Previous Year Question

Option A is incorrect. Sangam literature provides information about many aspects of the material culture of ancient South India. It refers to agriculture, pastoralism, fishing, salt production, trade, warfare, occupations and ways of life associated with different ecological zones. Therefore, the claim that Sangam poems contain no reference to material culture is incorrect.

Option B is correct. The Tolkappiyam refers to social groups such as the ruling class, Antanar/Brahmanas, Vanigar or traders, and Vellalar or agriculturists. Academic accounts also make clear that Sangam poets were acquainted with Varna-related social classification. However, it would be inaccurate to assume that the rigid four-fold Varna structure of northern Indian society operated in ancient Tamil society in exactly the same manner.

Option C is incorrect. Warfare and heroism are major themes in Sangam literature. Puram poetry in particular deals with war, heroism, public life and warrior ethics. Academic treatment of Tamil literature directly associates Puram with heroism, war and ethics.

Option D is also incorrect. Sangam literature does not simply dismiss supernatural or sacred forces as “irrational”. Tamil literary tradition contains supernatural elements and religious-spiritual beliefs in narratives relating to warfare and life. Therefore, the claim that Sangam literature treated magical forces as irrational is incorrect.

The most important nuance is:

Varna classification was known ≠ rigid four-fold Varna system fully governed Sangam society.

In other words, Sangam poets were aware of this social classification, but local, occupational and tribal groups also formed important components of the actual social structure of Sangam society.