The Sangam Age Polity was marked by various kingdoms in South India, showcasing unique governance systems. The Sangam Age derived its name from literary assemblies called “Sangams” held in ancient Tamil Nadu. The period saw art, literature, and administration flourishing, particularly in the Tamil kingdoms.
Sangam Age Society was multi-class, consisting of various social classes. The Sangam Age Economy was primarily an agrarian economy with sea trade. The period was characterized by the rule of excellent dynasties. Let’s briefly discuss the political situation.
The three major kingdoms had been there in the Sangam Age. These include the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas. These dynasties had the highest power in southern India.
The Cholas were powerful warriors. They had an efficient administrative setup with a king at the helm. The king was known as “Perumagan.” He was all-powerful. In the times of the Sangam Age, polity in the hands of Cholas consisted of several officers who helped the king in his administration. The local-level administration was carried out by village assemblies, popularly known as “Sabhas.”
The Pandyas were famous for their rich culture and administrative skills. Polity in the Sangam Age under the Pandyas entails “Manram,” which is the council; they advised the king on governance issues. In this regard, the Pandyas had set the structure of an administrative system and every government official had a duty to perform regarding the affairs of the kingdom.
The Chera kingdom was known for their exchange relations with lands abroad, be it Rome and Southeast Asia, for instance. The Chera kings had a very workable administrative machinery that made the Chera kingdom thrive. During the Sangam Age of the Chera dynasty, the king was considered the supreme ruler, albeit assisted by various types of ministers and military chiefs.
The polity of the Sangam Age was a collection of monarchies with absolute powers conferred upon the kings. Once more, however, although it was not an autocratic system there existed a defined set of administration levels.
Kings in the Sangam Age were the central figures of governance. The kings were often described as divine rulers with responsibilities toward their subjects. Their functions included protecting the kingdom, law and order, and prosperity. Sangam Age polity focused on the duties of the king to uphold dharma.
Various officials assisted in running the administration of the Sangam Age polity. These offices were:
Councils such as “Manram” and “Avai” also advised the king and helped keep the administration in balance.
Local governance was an integral part of the polity of the Sangam Age. The local administration had village assemblies, which came to be called “Sabhas” or “Ur”. These assemblies took care of land and irrigation and management of the welfare of the village. The decentralized nature of the administration made it possible for the villages to function independently, which created the overall stability of the Sangam Age.
It was based on agriculture and trade. Sangam Age polity had an organized system of taxes. Collections were made through agricultural yield, trade, etc. Revenues were utilized for the maintenance of the kingdom, its defense, and the general welfare of the people.
Military power played an important role in the Sangam Age polity. The kingdoms used to maintain powerful armies to safeguard their territories as well as to expand their influence over the neighboring regions. The kings involve themselves in wars just to earn their valor and capture other neighboring regions. Among the 7 philanthropists of the Sangam Age, known as “Kadai Ezhu Vallalgal,” have been famous for their generous nature along with their bravery while fighting wars.
The Sangam Age polity was a combination of monarchies, local governance, and a hierarchical administration. The kings, with their ministers and councils, brought order and prosperity to the realms. The society of the Sangam Age was heterogeneous and representative of South Indian cultural diversity. It is essential to understand the Sangam age polity to evolve an idea about the very early mechanism of South Indian governance and the progression thereafter.
| Sangam Age Polity UPSC Notes |
| 1. The Sangam Age Polity featured three major kingdoms: Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas, each with a structured governance system. 2. Chola kings were known for their military strength and had a well-organized administration with village assemblies playing a vital role. 3. Pandya polity involved councils like “Manram,” advising the king and maintaining a balanced administrative framework. 4. Chera rulers maintained effective administration, focusing on trade relations with distant lands, contributing to their kingdom’s prosperity. 5. Sangam Age governance was monarchic, with kings holding supreme power, aided by ministers, chiefs, spies, and councils. 6. Local governance included village assemblies managing land, irrigation, and welfare, ensuring decentralized administration in the Sangam Age. |
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