• Sangams (Academies of Tamil poets) in ancient Tamil Nadu known as Muchchangam. These Sangams thrived under the Pandyas’ royal support. The first Sangam, held in Madurai at the time, was attended by gods and legendary sages, but there was no written record of it. The second Sangam was held in Kapadapuram, but all of the literary works except Tolkappiyam were perished. Mudathirumaran established the third Sangam in Madurai. It was attended by a huge number of poets who created extensive literature, but only a handful remained. These Tamil literary works continue to be valuable materials for reconstructing the history of the Sangam Age.

Sangam Literature

• The corpus of Sangam literature includes Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai, Pattuppattu, Pathinenkilkanakku, and the two epics

Silappathigaram and Manimegalai.

• Silappatikaram

• • • First Tamil Epic: Silappatikaram holds the distinction of being the first epic written in Tamil.
    • Authorship: In Tamil legend, it is attributed to Ilango Adigal.
    • Meter: Composed in the akaval (aciriyam) meter, the poem spans approximately 5,730 lines.

• Themes and Characters:

• • Tragic Love Story: The epic narrates the tragic love story of Kannaki and her husband Kovalan.
  • Family and Rule of Chera Monarch: The Fifth Ten of the Patiuppattu, a Sangam poem, describes the family and rule of Chera monarch Senguttuvan, who is mentioned in Silappatikaram.
  • Bardic Tradition: Silappatikaram is deeply rooted in the Tamil bardic tradition, evident from references to its characters in later works like the Kovalam Katai and Sangam literature like the Naiai.

  • Authorship Controversy:

  • Prince-Turned-Monk: It is believed that the epic was written around the fifth or sixth century CE by a prince- turned-monk named Iak Aika, although this attribution is debated.

• Manimekalai

  • Tamil-Buddhist Epic: Manimekalai, also known as Manimekhalai, is a Tamil-Buddhist epic likely composed in the sixth century by Manimegalai Manimegalai Kulavika Seethalai Sataar.
  • Meter and Length: Composed in the akaval meter, it consists of 4,861 lines divided into 30 cantos.

Themes and Characters:

• Anti-Love Narrative: Following the “love story” of Silappatikaram, Manimekalai presents an “anti-love narrative” while featuring some common characters.
• Protagonist: The epic revolves around Manimekalai, the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi. She continues her mother’s legacy as a Buddhist nun and dancer.
• Both Silappatikaram and Manimekalai are significant contributions to Tamil literature, offering rich narratives and insights into the cultural and societal contexts of their time.

• Tolkappiyam, written by Tolkappiyar, is the first piece of Tamil literature. It is a study on Tamil language, but it also discusses the political and economical realities during the Sangam period.
• Aingurunooru, Narrinai, Aganaooru, Purananooru, Kuruntogai, Kalittogai, Paripadal, and Padirruppattu are the works included in the Ettutogai or Eight Anthologies. The Eight Anthologies (Ettuttokai) are a collection of eight Tamil- language anthologies forming a major part of Sangam literature, the earliest surviving works in the Tamil language. They are believed to have been compiled between the 1st and the 4th centuries CE.
• The eight anthologies deal with various themes including love, war, heroism, society, religion and philosophy. Here’s a closer look at each anthology and its significance:

• Narrinai

1. 1. • Significance: Narrinai is notable for its mention of the Tamil legend of Kannagi (Kannaki), who protested against her husband’s unjust execution. This anthology provides insight into the societal values and the emphasis on justice and moral righteousness in Sangam society.

• Kurunthogai

1. 1. • Significance: Kurunthogai’s influence extends into modern Tamil culture, including cinema. Its poems offer a rich tapestry of emotions and relationships, reflecting the everyday life and ethos of the Sangam period.

• Aingurunuru

1. 1. • Significance: Compiled by Kudalur Kilar, Aingurunuru is distinguished as a Chera text, in contrast to the more common Pandyan kingdom-based texts. This anthology highlights the unique cultural and political environment of the Chera dynasty.

• Patitruppathu

1. 1. • Significance: Patitruppathu provides detailed accounts of ten Chera kings, known as Cheramals. This anthology is crucial for understanding the political history and lineage of the Chera rulers, offering valuable information about their reigns and accomplishments.

