According to the Tamil Sangam texts, who among the following were the large landowners?
Vellalars
Understanding Land Ownership in Tamil Sangam Society
The Tamil Sangam period was a significant era in the history of South India, particularly Tamil Nadu. The society during this time had a distinct structure, especially concerning land ownership and agricultural practices, which were central to the economy.
Who Were the Different Classes in Sangam Society?
Sangam literature provides insights into the social divisions and occupations of the people. While the social structure was complex, some key groups related to land and labour are frequently mentioned:
- Vellalars: This group is consistently depicted in Sangam texts as wealthy landowners. They held significant social and economic power due to their control over large tracts of agricultural land.
- Uzhavars: These were the ordinary farmers or cultivators who worked on the land, often belonging to the Vellalars or cultivating smaller plots of their own.
- Adimais: This term generally refers to slaves or landless labourers who worked on the fields without owning land themselves. They were at the bottom of the agricultural hierarchy.
- Gahapatis: This term is typically associated with the northern Indian context during the Vedic or post-Vedic periods (Pali/Sanskrit 'gahapati' or 'grihapati'), referring to a householder, often a wealthy one or head of a joint family, involved in agriculture, trade, or crafts. It is not a term commonly used in Sangam texts to specifically denote Tamil landowners.
Analyzing the Options based on Sangam Texts
Based on the descriptions found in Tamil Sangam literature:
- Gahapatis: This term is not used in the context of Tamil Sangam society to describe landowners.
- Uzhavars: These were ordinary cultivators, not typically the large landowners.
- Adimais: These were landless labourers or slaves, the opposite of landowners.
- Vellalars: These were the dominant group of large landowners during the Sangam period.
Therefore, according to the Tamil Sangam texts, the large landowners were the Vellalars.
| Group | Role related to Land | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Vellalars | Large Landowners | High (Socially & Economically) |
| Uzhavars | Ordinary Cultivators/Farmers | Middle/Lower |
| Adimais | Landless Labourers/Slaves | Low |
| Gahapatis | (Term from Northern Indian context) | Not applicable to Tamil Sangam landowners |
Revision Table: Tamil Sangam Social Classes
| Term | Description in Sangam Context |
|---|---|
| Gahapatis | Northern Indian term for householders; not the term for large landowners in Tamil Sangam texts. |
| Uzhavars | Ordinary farmers or cultivators. |
| Adimais | Landless labourers or slaves. |
| Vellalars | Prominent group of large landowners in the Sangam age. |
Additional Information on Sangam Society and Land
Agriculture was the backbone of the Sangam economy. The control of land was a major source of wealth and power. The social hierarchy was significantly influenced by one's relationship to the land. The Vellalars, as the principal landowners, held considerable influence not just in agriculture but also in the administrative and social life of the region. Land was often measured using units like 'ma' and 'veli'. The surplus produced from agriculture supported other sections of society, including chieftains, poets, and artisans.
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Important Questions from Sangam Age
In which of the following cities was the Sangam assemblies held?
'Manimegalai' a Buddhist work was inspired by the logical system of which philosopher?
The most defining literary features of the Sangam tradition are
A. Tamilakam
B. Puram
C. Prabandham
D. Akam
E. Sodh
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Match List I with List II
List I
List II
A.
Neithal
I.
Forest
B.
Mullai
II.
Dryland
C.
Palai
III.
Seashore
D.
Kurunji
IV.
Mountaineous land
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:Match List I with List II
List I
List II
(A)
Mullai
(I)
Arid rerrain
(B)
Palai
(II)
Riverine tract
(C)
Kurinchi
(III)
Pastoral region
(D)
Marutam
(IV)
Mountainous region
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
