The Sangam Age MCQ Questions and Answers

Sol. Rajaraja I’s naval expeditions were primarily directed towards the Maldives and parts of Sri Lanka; there is no strong historical evidence confirming Chola expeditions occupying Burma, Malaya, or Sumatra during his reign—these regions were influenced later by Rajendra I. Rajendra I did conquer Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and the Cholas maintained control over northern Ceylon until they were ousted by Vijayabahu I. The Chola dynasty eventually declined in the 13th century, with their territories divided between the Hoysalas and Pandyas. Therefore, only statements 2, 3, and 4 are historically accurate.

Sol. The bull flag is associated with Lord Shiva (Shivan), symbolizing Nandi. The peacock is the vehicle of Lord Murugan, making the peacock flag his emblem. The Garuda is the vahana (mount) of Lord Vishnu, particularly connected with Tirumala. The mace (gada) is typically symbolic of strength and associated with ancient deities like those worshipped in the Kurram region. Therefore, the correct match aligns with 1-a, 2-b, 3-c, 4-d.

Sol. Pliny the Elder, a Roman author and naturalist, wrote critically in his work Natural History about the vast outflow of Roman wealth to India due to the Indo-Roman trade. He remarked that “not a year passed without the empire paying out 100 million sesterces to India,” showing his concern over the economic consequences of this trade imbalance. His account is one of the earliest commentaries on the scale of Roman imports from India.

Sol. The custom of wearing the tali (or mangalsutra) by married women is a distinctive non-Aryan tradition that has been prevalent in Tamil society since the Sangam Age. It symbolizes marital status and continues to be an important ritual in Tamil marriages today. Other practices like widow head shaving or rice offerings to ancestors are more Aryan and post-Sangam in origin.

Sol. During the early historic period, particularly during the Indo-Roman trade, the main articles of import into India were gold and silver. This influx was a result of high Roman demand for Indian goods like spices, textiles, and gemstones, causing a substantial trade imbalance. Indian merchants received precious metals as payment, which significantly increased bullion reserves in India.

Sol. In the Sangam Age, spies were referred to as Orrars. They played a crucial role in gathering intelligence for kings and helped in maintaining internal security and surveillance over territories. Their functions are mentioned in Sangam texts in the context of royal administration.

Sol. While Sangam literature does depict powerful and influential women, it does not provide evidence of numerous women rulers. The political structure was largely patriarchal, and kingship was male-dominated. Instances of women in administrative roles were rare, making the statement inaccurate in the historical context of Sangam literature.

Sol. The last anthology of Sangam literature known as the Ten Idylls is Pattupattu, which means “Ten Songs.” This collection includes ten long poems composed by various poets and reflects different themes like love, war, and ethics. It is distinct from other literary works like Tolkappiyam (a grammar treatise), Kural (ethical couplets), and Manimekalai (a later Buddhist epic).

Sol. Although certain Sanskritic influences are visible in Sangam literature, the worship of Indra as the principal deity was not significantly incorporated. Sangam texts primarily emphasize local deities like Murugan, and other regional nature-based beliefs. However, ideas like Arundhati’s chastity, the three-fold debt (rinatraya), and mythical lands like Uttara-Kuru do appear as borrowed or adapted concepts from Sanskritic traditions.

Sol. The worship of forest trees and animal deities is a Dravidian and pre-Aryan tradition that continued during the Sangam Age. It contrasts with Aryan religious practices that focused more on Vedic deities and sacrificial rituals. Other elements listed, such as Sanskrit ideas in literature and marriage as a sacrament, are indicative of Aryan cultural impact.

Sol. Karikala was one of the most celebrated rulers of the early Chola dynasty. He is credited with military victories, infrastructural achievements such as the construction of the Kallanai (Grand Anicut) dam, and expansion of trade. His reign marked the political and economic consolidation of the Chola state during the Sangam period.

Sol. The Pallavas were not part of the original three royal dynasties of the Tamil country during the Sangam Age. The Sangam Age recognized the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas as the principal dynasties. The Pallavas rose to prominence in the post-Sangam period, particularly from the 4th century CE onwards.