• Paripadal

1. 1. • Significance: Paripadal is unique for its expression of love through religious devotion and its inclusion of dialogue- based poems. These longer poems provide a window into the religious and philosophical thoughts of the time, blending secular and sacred themes.

• Kalithogai

1. 1. • Significance: Compiled by Nallantuvanar, Kalithogai is notable for its relatively higher number of Sanskrit loan words. The anthology is categorized into the five tinais (landscapes) conforming to the Sangam landscape, offering a structured insight into the interplay between nature and human emotions.

• Akananuru

1. 1. • Significance: Akananuru is remarkable for its mathematical arrangement and reference to the Ramayana. This anthology provides a glimpse into the epic traditions and literary sophistication of the Sangam period, reflecting the integration of indigenous and pan-Indian cultural elements.

• Purananuru

1. 1. • Significance: Purananuru is a treasure trove of information on the political and social history of ancient Tamil Nadu. It includes poems that discuss the valor, ethics, and governance of various rulers, offering a comprehensive view of the societal structure and values of the time.
      • Thirumurugarruppadai, Porunarruppadai, Sirupanarruppadai, Perumpanarruppadai, Mullaippattu, Nedunalvadai, Maduraikkanji, Kurinjippatttu, Pattinappalai, and Malaipadukadam comprise the Pattuppattu or Ten Idylls. Ettutogai and Pattuppattu were split into two groups: Aham (love) and Puram (valour).
        • The concept of Aham and Puram in Sangam literature encapsulates the dichotomy of themes and perspectives found in poetry. Here’s a breakdown of their characteristics:

• Aham (Agam)

1. 1. • • Representation: Aham focuses on the individual, the interior, the feminine, and the various stages of love.
        • Dominant Themes: It delves into subjects such as love, emotions, and personal relationships.
        • Gender Dynamics: Aham is often dominated by female perspectives and experiences.
        • Emotional Depth: Poems under this category explore the complexities of human emotions, particularly in the context of romantic relationships and intimacy.

        • Puram

        • Representation: Puram represents the world, the exterior, the masculine, violence, and heroism.
        • Dominant Themes: It encompasses topics such as wars, kingship, valor, and societal virtues.
        • Gender Dynamics: Puram tends to be male-dominated, reflecting the traditional roles and responsibilities associated with masculinity.
        • External Affairs: Poems classified under Puram often depict external conflicts, conquests, and the pursuit of glory.
        • While Aham and Puram may seem like opposing forces, they actually complement each other in portraying the full spectrum of human experiences and societal dynamics. Together, they provide a comprehensive view of life, ranging from intimate personal emotions to grand narratives of society and power.
      • Pathinenkilkanakku features eighteen pieces, the most of which deal with ethics and morals. The most important of these is Tirukkural, written by Thiruvalluvar.
      • The Pathinenkilkanakku (Pathinenkilkanakku), also known as the “Eighteen Lesser Texts,” is a collection of Tamil literature focusing on morality and ethics. This compilation is notable for its shorter poems, written predominantly in the venpa metre, which is a specific form of Tamil poetry.

• Significance and Characteristics

1. 1. • • Focus on Morality and Ethics:
        • The Pathinenkilkanakku texts emphasize moral instruction and ethical living. These works provide insights into the values and principles that guided ancient Tamil society.

• Poetic Form:

1. • • The poems are generally shorter compared to those found in the Eighteen Greater Texts (Pathinenmelkanakku), the oldest known collections of Tamil poetry.
     • The predominant poetic form is the venpa metre, which is known for its concise and rhythmic structure.

     • Notable Anthology: Naladiyar

     • Naladiyar:
     • The most famous anthology within the Pathinenkilkanakku collection is the Naladiyar.
     • This anthology consists of quatrains, each four-line stanza providing profound moral and ethical reflections.
     • Remarkably, it is credited to 400 poets, showcasing a rich diversity of thoughts and insights.
     • Naladiyar’s verses cover a wide range of subjects, including the transient nature of life, the importance of virtuous living, and the value of wisdom and self-control.
   • Elango Adigal’s Silappathigaram and Sittalai Sattanar’s Manimegalai both contain useful information about the Sangam polity and society.