Question

Write about the sources of the Sangam Age.

Answer 1

1. Inscriptions – Hathigumpha Inscription of King Karavela of Kalinga, Pugalur (near Karur) Inscription, Ashokan Edicts II and XIII, and
   inscriptions found at Mangulam, Alagarmalai and Ki lavalavu (all near Madurai).
2. Copper plates – Velvikudi and Chinnamanur copper plates.
3. Coins – Issued by the Cheras, Cholas, Pandyas, and the chieftains of the Sangam Age as well as the Roman coins.
4. Megalithic Monuments – Burials and Hero stones.
5. Excavated Materials from – Adichanallur, Arikamedu, Kodumanal, Puhar, Korkai, Alagankulan, Uraiyur.
6. Literary Sources – Tholkappiyam, Ettuthogai,Pathupattu, Pathinankeezhkanakku, Pattinapalai and Maduraikanji. Epics Silapathikaram and Manimegalai.
7. Foreign Notices – The Periplus of the Erythrean Sea, Pliny’s Natural History, Ptolemy’s Geography, Megasthenes’s Indica, Rajavali, Mahavamsa, and Dipavamsa.