Sol. In Tamil literature of the Sangam Age, Greco-Roman merchants were referred to as Yavanas. This term broadly denoted people of Greek and Roman origin and reflects the commercial and cultural exchanges between South India and the Mediterranean world during the early centuries CE. Yavanas were often depicted as sea traders and foreigners in Tamil ports.

Sol. The term Sangam refers to a legendary assembly or college of Tamil poets and scholars, traditionally held in Madurai under the patronage of the Pandya kings. This literary tradition is said to have occurred in three successive Sangams, and it played a key role in shaping early Tamil literature, producing rich collections of poems and grammatical works.

Sol. Ettuthogai, or the “Eight Anthologies,” is regarded as the most significant monument of ancient Tamil literature from the Sangam Age. These anthologies contain a wide range of poems on themes such as love (akam) and war (puram), composed by numerous poets. They provide deep insight into the social, political, and cultural life of early Tamilakam and form the core of Sangam literary heritage.

Sol. The main driver of extensive foreign trade during the Sangam Age was the surplus production of commodities such as spices (notably pepper), pearls, ivory, and textiles, all of which were highly sought after in Roman and Middle Eastern markets. This economic advantage, coupled with favorable monsoon winds, enabled the growth of thriving trade networks with the West.

Sol. The dating of Sangam literature between the 1st and 3rd centuries A.D. is based on both internal and external evidence. Internally, the Silappadikaram mentions King Gajabahu I of Sri Lanka as a contemporary of the Chera king Senaguttuvan. Externally, the Sangam poems share notable similarities with Greco-Roman accounts of trade, confirming contemporaneity. Both these points form the foundation for establishing the period.

Sol. Advanced agriculture during the Sangam Age was indeed confined to fertile river valleys like those of the Kaveri and Vaigai. Although the reason (frequent destruction of settlements and burning of crops due to conflict) is also true, it does not adequately explain the agricultural limitation, which was more due to dependence on rainfall and lack of irrigation expansion. Hence, R is not a correct explanation of A.

Sol. While the Cheras and Cholas were significant dynasties, the Pandya rulers of Madurai were the primary patrons of Sangam literature. The literary assemblies, or Sangams, were said to have been held in Madurai, and many poets received royal support there. Madurai was the intellectual and cultural center of Sangam literary activity.

Sol. In Sangam Tamil, the word for minister was Amaichchan (or Amaichchar in plural). These officials held key advisory and administrative roles in the king’s court, helping with governance, diplomacy, and military decisions. The term reflects indigenous political terminology distinct from Sanskrit-derived titles like Mantri or Amatya.

Sol. Wheat was not a commonly cultivated crop in the Sangam Age, primarily because the climatic and soil conditions of South India were not suitable for its growth. Instead, rice was the staple crop, and other important agricultural products included sugar-cane and turmeric, which were widely cultivated and used both for local consumption and trade.

Sol. Cattle-raiding was a common practice and often served as a provocation or declaration of war during the Sangam Age. Capturing the enemy’s cattle was seen not only as an economic blow but also as a challenge to their honor. This act typically initiated retaliatory battles and is frequently referenced in Sangam literature.

Sol. The Kodimaram oru Kavalmaram was a sacred or tutelary tree planted in central locations of towns during the Sangam Age. It was believed to offer divine protection to the town, and its destruction symbolized the fall or defeat of the ruling power. Thus, both its protective symbolism and its association with political legitimacy made its preservation essential.

Sol. While Sangam literature, Roman coin finds, and discoveries like those at Arikamedu provide direct evidence of Indo-Roman trade, accounts of Chinese travellers are not a source for this period. Chinese records concerning South India are from a later era, making this option inconsistent with the timeline of Sangam Indo-Roman trade.

Sol. The chronological order of the Chola rulers is:

Aditya Chola (early consolidator)
Parantaka Chola I (extended the empire)
Rajaraja Chola I (major expansion and naval power)
Rajendra Chola (further conquests including overseas campaigns).
This order reflects the historical succession of the medieval Chola dynasty.

