Sangam period in tamilakam

 Pre-Sangam period

Adichanallur

The production process of Wootz steel began in the 6th century BCE and was exported globally by the Chera dynasty as what was termed as "the finest steel in the world," i.e. Seric Iron to the Romans, Egyptians, Chinese and Arabs by 500 BCE and was used to make the famous damascus blades.

c. 400 BCE Kaveripattinam, the ancient capital port city of the Chola Dynasty is destroyed by the sea.

The Sangam Period

 (roughly 300 BCE to 300 CE) was a golden age of classical Tamil culture and literature, characterized by a flourishing of poets and scholars who composed extensive works on themes of love, war, governance, and society under the patronage of the Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties. 

The literature from this era, known as Sangam literature, provides valuable insights into the region's politics, administration, religion, and daily life, and includes important works such as the Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai, and Pattuppattu.

Key Aspects of the Sangam Period

Timeframe: Approximately 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE. 

Name Origin: Named after the "Sangams," which were assemblies of poets and scholars that nurtured the Tamil literary tradition. 

Political Landscape: Ruled by three major dynasties: the Cholas (with the tiger emblem), the Pandyas (fish emblem), and the Cheras (bow emblem). 

Economy:

The main economic activities were agriculture, weaving, pearl fishery, manufacturing and construction. Paddy was the most important crop; it was the staple cereal and served as a medium of exchange for inland trade. Pepper, sugarcane, millets, and various other cereals were other commonly grown crops. 

Madurai and Urayur were important centers for the textile industry; Korkai was the center of the pearl trade. Industrial activity flourished.

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Trade and Commerce: Flourished significantly, with major ports like Korkai and Puhar on the east coast and Musiri and Tondi on the west coast. 

Crafts: Other important industries included weaving, metalwork, carpentry, and shipbuilding. 

Literature:

Key Works: Includes works like Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai (Eight Anthologies), Pattuppattu (Ten Idylls), and the didactic Pathinenkilkanakku. 

Themes: Literature covered various aspects of life, including love, war, ethics, politics, and nature. 

Society:

Administration: A hereditary monarchy with councils providing assistance to the king. 

Village Life: Governed by village councils, such as Manram, Avai, and Ambalam. 

Notable Structures: The famous Kallanai dam, built by the Cholas across the Kaveri River, stands as a testament to their engineering skills. 

Religion 

Hinduism (Vaishnavism, Kaumaram, Shaktism, Shaivism,, Dravidian folk religion, Jains and Buddhists have coexisted in Tamil country since at least the second century BCE.

End of the Period: The Sangam Age declined by the end of the 3rd century CE and is believed to have been brought to an end by the invasion of the Kalabhras, who ruled from the 3rd to the 6th centuries CE.