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Overview of Sangam Literature

The document discusses secular literature in ancient India, highlighting key texts such as the Dharmashastras, Manu Smriti, and Arthasastra, which provide insights into social duties and the economy. It also mentions the works of Kalidasa and the significance of Sangam literature in understanding South Indian society. Additionally, it notes the importance of biographies and charitias in historical writing, cautioning against their potential exaggerations.

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Javeedkhan Pattan
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15 views1 page

Overview of Sangam Literature

The document discusses secular literature in ancient India, highlighting key texts such as the Dharmashastras, Manu Smriti, and Arthasastra, which provide insights into social duties and the economy. It also mentions the works of Kalidasa and the significance of Sangam literature in understanding South Indian society. Additionally, it notes the importance of biographies and charitias in historical writing, cautioning against their potential exaggerations.

Uploaded by

Javeedkhan Pattan
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Understanding Indian History MODULE - 1

Ancient India

1.3 SECULAR LITERATURE


This category of literature does not have religion as its theme. To this class belongs
the Dharmashastras or the law-books which prescribe the duties for different social
groups. They set out punishments for persons guilty of theft , murder, adultery, etc.
Notes
The earliest law books is Manu Smriti. It was the first book translated by the British
and formed the basis of Hindu code of law. Arthasastra of Kautilya provides rich
material for the study of Indian economy and polity of the Mauryan period. Works on
grammar are also sometimes useful for historical reconstruction. The earliest and the
most important work on grammar is the Ashtadhyayi written by Panini, which is
dated by scholars to around 700 B.C.
The works of Kalidasa who lived during the Gupta period comprise poems and
dramas. The famous among them are Abhijananashakuntalam, Ritusamhara
and Meghadutam. Besides being great creative compositions, they provide us
with glimpses of the social and cultural life of the Guptas. For the history of
Kashmir we have an important book called Rajataranagini written by Kalhana(
12th AD) Biographies or charitias are very important non-religious texts for writ-
ing history. They were written by court poets in praise of their patron rulers. As
there is a tendency among them to exaggerate the achievements of the patrons
they have to be studied with caution. One such important text is Harshacharita,
written by Banabhatta in praise of Harshavardhana.
The earliest south Indian literature is called Sangam literature. It was written in Tamil
and is secular in nature. It was produced by poets who joined together in assemblies
(Sangam) patronized by chiefs and kings during the first four centuries of the Chris-
tian era. The literature consists of short and long poems in praise of various heroes,
written probably to be recited in the courts. It also constitutes the epics called
Silpadikaram and Manimekali. The Sangam literature is our major source for the
study of south Indian society, economy and polity during BC300–AD300. The de-
scriptions given in the Sangam literatures are confirmed by archaeological finds and
accounts of foreign travellers.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 1.1


1. Give the names of four Vedas?
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
2. Which is the earliest text on Sanskrit Grammar?

3. What are Jatakas?

4. What is the language of the south Indian literature called Sangam Literature?

5. What are the Upanishads?

HISTORY 3

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