Sol. Periplus of the Erythraean Sea is a 1st-century CE Greco-Roman travelogue that provides detailed descriptions of trade routes, ports, and commodities exchanged between South India and the Roman world. It is a key source for understanding Indo-Roman trade during the Sangam Age and mentions ports like Muziris and goods like pepper and pearls.

Sol. In the Sangam Age, the priestly class did not wield significant political authority over kings. Instead, customary laws, wise sayings, and advice from ministers functioned as checks on royal power. The concept of Brahmanical dominance through priestly dictates emerged more prominently in later periods.

Sol. Sangam society did not strictly follow the varna system of North India. While Brahmins are occasionally mentioned, the rigid four-fold varna classification is largely absent. Instead, people were often grouped based on profession and clan (e.g., Panan for musicians, Paraiyan for drummers). The idea of regular varnas as per Vedic tradition is not prominently found in Sangam texts.

Sol. Sangam literature was composed in ancient Tamil and is one of the earliest known bodies of secular literature in India. It serves as a crucial historical source for understanding the political, economic, social, and cultural life of early South India. The poems reflect the thoughts, values, and way of life of Tamil people during the Sangam Age.

Sol. The Velas were the wealthiest and most influential land-owning class during the Sangam Age. They held extensive tracts of land and were often local chieftains or nobility. They played a significant role in local governance and patronized poets and scholars. Unlike Brahmanas or Ulavars (farmers), the Velas held socio-political dominance.

Sol. Kannagi, the heroine of Silappadikaram, came to be revered as a symbol of chastity and moral virtue after she proved her husband’s innocence and brought justice through divine intervention. Temples dedicated to her were built across Tamil Nadu, and she was worshipped as the embodiment of unwavering marital fidelity.

Sol. The Orrar were spies or informants during the Sangam Age and did not hold responsibilities related to revenue administration. The tasks of collecting revenue, maintaining records, and overseeing trade duties were performed by officials like Ayakkarar. Therefore, the statement attributing revenue duties to Orrar is incorrect.

Sol. The earliest known Tamil embassy to the Roman world, reportedly to Emperor Augustus around 20 BCE, was sent by a Pandyan king. Classical Greco-Roman sources, including Strabo and Pliny, mention this embassy, highlighting the Pandya dynasty’s engagement in early international diplomacy and trade with the West.

Sol. Karikala Chola is credited with constructing the Grand Anicut (Kallanai) on the river Kaveri, a significant irrigation structure. The modern-day Vennar channel, derived from this system, irrigates the fertile deltaic region of South Thanjavur, which continues to be a major agricultural area in Tamil Nadu.

Sol. For Sangam Tamils, a righteous government was closely associated with the delivery of fair and prompt justice. The literature praises rulers who ensured justice without delay or partiality, reflecting the high moral standards expected of governance in the Sangam Age.

Sol. The statement illustrates the extraordinary fertility of the Kaveri delta in the Chola region, implying that even a small plot could yield a substantial harvest. This abundance was made possible by rich soil and efficient irrigation systems, notably due to infrastructural efforts like Karikala’s dam.

Sol. Nadukul and Virakkal both refer to hero stones (memorials) erected in honor of fallen warriors. These stones often bore inscriptions and were objects of worship, symbolizing the valor and sacrifice of those who died in battle. They reflect the martial culture and the reverence for heroism in Sangam society.

Sol. Among the methods of disposing of the dead during the Sangam Age, cremation and urn burial were common practices. Archaeological findings support the prevalence of megalithic urn burials. However, there is no evidence to suggest that giving a watery grave (burial in water) was a practiced custom during this period.

Sol. Murugan, the Tamil god of war and youth, was the most beloved deity of the Sangam people. He was closely associated with the hill regions (Kurinji) and symbolized valor, fertility, and protection. Sangam poems frequently praise his heroic and benevolent nature, and he continues to be widely worshipped in Tamil Nadu.

Sol. Uraiyur, an ancient Chola capital, was famous as a major center of cotton trade during the Sangam Age. It was known for producing high-quality cotton textiles that were exported to western markets. Sangam literature and foreign accounts both highlight Uraiyur’s prominence in the textile industry.

