Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2022 · Ancient History · Question 93

Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?

  1. Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture.
  2. The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.
  3. Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethic.
  4. Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational.

Answer

The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.

  • (a) Incorrect. Sangam poems contain many references to material culture—weapons, chariots, drums, trade, ports, ornaments, agriculture and urban life.
  • (b) Correct. Sangam literature shows awareness of social divisions including Brahmanas and rulers/peasants/traders, indicating that the idea of Varna/social classification was known to the poets, even if not fully identical to the northern model.
  • (c) Incorrect. Sangam poetry, especially Puram poems, strongly celebrates warfare, heroism, honour and death in battle—a clear warrior ethic.
  • (d) Incorrect. Sangam texts do refer to rituals, omens and supernatural/magical beliefs, but they do not present them as explicitly irrational in the modern sense.

Answer: (b)

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