Study Guide · Chapter 10
The Sangam Age (South India, c. 300 BCE – 300 CE)
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- "Sangam" refers to assemblies of Tamil poets/scholars held under the patronage of Pandya kings at Madurai; three such Sangams are traditionally described, though only literature from the Third Sangam survives.
- Sangam literature: Tolkappiyam (earliest Tamil grammar), the Ettutogai (Eight Anthologies) and Pattupattu (Ten Idylls), and later the twin epics Silappadikaram (by Ilango Adigal) and Manimekalai (by Sattanar).
- Three principal ruling dynasties of the Sangam age:
- Cheras: Kerala region, capital Vanji; famous ruler Senguttuvan ("Red Chera").
- Cholas: Capital Uraiyur (later Kaveripattinam as a port); early ruler Karikala Chola built the Kallanai (Grand Anicut) dam on the Kaveri.
- Pandyas: Capital Madurai; controlled pearl fisheries; sent embassies to Rome.
- Extensive maritime trade with the Roman Empire (evidenced by Roman gold coin hoards found at Arikamedu, near Puducherry, a Roman trading settlement).
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