Structure of Governance During Sangam Age

• The administration during the Sangam period was characterized by a hereditary monarchy, where the king played a central role in governance. 

• The political system was well-organized, with the kingdom being divided into various units for efficient management. 

• • • Monarchy: The king, who was at the heart of the administration, exercised absolute power. The monarchy was hereditary, passed down through generations within royal families.
    • Mandalam (Kingdoms): The regions under the control of the major dynasties—Chola, Pandya, and Chera—were known as Mandalams. These major kingdoms were further divided into smaller units for better governance.

• Division into Provinces (Nadus):  The Mandalam was divided into several Nadus, which were provinces or regions. These provinces formed the core administrative units, and each was overseen by local rulers or chiefs, often from noble families.

Role of the King’s Council During Sangam Age

• Advisors and Ministers: The king was not an absolute ruler in isolation; he took counsel from various officials to ensure efficient governance. Key advisors included:
• Minister (Amaichar): The king’s primary advisor and often responsible for day-to-day administration.
• Court-Poet: A significant figure in the royal court, contributing to the cultural and literary prosperity of the time.
• Avai (Imperial Court): A royal assembly that acted as an advisory body to the king on important state matters.

• Administrative Structure During Sangam Age: The king’s administration was supported by a well-organized structure, which included several key councils:

• • • Ministers (Amaichar): Managed various aspects of the government and provided the king with counsel.
    • Priests (Anthanar): Held religious authority, offering spiritual guidance and ensuring that religious practices were observed in governance.
    • Military Commanders (Senapathi): Responsible for the kingdom’s defense and military strategy.
    • Envoys (Thuthar): Diplomatic agents who represented the kingdom in foreign matters, fostering relationships with other regions.
    • Spies (Orrar): Spies gathered intelligence, monitored internal affairs, and helped maintain law and order.

Role of Local Assemblies During Sangam Age

• Ur (Towns/Villages): The basic administrative unit was the Ur, which was either a town or village. These were categorized based on their size or age, such as:
  • Perar (Large village)
  • Sirur (Small village)
  • Mudur (Old village)

• The Ur was managed by local assemblies known as Manrams, which consisted of local residents. These assemblies were responsible for managing local issues, including justice and community affairs.

Military Organization During Sangam Age

• Regular Army: The kings of the Sangam period maintained a regular army, which was well-structured to defend the kingdom and uphold internal order. The army consisted of:
  • Chariots drawn by oxen
  • Elephants
  • Cavalry
  • Infantry

• This military force ensured that the kings could project power both internally and externally.

Sources of Revenue During Sangam Age

• Land Revenue: The primary income for the kingdom came from land taxes, which were collected from the agricultural lands under royal control.
• Custom Duties: The state also levied taxes on foreign trade. These were known as ulgu or sungum, and were collected as tolls on goods passing through various ports.
• Booty from Wars: Plunder obtained from military campaigns also contributed significantly to the royal treasury.

Taxation System During Sangam Age

• Variyam (Taxable Unit of Land): The land was divided into units known as Variyam, each of which was subject to taxation. The officer responsible for collecting the tax was called a Variyar.
• Kadamai and Paduvadu: These terms referred to the duties or taxes paid to the king. These could be in the form of land taxes, trade duties, or other levies.

Infrastructure and Security During Sangam Age

• Road Maintenance: Roads and highways were well-maintained throughout the kingdom. These roads were guarded 24/7 to prevent robbery and smuggling, ensuring the safety of travelers and merchants.
• Security: The maintenance of law and order was crucial during the Sangam period, and various mechanisms were in place to ensure internal peace and external security. The king’s spies played a significant role in ensuring that the kingdom remained stable and that any subversive activities were dealt with efficiently.