was held in Madurai. Its chairman was Nakkirar.
➮ Tolkapiyam belongs to second Sangam.
➮ Tokapiyam is a work on grammar.
➮ The Sangam literature was compiled in circa A.D. 300-600.
➮ Thirukural of Kural by Tiruvalluvar is sometimes called the ‘fifth Veda’ or ‘Bible of the Tamil land’.
➮ Silpaddikaram literally ‘The jeweled Anklet’ by Ilango Adigal is an epic, deals with the love stories of Kovalan and Madhavi.
➮ Manimekhalai is written by Sattalai Sattanar, considered the ‘Odysseus of Tamil poetry’.
➮ Jivaga Chintamani, a third epic by the Jaina Tiruttakadevar.
➮ Roman king built a temple of Augustus at Muziris.
➮ Murugan was the God par excellence of the Tamils, also known as Subramaniyam.
➮ Yavan Priya is a Sanskrit terms for pepper.
Sangam Literature
➮ The word Sangam is associated with a college or assembly of Tamil scholars and poets flourished under the royal patronage of the Pandyan kings.
➮ The whole Sangam age is called Golden or Augustan Age. According to Tamil sources, the father of Tamil literature is ‘Agastya.’
SANGAM AGE (AD First-Third Century)
| Kingdom | Location | Capital | Emblem | Famous port | Famous Rules |
| Chola (Cholam-andalam) |
North-East of Pandyas between Penner and Vellar rivers | Uraiyaur (famous for Cotton trade) and Puhar | Tiger | Puhar | Elara was the earliest known Chola king, ffe conquered Sri Lanka and ruled over it for 50 years. Karikala founded the capital city Puhar/Kaveripatnam and constructed embankment along Cauveri river. |
| Chera | Part of Kerala and Tamil Nadu | Venji of Karur | Bow | Muzris Todi, Bandar | Udiyangera is one of the earliest known Chera rulers. This title of Udiyangeral was given to him because he served both the armies of KurukshetraWar, Senguttuvan / Red Chera, was the greatest Chera King, ffe invaded the north and crossed Ganga. |
| Pandya | Southern most part of India | Mudurai | Carp | Korkai, Saliyur | Mudukudumi was the earlist known Pandyan ruler. Nedunjelian was the most important king of Pandya. He accused Kovalon of theft. As a result, the city of Madurai was laid under a curse by Kannagi (Kovalan’s wife). |
Sangams Venue Chairman Surviving Text
| 1st | Ten-Madurai | Agastya | — |
| 2nd | Kapatapuran Alvai | Agastya (founder Tolakappiyan (later chairman)) | Tolakappiyan (Tamil Grammar) |
| 3rd | North Madurai | Nakkirar | Ettutogati Patinenki lakanakku, pattu-Pattu |
