Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: B
Concept
Sangam literature represents the earliest phase of Tamil literature, providing insights into the social, economic, and political life of ancient South India (1st to 4th century CE).Explanation
According to NCERT and standard historical texts, while the jati system was absent, the poets were aware of the northern Varna classification, mentioning groups like Arashar (kings) and Brahmanas.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statement B is correct because poets explicitly mention social groups like Arashar and Brahmanas, indicating an awareness of Varna, even if the strict fourfold hierarchy wasn't fully applied.
Logic 2: Statement A and C are incorrect as Sangam poems (especially Puram) are rich in material culture references (iron, rice) and the 'warrior ethic' of heroism.
Logic 3: Statement D is incorrect because Sangam literature views magical forces (ananku) as real and ritualistic, not irrational.