UPSC Prelims 2022 Q93: Art & Culture – Literature & Languages
Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is
correct?
- (a) Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture.
- (b) The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.
- (c) Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethic.
- (d) Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational.
Answer: (b) The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.
Explanation
What Sangam poetry tells us
| Option | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| (a) No reference to material culture | Incorrect | Poems describe trade, ports, crafts, food and ornaments; they are a key source for material life |
| (b) Varna was known to Sangam poets | Correct | Poems mention Brahmanas (antanar), kings (arasar), vanikar (traders) and vellalar (cultivators), reflecting awareness of varna |
| (c) No reference to warrior ethic | Incorrect | Puram poems praise heroism; hero stones (nadukal) honoured fallen warriors |
| (d) Magical forces called irrational | Incorrect | Poems treat spirits and magic as real and powerful forces |
Two poetry types:
| Type | Theme |
|---|---|
| Akam | Inner life: love |
| Puram | Outer life: war, kings, generosity |
Answer: (b) The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Sangam poems are rich in material detail such as trade with Rome and port towns.
- (b) CORRECT. Sangam poets knew of varna categories like antanar (Brahmanas) and arasar (kings).
- (c) Incorrect. Puram poetry celebrates the warrior ethic and death in battle.
- (d) Incorrect. Sangam poems treat magical forces as real, not irrational.
Key point
Sangam poems knew of varna (antanar, arasar, vanikar, vellalar), describe material culture, and glorify the warrior ethic in puram poetry.
Remember
Sangam poets knew varna; akam = love, puram = war.
Common mistakes
- Assuming early Tamil society had no knowledge of varna at all.
- Forgetting the puram genre that celebrates war and hero stones.
- Applying a modern 'rational' view to ancient attitudes about magic and spirits.
Exam tip
Options with absolute words ('devoid', 'no reference') are usually wrong for rich literary sources.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History I, Ch 3 (Kinship, Caste and Class)
- R. S. Sharma — India's Ancient Past (Sangam age)