During the Sangam period, society was divided into different social divisions, each associated with specific occupations:
- Ruling Class — This was the ruling class, which included kings and warriors.
- Brahmins — The Brahmins were priests and scholars, and they occupied the highest position. They often played the role of Judicial officer.
- Vaishyas — This group was engaged in trade and commerce. They were traders and artisans.
- Vellalars — The Vellalars were primarily engaged in agriculture. They were landed aristocrats.
- Tinai groups — They were hunters, gatherers or carried shifting agriculture or lived on animal husbandry.