Q1. In the context of the Tinai (physiographic) concept mentioned in Sangam literature, which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3, and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Answer: (b) 1, 3, and 4 only
Explanation:
- Sangam literature classifies land into 5 ecological zones (Tinai):
- Kurinji (Hilly) → hunting, hill tribes ✔
- Mullai (Pastoral) → cattle rearing, herding ✔
- Marutam (Wetlands) → agriculture, fertile plains ✔
- Neytal (Coastal) → fishing, maritime trade ✔
- Palai (Arid) → desert-like, banditry
- Incorrect Pair:
- Mullai is NOT associated with shifting cultivation → it represents pastoralism (cattle rearing).
- Hence, only correctly matched pairs are 1, 3, and 4.
Q2. During the Sangam period, consider the following terms:
- Enadi: A title bestowed upon captains of the army
- Arasar: The ruling class
- Panchavaram: A council of five ministers
Which of the statements are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation:
- Enadi → Military title given to distinguished warriors/commanders ✔
- Arasar → Refers to kings/ruling elites distinct from common people ✔
- Panchavaram (or Panchavara) refers to the Council of Five Ministers who served as the primary advisory body to the King.✔
- It is often used interchangeably with the Tamil term Aimperungulu (The Council of the Great Five). This body was a cornerstone of the administrative hierarchy, ensuring that the monarch did not rule in absolute isolation.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Sangam age trade:
- Puhar was a major port and hub for export of horses
- Yavana settlements existed in Arikamedu
- Pepper was called “Yavanapriya”
Which are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Incorrect
- Puhar (Kaveripattinam) was a major port ✔
- But horses were IMPORTED from Arabia/Central Asia, not exported ✘
- Statement 2: Correct
- Arikamedu (near Puducherry) shows archaeological evidence of Roman/Yavana settlements ✔
- Statement 3: Correct
- Pepper was highly valued and called “Yavanapriya” (beloved of foreigners) ✔
- Hence, Statements 2 and 3 only are correct.
Q4. Consider the following statements:
- Vallar (Vellalas): Rich peasants with administrative roles
- Kadaisiyar: Lowest class of agricultural laborers
- Pannar: Respected bards patronized by kings
Which are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation:
- Vellalas (Vallars) → Land-owning elites, held civil & military posts ✔
- Kadaisiyar → Lowest strata, worked as agricultural laborers ✔
- Pannar → Bards/musicians preserving oral traditions, patronized by royalty ✔
- Sangam society was relatively flexible (non-rigid varna) but had occupational hierarchy.
- Hence, all statements are correct.
Q5.Consider the following statements:
- Tolkappiyam is part of Pattupattu
- Pattupattu describes Chera, Chola, Pandya life
- Patinenkilkanakku focuses on ethical themes
Which are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Incorrect
- Tolkappiyam = Tolkappiyam is not part of Pattupattu; it is the earliest known Tamil grammar treatise. Pattupattu is an anthology of ten long poems.
- Statement 2: Correct
- Pattupattu (Ten Idylls) → describes kings, warfare, landscapes ✔
- Statement 3: Correct
- Patinenkilkanakku → focuses on ethics, morality (didactic texts) ✔
- Note:
- Ettutogai + Pattupattu = Sangam corpus (Melkanakku works)
