(A) During the Sangam Age, the Brahmanas were a respectable and learned community.
(R) They used to serve the kings as priests and astrologers and occasionally as judicial officers.
- (R) contradicts (A)
- (R) is the reason for (A)
- (A) is true but (R) is false.
- (A) and (R) are independent of each other.
(R) is the reason for (A)
Explanation — Brahmans were indeed respected during Sangam Age as they were learned man. Even the king used to respect him.
Key Concepts Covered
This question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter The Sangam Age: Question, Sangam, Age, Brahmanas, Respectable, Learned. These are fundamental topics in History & Civics that students are expected to master as part of the ICSE Class 9 curriculum.
A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your ICSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of History & Civics papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This Question
Read the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to Remember
- Include specific dates, names, and events to support your answers.
- Understand causes and consequences of historical events.
- Compare and contrast different viewpoints where relevant.
- Use chronological order when describing sequences of events.
Practice more questions from The Sangam Age — History & Civics, Class 9 ICSE
Chapter Overview: The Sangam Age
The Sangam Age (c. 300 BCE – 300 CE) refers to the period of ancient Tamil history documented in Sangam literature — a collection of Tamil poems and texts compiled in three successive literary assemblies (Sangams) held at Madurai. This literature provides valuable information about the political, social, economic, and cultural life of early South India under the three major Tamil kingdoms: the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas.
The Cheras controlled the Malabar coast (modern Kerala), the Cholas dominated the Coromandel coast with their capital at Uraiyur, and the Pandyas ruled the southern tip with Madurai as their capital. The Sangam Age was characterised by a flourishing trade with Rome (especially in spices, muslin, pearls, and precious stones), a unique five-fold land classification (tinai), vibrant literary traditions, and the worship of Murugan. Roman coins found in South India confirm the extent of Indo-Roman trade.
Board Exam Weightage: 3-4 marks | Difficulty: Moderate
Three Tamil Kingdoms
| Kingdom | Capital | Emblem | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chera | Vanji | Bow and Arrow | Kerala / Malabar Coast |
| Chola | Uraiyur | Tiger | Coromandel Coast (Tamil Nadu) |
| Pandya | Madurai | Fish | Southern Tamil Nadu |
Must-Know Concepts
- Sangam Literature: Tolkappiyam (Tamil grammar), Ettuttogai (Eight Anthologies), Pattuppattu (Ten Idylls), Silappadikaram, Manimekalai
- Five-fold Land (Tinai): Kurinji (hills), Mullai (pastoral), Marutham (agricultural), Neithal (coastal), Palai (desert)
- Trade with Rome: Exported spices, pearls, muslin; imported gold, wine; ports like Muziris, Arikamedu, Korkai
- Society: No rigid caste system; women had relatively high status; worship of Murugan, Korravai, Indra
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing capitals and emblems of the three kingdoms
- Writing that Sangam literature was in Sanskrit — it was in Tamil
- Forgetting the five-fold land classification when asked about Sangam society
Scoring Tips
- Memorise: Chera-Vanji-Bow, Chola-Uraiyur-Tiger, Pandya-Madurai-Fish
- Mention Roman trade and specific evidence (Roman coins, ports) for economic questions
- Quote specific literary works like Silappadikaram for cultural questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sangam literature?
Sangam literature is a body of Tamil poetry and prose composed during three literary assemblies (Sangams) at Madurai. It covers themes of love (Agam) and war (Puram) and is a primary source for understanding ancient South Indian life.
How do we know about Indo-Roman trade?
Roman coins, pottery, and amphorae found at sites like Arikamedu in Puducherry confirm active trade. The Roman writer Pliny complained about Rome’s gold draining to India for luxuries like spices and pearls.
What was the five-fold land classification?
The Sangam Tamils classified their land into five tinais based on geography: Kurinji (hilly regions), Mullai (forests/pastoral), Marutham (riverine/agricultural), Neithal (coastal), and Palai (arid/desert).