- Civilization was not alien in southern part of India. The famous kingdoms of south India were depicted in rock edict of Ashoka [II and XII]. The story of Sangam. i.e. assembly of scholars is one of the great occasions mentioned in the pages of our history.
- Period roughly between the 3rd century B.C. and 3rd century A.D. in South India (the area lying to the south of river Krishna and Tungabhadra) is known as Sangam Period. Sangam age flourished under Pandyas of Madurai.
- It must be remembered that Imperial Cholas and Cheras were contemporaries of Pandyas during the Sangam Age.
Cheras
The Cheras controlled the central and northern parts of Kerala and the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu.Vanji was their capital and the ports of the west coast, Musiri and Tondi, were under their control.The emblem of Cheras was “bow and arrow”. The greatest ruler of Cheras was Senguttuvan. His military achievements have been chronicled in epic Silapathikaram, with details about his expedition to the Himalayas where he defeated many north Indian rulers. Senguttuvan introduced the Pattini cult or the worship of Kannagi as the ideal wife in Tamil Nadu.
Imperial Cholas
Extended from modern Tiruchi District to southern Andhra Pradesh. Their capital was at Puhar. In the ‘Battle of Venni’ Karikala chola defeated Cheras and Pandyas. The famous Kallanai dam across Kaveri River was built by Karikala Chola.
Pandyas
- Their capital was at Madurai. One of its King was responsible for execution of Kovalan, husband of Kannaki. Book ‘Maduraikanji’ written by Mangudi Maruthnar describe the socio economic condition of Pandyan Country.
- It is good to mention that kings assumed various titles.
- Chera Kings assumed titles like Vanavaramban, Vanavan, Kuttuvan, Villavar
- Chola Kings assumed title like Senni, Valavan, Killi.
- Caste system was prevalent in Sangam age. Tolkapiyam mentions castes like Arasar, Anthanar etc.
Sangam Literature
- There were two epics in Sangam age: Silapatikaram by Illango Adikal and Manimekalai by Sittalai Sattanar.
- Oldest Sangam literature is Tolkapiyam which is the product of second sangam.
- Other literatures were Ettutogai, Pathupattu, Pathinetkilkanaku etc