The Sangam Age (approximately 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE) holds a pivotal place in the history of South India, serving as a defining era of Tamil literature, culture, and polity. Although predominantly associated with Tamil Nadu, the Sangam Age also encompasses significant historical and cultural references to Kerala. The term "Sangam" refers to assemblies or literary academies of Tamil poets that produced a vast corpus of poetry, collectively known as Sangam literature. This article delves into Kerala's connections to the Sangam Age, focusing on the references in Sangam literature and the socio-political and cultural aspects of the region during this period.
Sangam Literature References to Kerala
Mentions of Chera Kingdom
Kerala during the Sangam Age was predominantly under the rule of the Chera dynasty, one of the three great Tamil kingdoms along with the Cholas and the Pandyas. The Chera rulers, referred to as the "Vanavar," are frequently mentioned in Sangam texts such as the Akananuru, Purananuru, and Pathitrupathu.
Chera Capital and Ports:
Vanji (Karur): The Chera capital, located in modern Kerala and Tamil Nadu's border regions, is often praised for its opulence and strategic importance.
Muziris (Muchiripattanam): The bustling port of Muziris (modern-day Kodungallur) is celebrated in works like Pathitrupathu for its vibrant trade with Rome and the Middle East. Goods such as pepper, spices, and ivory were highly sought-after exports.
Chera Kings in Literature:
Udiyan Cheralathan and Imayavaramban Nedum Cheralathan are among the prominent rulers mentioned. They are extolled for their valor, administrative prowess, and patronage of poets.
Trade and Economy
Kerala's natural wealth, particularly its spices, played a central role in international trade during the Sangam period. Sangam literature highlights Kerala's flourishing trade networks, with merchants bringing in gold, wine, and luxury goods from Roman ships to barter for pepper and other local products.
Cultural Syncretism
The Cheras maintained cultural ties with the Tamil region while fostering unique elements of Kerala's Dravidian culture. The Parayan, Pulayan, and other communities are mentioned, providing insights into the social stratification of Kerala during this period.
Socio-Political Aspects in Kerala During the Sangam Age
Political Structure
Chera Rule:
The Chera dynasty followed a monarchical system of governance, with kings often glorified in Sangam poems for their justice, military conquests, and contributions to literature.
Titles like Vanavaramban, Kuttuvan, and Irumporai are associated with Chera kings, emphasizing their divine lineage and martial prowess.
Administrative Efficiency:
The kingdom was divided into administrative units called nadu, governed by local chieftains or nobles.
Military and Warfare
The Cheras were a formidable power with a strong naval force, crucial for protecting their maritime trade routes.
Literary sources like Purananuru detail battles against the Cholas and Pandyas, as well as alliances forged through diplomacy and marriage.
Economic Prosperity
Agriculture:
Kerala's fertile plains, nourished by monsoons, were ideal for paddy cultivation.
The region was also known for its spices, particularly black pepper,
cardamom, and turmeric.Trade:
Kerala's ports like Muziris facilitated extensive trade with the Roman Empire, Arabia, and Southeast Asia. Roman coins and amphorae discovered in Kerala corroborate these trade ties.
Artisanal Crafts:
The Sangam Age saw the rise of skilled craftsmanship in pottery, jewelry, and textiles, which were in high demand both locally and internationally.
Cultural Aspects of Kerala During the Sangam Age
Literature and Language
Kerala was integrally linked to Tamil culture during the Sangam Age, and Tamil was the lingua franca. The Chera rulers are known to have patronized Sangam poets and scholars.
Some poems in Akananuru and Purananuru are believed to have been composed by poets from Kerala, reflecting the region's cultural vibrancy.
Religion and Beliefs
Animism and Nature Worship:
Early Sangam literature reflects animistic practices, including the worship of deities like Murugan, associated with hills and hunting, and Kotravai, the mother goddess of war.
Sacred groves and natural elements were integral to religious rituals.
Brahminical Influence:
The gradual rise of Brahminical Hinduism is evident in temple inscriptions and rituals. This influence began shaping Keralas socio-religious structure.
Art and Architecture
The rudimentary temple structures of the Sangam Age were primarily built of wood and other perishable materials, which have left few archaeological traces.
However, folk arts such as Kootiyattam and Theyyam may trace their origins back to this era, blending Dravidian and Vedic traditions.
Festivals and Celebrations
Harvest festivals and nature-centric rituals were a significant part of the cultural fabric. These traditions laid the foundation for later festivals like Onam, which symbolize Keralas agrarian prosperity.
Social Hierarchy and Gender Roles
Kerala, like the rest of the Sangam region, had a stratified society. The Sangam literature refers to various social groups, including Velirs (chieftains), Pulayas (agricultural laborers), and Parayas (hereditary workers).
Women held a respected position, as evident in Sangam poetry that praises their beauty, intelligence, and contributions to society. Some women, like Avvaiyar, rose to prominence as poets.
Legacy of the Sangam Age in Kerala
The Sangam Age left a lasting imprint on Kerala's cultural, political, and literary traditions. The Chera dynasty's contributions to trade, arts, and governance set the stage for Kerala's emergence as a unique cultural entity. The era's rich traditions continue to influence Kerala's festivals, art forms, and societal values.
In conclusion, the Sangam Age serves as a bridge between Kerala's Dravidian past and its later historical developments, highlighting the region's integral role in the cultural and political milieu of ancient South India. The legacy of this age continues to resonate in Kerala's identity as a land of rich heritage and cultural diversity.
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