. Which of the following statements are true for the Sangam age?
A. Trade activity led to the emergence of a few urban enclaves.
B. The Tamil – Brahmi inscriptions offer brief glimpses into aspects of village life in Tamilakam.
C. Rulers depended on tribute and plunder for their sustenance.
D. The rulers had full control over the agrarian plains.
E. Sangam age was an age of tribal chiefdoms.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

The Sangam age (roughly 300 BCE – 300 CE) witnessed significant trade activity, leading to the growth of some urban centers or enclaves (A). Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions provide valuable insights into the rural and village life of Tamilakam during this period (B). The political economy of the time involved rulers depending on tribute and plunder for their sustenance rather than stable agrarian control, as their authority over agrarian plains was limited (C). The Sangam age was largely characterized by tribal chiefdoms with decentralized political power (E). Therefore, option (b) correctly identifies the true statements.

Information Booster:

The Sangam age is an important period in South Indian history, marked by rich literary output, trade links with the Roman world, and the socio-political organization of tribal chiefdoms rather than centralized kingdoms. Trade centers emerged around ports and towns, while agriculture formed the economic base of villages. Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions, some of the earliest written records in Tamil, shed light on societal structure and everyday life. The political structure was less centralized, with chieftains and clans rather than monarchs exercising power.