history of the Sangam Polity

Sangam Polity

Hereditary monarchy was the form of government during the
Sangam period. The king had also taken the advice of his minister,
court-poet and the imperial court or avai. The Chera kings assumed
titles like Vanavaramban, Vanavan, Kuttuvan, Irumporai and Villavar,
the Chola kings like Senni, Valavan and Killi and the Pandya kings
Thennavar and Minavar. Each of the Sangam dynasties had a royal
emblem – carp for the Pandyas, tiger for the Cholas and bow for
the Cheras. The imperial court or avai was attended by a number of
chiefs and officials. The king was assisted by a large body of officials
who were divided into five councils. They were ministers (amaichar),
priests (anthanar), military commanders (senapathi), envoys (thuthar)
and spies (orrar). The military administration was also efficiently
organized during the Sangam Age. Each ruler had a regular army
and their respective Kodimaram (tutelary tree).
Land revenue was the chief source of state’s income while
custom duty was also imposed on foreign trade. The Pattinappalai
refers to the custom officials employed in the seaport of Puhar. Booty
captured in wars was also a major income to the royal treasuryRoads and highways were well maintained and guarded night and
day to prevent robbery and smuggling.

Sangam Society

Tolkappiyam refers to the five-fold division of lands - Kurinji

(hilly tracks), Mullai (pastoral), Marudam (agricultural), Neydal

(coastal) and Palai (desert). The people living in these five divisions

had their respective chief occupations as well as gods for worship.

· Kurinji – chief deity was Murugan – chief occupation,

hunting and honey collection.

· Mullai – chief deity Mayon (Vishnu) – chief occupation,

cattle-rearing and dealing with dairy products.

· Marudam – chief deity Indira – chief occupation, agriculture.

· Neydal – chief deity Varunan – chief occupation fishing and

salt manufacturing.

· Palai – chief deity Korravai – chief occupation robbery.

Tolkappiyam also refers to four castes namely arasar, anthanar,

vanigar and vellalar. The ruling class was called arasar. Anthanars played

a significant role in the Sangam polity and religion. Vanigars carried on

trade and commerce. The vellalas were agriculturists. Other tribal groups

like Parathavar, Panar, Eyinar, Kadambar, Maravar and Pulaiyar were

also found in the Sangam society. Ancient primitive tribes like Thodas,

Irulas, Nagas and Vedars lived in this period.

Religion

The primary deity of the Sangam period was Seyon or

Murugan, who is hailed as Tamil God. The worship of Murugan

was having an ancient origin and the festivals relating to God Murugan

was mentioned in the Sangam literature. He was honoured with six

abodes known as Arupadai Veedu. Other gods worshipped duringthe Sangam period were Mayon (Vishnu), Vendan (Indiran), Varunan

and Korravai. The Hero Stone or Nadu Kal worship was significant

in the Sangam period. The Hero Stone was erected in memory of

the bravery shown by the warrior in battle. Many hero stones with

legends inscribed on them were found in different parts of Tamil

Nadu. This kind of worshipping the deceased has a great antiquity.

Position of Women

There is a plenty of information in the Sangam literature to

trace the position of women during the Sangam age. Women poets

like Avvaiyar, Nachchellaiyar, and Kakkaipadiniyar flourished in this

period and contributed to Tamil literature. The courage of women

was also appreciated in many poems. Karpu or Chaste life was

considered the highest virtue of women. Love marriage was a

common practice. Women were allowed to choose their life partners.

However, the life of widows was miserable. The practice of Sati

was also prevalent in the higher strata of society. The class of dancers

was patronized by the kings and nobles.

Fine Arts

Poetry, music and dancing were popular among the people of

the Sangam age. Liberal donations were given to poets by the kings,

chieftains and nobles. The royal courts were crowded with singing

bards called Panar and Viraliyar. They were experts in folk songs

and folk dances. The arts of music and dancing were highly

developed. A variety of Yazhs and drums are referred to in the

Sangam literature. Dancing was performed by Kanigaiyar. Koothu

was the most popular entertainment of the people.