What is Sangam / Sangam Period?

The classical period of tamil literature known as the Sangam age started before the birth of Christ and continued for 3 or 4 centuries. The eight anthologies ( Ettuthogai ) and the Ten Idylls  ( Pathupattu ) are the earliest poems of the literature.

Tamil Nadu of that period was said to be '' flowing with milk and honey '' , and full of grain,meat and fish. The Chera kingdom of the west was noted for its jackfruit, pepper and turmeric. The Chola Kingdom, the land of the Cauvery, was the veritable granary of the south. The Pandya kingdom farther south was rich pearls, the Valli tuber and honey.

Hereditary monarchy was the order of the day. The king, though an autocrat,was guided by wise men. The people expected him to be a model ruler, and so it became necessary for him to set the highest standards in following the ethical codes. The cities were patrolled after sunset and sometimes even kings kept night vigils; there are still scenes of this in village plays and in folk stories.

Music and dancing had reached a highly developed form. Hunting,wrestling,boxing and dice play were popular sports and pastimes. Women played on terraces of their houses,with little balls. Mixed bathing and hikes were indulged in. Children used toy bows,arrows and a variety of dolls.