Sangam Polity

Hereditary monarchy was the form of government during the Sangam period. The king had also taken the advice of his minister, court-poet and the imperial court or avai. The Chera kings assumed titles like Vanavaramban, Vanavan, Kuttuvan, Irumporai and Villavar, the Chola kings like Senni, Valavan and Killi and the Pandya kings Thennavar and Minavar. Each of the Sangam dynasties had a royal emblem – carp for the Pandyas, tiger for the Cholas and bow for the Cheras. The imperial court or avai was attended by a number of chiefs and officials. The king was assisted by a large body of officials who were divided into five councils. They were ministers (amaichar), priests (anthanar), military commanders (senapathi), envoys (thuthar) and spies (orrar). The military administration was also efficiently organized during the Sangam Age. Each ruler had a regular army and their respective Kodimaram (tutelary tree).

Land revenue was the chief source of state’s income while custom duty was also imposed on foreign trade. The Pattinappalai refers to the custom officials employed in the seaport of Puhar. Booty captured in wars was also a major income to the royal treasury. Roads and highways were well maintained and guarded night and day to prevent robbery and smuggling.

Sangam Society

Tolkappiyam refers to the five-fold division of lands -

Kurinji - hilly tracks
Mullai - pastoral
Marudam - agricultural
Neydal - coastal
Palai - desert


The people living in these five divisions had their respective chief occupations as well as gods for worship.

• Kurinji – chief deity was Murugan – chief occupation, hunting and honey collection.

• Mullai – chief deity Mayon (Vishnu) – chief occupation, cattle-rearing and dealing with dairy products.

• Marudam – chief deity Indira – chief occupation, agriculture.

• Neydal – chief deity Varunan – chief occupation fishing and salt manufacturing.

• Palai – chief deity Korravai – chief occupation robbery.

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