In ancient South India, three great dynasties—the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas—rose to prominence and shaped the region’s political, cultural, and literary identity. Collectively known as the Three Tamil Kingdoms, they ruled over Tamil Nadu and Kerala, each with its own capital, royal emblem, and legacy. These kingdoms not only established strong political foundations but also became the foremost patrons of Tamil language and literature, giving rise to the celebrated Sangam Age. Under their support, Tamil poets and scholars produced timeless works such as the Tolkappiyam, Tirukkural, and epics like Silappadikaram and Manimekalai, which continue to be regarded as the cultural treasures of South India.
| Kingdom | Region Ruled | Capital | Royal Emblem | Famous Ruler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chola | Northern Tamil Nadu | Uraiyur, later Kaveripattinam | Tiger | Karikala Chola |
| Pandya | Southern Tamil Nadu | Madurai | Fish | Neduncheliyan |
| Chera | Kerala | Vanji / Karur | Bow & Arrow | Senguttuvan |
Tamil Literature / Sangam Literature
With the patronage of these three kingdoms, Tamil literature began to flourish. The body of literature produced during this period is called Sangam Literature. The term “Sangam” refers to the assemblies of Tamil poets held in Madurai, the capital of the Pandyas. Many poets from the Chola, Chera, and Pandya kingdoms participated in these gatherings and produced remarkable works of Tamil literature. The term Sangam was first used in the 7th century CE by Tirunavukkarasu (Appar), a Jain teacher who later became a Shaiva saint.
The Three Sangams
1. First Sangam (Thalai Sangam):
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Presided over by Sage Agastya.
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Agastya is credited with introducing Aryan culture to South India.
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Works of this Sangam are no longer available.
2. Second Sangam (Idai Sangam):
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Conducted by 12 disciples of Sage Agastya.
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The earliest surviving Tamil texts were composed here.
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Tolkappiyam (a grammar text written by Tolkappiyar) is the earliest Tamil literary work.
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Another grammar text, Agattiyam, was written by the poet Agattiyar.
3. Third Sangam (Kadai Sangam):
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Presided over by the poet Nakkirar.
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Produced several great Tamil works, which are broadly classified into three categories:
Categories of Sangam Literature
1. Pathinenmelkanakku (18 Major Works):
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Agananuru – 400 poems on love (authored by Rudrasharman).
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Purananuru – 400 poems on polity and war (authored by Mamulanar).
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Tirumurugarruppadai – dedicated to Murugan, the Tamil deity (written by Nakkirar).
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Maduraikanchi – describes the Pandya capital Madurai (written by Mankudi Maruthanar).
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Pattinappalai – about the Chola capital Kaveripattinam (written by Kannan).
2. Pathinenkilkanakku (18 Minor Works):
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The most important is Tirukkural, authored by Tiruvalluvar.
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It contains teachings on ethics, dharma, and statecraft.
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Often called the Bible of the Tamil people.
3. Epics (Itihasas):
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Silappadikaram – by Ilango Adigal; story of Kovalan and Kannagi. Kannagi is still worshipped as a goddess of chastity.
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Manimekalai – by Buddhist author Sattalai Sattanar; story of Manimekalai, a beautiful, talented woman who later became a Buddhist nun.
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Civagasindhamani (Jivaka Chintamani) – by Jain poet Tiruttakkadevar; tale of Jivaka, a king who conquered many lands and later became a Jain monk.