Question

CH 5
EXERCISES
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. What is the Sangam period in South Indian history?
2. Which Sangam literature is known as the 'Bible of Tamil land?
3. Name the three sections of Thirukurral.
4. What are megaliths?
5. How many divisions of Tamil Society existed?
6. Why were Tamil towns and cities surrounded by walls?
7. Mention the position of women in Tamil society.
8. Write two occupations of the Tamil people.
9. Name two towns of the Sangam age.
10. State two exports and imports of the Sangam age.​

Answer 1

What is known as Sangam literature?

Answer:

The word ‘Sangam’ means ‘Assembly’. According to early tradition, three Sangams or Assemblies of literary men were held at Madurai, the center of great literary activity in the Tamil Country. It is generally accepted that these assemblies lasted from about first century BC to the fifth century AD. Many poets, scholars and bards who gathered there, produced a large volume of excellent Tamil poetry. These literary compositions were collected and complied into books called the Sangam literature.