Sol. The Chera king Senguttuvan is credited with bringing a stone from the Himalayas to carve an image of Goddess Kannagi. This act is described in the Tamil epic Silappadikaram, emphasizing his devotion and his ambition to deify Kannagi, symbolizing chastity and justice, through temple construction.

Sol. After the reign of Emperor Nero, the Roman Empire experienced financial difficulties, leading to a decline in the use of precious metal coins. As a result, trade with India became increasingly reliant on barter. The flow of Roman gold coins to India diminished significantly during and after this period.

Sol. After the reign of Emperor Nero, the Roman Empire experienced financial difficulties, leading to a decline in the use of precious metal coins. As a result, trade with India became increasingly reliant on barter. The flow of Roman gold coins to India diminished significantly during and after this period.Sol. The belief that eclipses were caused by Rahu and Ketu swallowing celestial bodies stems from Puranic and Vedic mythology, which became more prominent in later Sanskrit traditions. This concept is not found in early Sangam literature, making it an addition from later Aryan influence rather than a native Sangam belief.

Sol. While spices, perfumes, jewels, and fine textiles were major exports from South India during the Sangam Age, sugar was not among the key export commodities. Sugar production on a commercial scale gained prominence later. The Sangam economy was more focused on high-demand luxury items sought by western markets.

Sol. The favorable balance of trade with the West was due to high demand for Indian luxury goods and the influx of gold and silver coins as payment for these exports. The idea of “better business sense” is subjective and not historically cited as a concrete reason. It lacks the economic specificity of the other factors.

Sol. The Ramaka Siddhanta and Paulisa Siddhanta, referenced by Varahamihira, suggest a direct Roman or Greco-Roman influence on Indian astronomy. These texts show that Indian astronomers had access to and incorporated certain western astronomical ideas, reflecting an exchange of scientific knowledge during the classical era.

Sol. Hippalus, a Greek navigator, is credited with the discovery around 45 A.D. of the monsoon wind system that blows across the Indian Ocean. This discovery drastically reduced travel time between the Red Sea and the western coast of India, thereby facilitating and expanding Indo-Roman maritime trade during the early centuries CE.

Sol. The discovery of the monsoon wind patterns allowed Roman and Indian ships to sail more predictably and efficiently across the Indian Ocean. This understanding gave a significant boost to sea-borne trade in the 1st and 2nd centuries A.D., enabling seasonal navigation and regular commercial exchanges between the Roman Empire and South India.

Sol. Ganesha worship is not prominent in Sangam literature and appears more clearly in later periods. The popular deities of the Sangam Age include Indra, Murugan (especially revered), Siva, Vishnu, Krishna, and Balaram. The lack of references to Ganesha in early Tamil texts places him outside the mainstream religious life of the Sangam period.

Sol. The Sangam people practiced several primitive religious beliefs, including the worship of totemic symbols such as animals, trees, and other natural objects considered to be the protectors or ancestors of clans. This form of animism and tribal religiosity predates the more structured Vedic and Agamic forms of worship.

 Sol. The correct match is:

Pon-vanikan – Gold merchant (4)
Aruvai-vanikan – Textile merchant (1)
Kolu-vanikan – Ploughshare merchant (5)
Uppu-vanikan – Salt merchant (3)
Panita-vanikan – Toddy merchant (2)
These terms refer to the professional merchant classes during the Sangam Age, each specializing in specific goods.

Sol. At Puhar (Kaveripoompattinam), the major port city of the Cholas, a grand annual festival called Indra Vizha was held in honor of Lord Indra. It was believed that this festival would ensure timely rains and agricultural prosperity. The celebration is elaborately described in the Sangam epic Silappadikaram.

Sol. Manimekalai, one of the five great Tamil epics, is a didactic Buddhist work written by Sattanar. It focuses on the life of the protagonist Manimekalai, who embraces Buddhism and renounces worldly life. The text promotes Buddhist values such as compassion, non-violence, and renunciation, and serves as a religious-philosophical treatise.