The Sangam period is a period of ancient Tamil history, traditionally dated from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD. The name Sangam refers to the three academies of poets and scholars that were said to have flourished during this period. The Sangam period is considered to be a golden age of Tamil culture, and its literature is considered to be one of the greatest achievements of Tamil civilization.
The Sangam period was a time of great prosperity and cultural development in Tamil Nadu. The region was ruled by three powerful dynasties: the Cheras, the Cholas, and the Pandyas. These dynasties were patrons of the arts and sciences, and they encouraged the development of Tamil literature, music, and dance.
The Sangam literature is a vast corpus of poetry and prose that includes epics, lyrics, and didactic works. The literature provides a rich and detailed portrait of life in ancient Tamil Nadu. It tells stories of kings and warriors, of farmers and fishermen, of lovers and poets. The literature also provides insights into the religious and philosophical beliefs of the Tamil people.
The Sangam period came to an end in the 3rd century AD, but its legacy continues to this day. The Sangam literature is still studied and enjoyed by Tamils all over the world. It is a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu and of the important role that the Sangam period played in its development.
Here are some of the most important works of Sangam literature:
Ettuttogai (Eight Anthologies): This collection of poems includes some of the earliest and finest examples of Tamil literature.
Pattuppattu (Ten Idylls): This collection of poems tells stories of love, war, and adventure.
Pathinenkilkanakku (Eighteen Minor Works): This collection of poems includes a wide variety of genres, including love poems, war poems, and philosophical poems.
Tolkappiyam (The Book of Grammar): This work is the earliest known grammar of the Tamil language. It also contains a wealth of information about Tamil culture and society.
Silappadikaram (The Jewelled Anklet): This epic poem tells the story of Kannagi, a woman who avenges the death of her husband.
Manimekalai (The Garland of Gems): This epic poem tells the story of Manimekalai, a Buddhist nun who travels to Madurai in search of her father.
The Sangam literature is a treasure trove of Tamil culture and history. It is a reminder of the rich and vibrant culture of ancient Tamil Nadu.
The Pugalur inscription is a Tamil-Brahmi inscription found in Pugalur, near Karur in Tamil Nadu, India. It is dated to the 1st or 2nd century CE and records the construction of a rock shelter for Jains by Ilam Kadungo, son of Perum Kadungo, and grandson of Ko Athan Cheral Irumporai. The inscription is significant because it is one of the earliest records of the Chera dynasty and provides information about the political and religious history of the region during the Sangam period.
The inscription is written in Tamil-Brahmi, a script that was used in South India from the 3rd century BCE to the 6th century CE. The inscription is carved on a rock face and is about 1.5 meters long and 0.5 meters high. The text is written in a single line and is divided into two columns.
The inscription begins with a salutation to the Jain tirthankaras, or teachers. It then goes on to describe the construction of the rock shelter. The shelter was built by Ilam Kadungo, who is described as the "great king of the Cheras." The shelter was built for the benefit of Jain monks and nuns.
The inscription ends with a benediction for Ilam Kadungo and his family. It is hoped that Ilam Kadungo will be reborn in a heavenly realm and that his family will be happy and prosperous.
The Pugalur inscription is an important source of information about the Chera dynasty. It is one of the earliest records of the dynasty and provides information about the political and religious history of the region during the Sangam period. The inscription also provides evidence of the close relationship between the Cheras and the Jains.
The Pugalur inscription is a valuable historical document that provides insights into the early history of South India. It is a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the region and the important role that the Chera dynasty played in its development.
