RAS question
The Sangam literature was composed in which language?
Correct answer: (B) Tamil.
Sangam literature was composed in Tamil, as the earliest writings in the Tamil language associated with the literary academies of Madurai.
Explanation
Sangam literature belongs to Tamil, not to the Sanskrit or Prakrit literary streams usually associated with much of early north Indian writing. Britannica identifies it as the earliest writings in the Tamil language and links it with three sangams, or literary academies, at Madurai. Tamil is the central clue because the corpus is defined by its Tamil literary setting. The Pandya patronage tradition at Madurai and the major collections, Ettuttokai and Pattupattu, are also central to this context. Britannica describes the eight anthologies, Ettuttokai, as compiled, and Pattupattu as a ninth anthology consisting of ten idylls.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Sanskrit is wrong because Encyclopaedia Britannica defines Sangam literature as the earliest writings in the Tamil language, not as a Sanskrit corpus.
- (C) Telugu is wrong because Telugu literature developed later, while Sangam literature belongs to early Tamil writing.
- (D) Prakrit is wrong because Prakrit is associated with northern India and Jain texts, whereas Sangam literature is tied to Tamil and the Madurai literary academies.
Concept
RAS ancient Indian history preparation includes regional literary traditions, especially early Tamil culture. Sangam literature connects language, polity, patronage, and source material for early south Indian history.