Introduction
The rich history of Tamil Nadu is a tapestry interwoven with the threads of influential dynasties, seminal literary developments, epic wars, and charismatic monarchs. It captures the imagination of historians and enthusiasts alike, rendering an exploration of its past a fascinating endeavor. This journey into the annals of Tamil rulers and their historical timeline is one steeped in glory, valor, and cultural prosperity.
Origins
The inception of Tamil kingdoms harks back to the Neolithic and Iron Age, as evidenced by numerous archeological sites and inscriptions. Ashokan Edicts and the Hathigumpha inscription by Kalinga ruler Kharavela shed light on these kingdoms’ early years, marking them as enduring civilizations in the annals of Indian history.
Sangam Era
The historical period spanning 300 BCE to 300 CE is identified as the Sangam Era. This epoch is characterized by the convening of the ‘Sangam,’ or literary academies, a testament to the region’s scholarly pursuit. Patronized by the Pandya kings of Madurai, these Sangams produced a wealth of literary compositions that remain revered to this day.
The Sangams took place as follows:
- First Sangam (Madurai): Attended by deities and legendary sages, no literary works from this Sangam survive today.
- Second Sangam (Kapadapuram): From this Sangam, the seminal work on Tamil grammar, Tolkappiyam, survives.
- Third Sangam (Madurai): The majority of the extant Sangam literature stems from this Sangam, making it a crucial phase in Tamil literary history.
Sangam Literature
While Tamil legends reference three Sangams—Madurai, Kapadapuram, and Thenmadurai—unfortunately, the literary works from the first two Sangams have been lost to time, except for Tolkappiyam from the second Sangam. The surviving literature primarily belongs to the third Sangam, and it is categorized based on time of composition and the nature of subjects discussed.
- Time of Composition
- Patinenmelkanakku (100 BCE – 200 CE): Comprising 18 poetic compositions, these works represent one of the oldest layers of Tamil literature.
- Patinenkilakanakku (100 CE – 500 CE): This later collection also includes 18 poetic works, featuring prominent compositions like Thirukkural, Naladiyar, and Palamoli.
- Based on Subjects
- Akam: These works focus on personal emotions and inner world narratives.
- Puram: These compositions discuss the outer world, including descriptions of cities and kings.
Key Examples
Second Sangam
- Tolkappiyam: Composed by Tolkappiyar, this oldest extant Tamil work provides insights into social life, human psychology, politics, and the economy during the Sangam Age. Its 1612 sutras are divided into three sections discussing Tamil grammar.
Third Tamil Sangam
- Compositions from the third Sangam are classified into eight anthologies known as Ettuttokoi/Ettuthokai and ten idylls called Pattuppattu. They include works like Natrinai, Kuruntogai, Ainkurunuru, ThiruMurugatrupadai, Sirupanarruppadai, and Mullaippattu.
- Notable among these are moral works from Patinenkilkanakku, with Thirukkural being the most important.
- Thirukkural: Authored by Thiruvalluvar, it is the first Dravidian work on ethics. The text comprises 1330 couplets and has been translated into various languages, covering topics such as love, polity, and governance.
Post-Sangam Period (200-600 CE)
The Post-Sangam period saw the composition of five great epics: Silappadikaram, Manimekalai, Jivaka Chintamani, Valaiyapati, and Kundalakesi, along with five minor works by Jain authors.
- Silappadikaram: Authored by Ilango Adigal, the epic tells the story of an anklet and offers valuable insights into Tamil society, politics, and values of the time.
- Manimekalai: Written by Chithalai Chathanar, it serves as a sequel to Silappadikaram and promotes Buddhism in South India, espousing Buddhist values.
Tamil Nadu’s history, a saga of evolution, is one of intrigue and intellectual prowess. The literary contributions from the Sangam Era and the Post-Sangam period are timeless testimonies to this region’s enriched cultural past. Even today, these ancient works continue to guide and inspire, demonstrating the Tamil rulers’ lasting influence on literature, philosophy, and governance.
Sangam Era ruling dynasties
Sangam Era Polity: A Closer Look
The Sangam Era, noted for its distinctive political structure, was predominantly governed by hereditary monarchies. This government’s operational efficiency lay in the king’s active engagement with his ministers, court poets, and the imperial court, known as ‘Avai.’ Significantly, each ruler from the three prominent dynasties, the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas, assumed unique titles. For instance, the Chera kings were known as Vanavaramban, Vanavan, Kuttuvan, Irumporai, and Villavar, while Chola and Pandya kings were called Senni, Valavan, Killi, Thennavar, and Minavar, respectively.
The king’s council, or ‘Avai,’ was a forum attended by chiefs and officials. These officials were organized into five councils, including ministers (Amaichar), priests (Anthanar), military commanders (Senapati), envoys (Thuthar), and spies (Orrar). The councils implemented a system of checks and balances on the king’s policies, ensuring equitable governance. This is evident in the “Silappadikaram,” which mentions two types of councils, namely, ‘Aimperunkulu’ (the council of five members) and ‘Enperayam’ (the great assembly of 8 members). The former functioned as the council of ministers, while the latter served as an administrative body. Notably, the king rarely dismissed the counsel of these councils, highlighting the system’s collaborative essence.
The military organization of the Sangam Era was robust, with each ruler maintaining a regular army and a ‘Kodimaram’ or tutelary tree symbolizing their martial might. The state’s primary sources of income were land revenue and customs duty levied on foreign trade. Furthermore, booty captured during wars significantly contributed to the royal treasury. The well-maintained roads and highways facilitated seamless trade and travel, guarded effectively to deter robbery and smuggling.
The Cultural Kaleidoscope of the Sangam Era
The Sangam Era was a vibrant period marked by cultural and occupational diversity. As per “Tolkappiyam,” the land was divided into five types, each with its unique chief deity and dominant occupation. These divisions were:
- Kurinji: With Murugan as its chief deity, hunting and honey collection were primary occupations.
- Mullai: Presided over by Mayon (Vishnu), it was noted for cattle rearing and dairy product trading.
- Marudam: Indira was the chief deity here, and agriculture was the predominant occupation.
- Neydal: Varunan was worshipped, with fishing and salt manufacturing as significant occupations.
- Palai: Governed by Korravai, it was infamous for its association with robbery.
The Sangam society was also stratified into various castes, with the ‘Arasar’ as the ruling class, ‘Anthanars’ as priests, ‘Vanigars’ engaged in trade, and ‘Vellalas’ as agriculturists. Other tribal groups such as Parathavar, Panar, Eyinar, Kadambar, Maravar, and Pulaiyar, as well as ancient tribes like Thodas, Irulas, Nagas, and Vedars, contributed to the era’s rich societal diversity.
Religion played a significant role in Sangam society, with Seyon or Murugan regarded as the primary deity. Festivals dedicated to Murugan were celebrated with grandeur, as detailed in Sangam literature. Additionally, ‘Nadu Kal’ or Hero Stones worship, where stones were erected in honour of the bravery exhibited by warriors in battle, was a prevalent practice, emphasizing the valour and chivalry that defined the period.
In conclusion, the Sangam Era stands as a testament to a time when rich cultural traditions intertwined seamlessly with a well-structured political system. It is a beacon that illuminates Tamil Nadu’s historical landscape, guiding us to appreciate the region’s unique cultural and political heritage.