SANGAM AGE
The Sangam Age is a defining period in the cultural and literary history of South India, marked by the assembly of Tamil poets in academies known as Sangams. These gatherings, held under the auspices of the Pandya kings, were central to the development of Tamil literature and language.
The Three Sangams
1.First Sangam: The earliest Sangam, according to Tamil legends, was held at Then Madurai and featured divine attendees, including gods and legendary sages. Unfortunately, no literary works from this Sangam have survived to the present day.
2.Second Sangam: This assembly took place in Kapadapuram. Like the first, it resulted in a significant body of work, of which only the Tolkappiyam, a text on grammar and poetics, has survived. The loss of other works leaves a gap in the historical and literary record of this era.
3.Third Sangam: The final Sangam, convened in Madurai by Mudathirumaran, is noted for its extensive literary output, thanks to the participation of a large number of poets. Despite the voluminous literature produced, only a small fraction has been preserved.
Literary Significance
1.Tolkappiyam: The Tolkappiyam stands out as the oldest surviving Tamil literary work from these academies, providing valuable insights into the language, culture, and societal norms of the time.
2.Sangam Literature: The works that have survived from the third Sangam offer a window into the life, values, and the geographical knowledge of the Sangam Age, making them indispensable sources for historians and scholars.