Sangam Literature

The Treasure Trove of Sangam Literature

Sangam Literature is an important source to study the history of southern India.

Sangam Period

• In South India (i.e. the area lying to the south of river Krishna and Tungabhadra), the period roughly between the 3rd century BCE and 3rd century CE is known as Sangam Period.

• It has been named after the Sangam academies held during that period that flourished under the royal patronage of the Pandya kings of Madurai.

• According to the Tamil legends, there were three Sangams (Academy of Tamil poets):

  • • The First Sangam, is believed to be held at Madurai, attended by gods and legendary sages. No literary work of this Sangam is available.

    • The Second Sangam was held at Kapadapuram. Only Tolkappiyam survives from this.

    • The Third Sangam was held at Madurai. A few of its Tamil literary works have survived and.

• At the Sangams, eminent scholars assembled and the choicest literature was rendered in anthologies. These literary works were the earliest specimens of Dravidian literature.

Sangam Literature

• The Sangam literature includes Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai, Pattuppattu, Pathinenkilkanakku, and two epics namely, Silappathikaram and Manimegalai.

• Tolkappiyam: It was authored by Tolkappiyar and is considered the earliest of Tamil literary work. It is a work on Tamil grammar. However, it also provides insights on the political and socio-economic conditions of the time.

• Ettutogai (Eight Anthologies): It consists of eight works – Aingurunooru, Narrinai, Aganaooru, Purananooru, Kuruntogai, Kalittogai, Paripadal and Padirruppatu.

• Pattuppattu (Ten Idylls): It consists of ten works i.e. Thirumurugarruppadai, Porunararruppadai, Sirupanarruppadai, Perumpanarruppadai, Mullaippattu, Nedunalvadai, Maduraikkanji, Kurinjippatttu, Pattinappalai and Malaipadukadam.

• Pathinenkilkanakku: It contains eighteen works about ethics and morals. The most important among these works is Thirukkural authored by Thiruvalluvar, the great Tamil poet and philosopher.

• Tamil Epics: Of the two epics, Silappathikaram is written by Elango Adigal and Manimegalai by Sittalai Sattanar. They also provide valuable details about the Sangam society and polity.