Question

Explain briefly the function of the four cates mentioned in the tolkappiyam.

Answer 1

Brahmanas, kings, traders, and farmers are the four castes mentioned in the Tolkappiyam.

The Function of the four cates is mentioned in the Tolkappiyam.

1. Brahmanas
2. Kings
3. Traders
4. Farmers are the four castes mentioned in the Tolkappiyam.

• During the Sangam Age, the Brahmanas were a scholarly and respected community. They were meticulous in carrying out their caste responsibilities.
• They occasionally served the monarch as judicial officers, but they were always priests and astrologers.
• They had a strong bond with the land and were proud of their homeland and mother tongue. Both the Vaishyas and the Vellalas engaged in trade.
• Learning, performing sacrifices, making gifts, agriculture, cow protection, and trading were all allocated to the Vaishyas.
• Vellalas were tasked with learning subjects other than the Vedas, producing presents, farming, trading, and devotion. For the time being, the two communities were known by the professions in which they worked.