The Sangam Age represents a significant chapter in South Indian history, marked by the composition of Tamil literature by numerous poets. 

• This era, extending from approximately 300 BCE to 300 CE, followed the Megalithic cultures (1200 BCE–300 BCE) and played a vital role in shaping the cultural and historical identity of South India. Despite its importance, scholars hold differing views on the chronology of the Sangam Age.
• The term Sangam signifies an assembly or gathering of Tamil poets.
• According to Tamil legends, three Sangams, known as Muchchangam, were held in ancient Tamil Nadu, flourishing under the patronage of the Pandya rulers.

The Three Sangams

• First Sangam:
  • Held in Madurai, it is believed to have been attended by gods and legendary sages.
  • No literary works from this Sangam are available today.
• Second Sangam:
  • Convened at Kapadapuram, this assembly saw the production of a significant body of literature.
  • Unfortunately, all works from this Sangam have perished, except the Tolkappiyam, an ancient Tamil grammatical text.
• Third Sangam:
  • Established by Mudathirumaran at Madurai, this Sangam attracted numerous poets who composed extensive literature.
  • Only a small portion of the works from this Sangam has survived.

Sources of the Sangam Age

• Sangam Literature:
  • The primary source, Sangam literature, includes works like Ettuthokai (Eight Anthologies) and Pattupattu (Ten Idylls).
  • These literary compositions highlight various aspects of society, politics, and culture.
• Asokan Inscriptions:
  • The edicts of Emperor Ashoka mention the Tamil kingdoms, providing historical references.
• Hathigumpha Inscription:
  • The inscription of Kharavela, the ruler of Kalinga, mentions the Tamil kingdoms, shedding light on their interactions with other regions.
• Archaeological Excavations:
  • Excavations at sites such as Arikkamedu, Poompuhar, and Kodumanal offer insights into trade, urbanization, and material culture.
• Writings of Greek Authors:
  • Greek historians like Megasthenes, Strabo, Pliny, and Ptolemy provide valuable accounts of trade relations and geographical details.

Political History of the Sangam Age

During the Sangam Age, the Tamil region was ruled by three prominent dynasties: the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas.

• Mentions in Inscriptions:
  • Ashoka refers to these kingdoms in his Major Rock Edict II.
  • The Hathigumpha inscription also mentions the Tamil polities.
• Sangam Literature as a Historical Source:
  • Sangam texts extensively describe the political activities, wars, and conflicts among these kingdoms.
  • Frequent conflicts between the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas inspired poets to compose war-related poetry.
• Royal Emblems:
  • The dynasties adopted distinct royal emblems:
    • The Cheras used the bow.
    • The Cholas used the tiger.
    • The Pandyas used the carp.

Decline of the Sangam Age

By the late third century CE, the Sangam Age saw a gradual decline.

• The Tamil region came under the rule of the Kalabhras, whose reign lasted approximately two and a half centuries.
• Limited information is available about the Kalabhra dynasty. However, this period witnessed the growing prominence of Jainism and Buddhism.
• The Kalabhra rule was eventually overthrown by the Pallavas in northern Tamil Nadu and the Pandyas in southern Tamil Nadu.
• These dynasties reestablished order in the Tamil region, ushering in a new phase of political and cultural development.