HARAPPAN CIVILIZATION (Part of Proto History as Explained Earlier )
Mature Phase: 2500 to 1900
Characteristics
Town Planning - Grid System
Political Life - Administration
Economic Life - Agriculture and Trade Relations
Social Life - Division of Society
Religious Life - Nature Worship and Mother Goddess
Skills - Art and Craft
Script - Not Deciphered
DECLINE from 1900
Various Theories like Wheeler Aryan Invasion
Updated Soon.....
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Mature Phase: 2500 to 1900
Characteristics
Town Planning - Grid System
Political Life - Administration
Economic Life - Agriculture and Trade Relations
Social Life - Division of Society
Religious Life - Nature Worship and Mother Goddess
Skills - Art and Craft
Script - Not Deciphered
DECLINE from 1900
Various Theories like Wheeler Aryan Invasion
Updated Soon.....
VEDIC AGE (1500 - 500 ) HISTORICAL PERIOD
Early Vedic Period (1500 to 1000)
Rig Veda - Main Source
Varna System - Colour
Later Vedic Period (1000 to 500)
Main Source: Samveda ,Yajurveda, Athrvaveda and Others
PGW Pottery
STRI-DHANA—over which the smritikaras conceded that a woman did have rights.
The SHRAUTASUTRAS deal with Vedic sacrifices that required the use of at least three fires.
The GRIHYASUTRAS deal with the simpler domestic sacrifices involving the use of only one fire. The rituals they discuss include daily sacrifices to be performed by a householder, mainly involving oblations of ghee or offerings of flowers and fruits.
Updated Soon....
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Early Vedic Period (1500 to 1000)
Rig Veda - Main Source
Varna System - Colour
Later Vedic Period (1000 to 500)
Main Source: Samveda ,Yajurveda, Athrvaveda and Others
PGW Pottery
STRI-DHANA—over which the smritikaras conceded that a woman did have rights.
The SHRAUTASUTRAS deal with Vedic sacrifices that required the use of at least three fires.
The GRIHYASUTRAS deal with the simpler domestic sacrifices involving the use of only one fire. The rituals they discuss include daily sacrifices to be performed by a householder, mainly involving oblations of ghee or offerings of flowers and fruits.
Updated Soon....
PERIOD OF SECOND URBANIZATION (in 6th Century BC )
Rise of Mahajanapadas - 16
Magadhan Empire - Haryana First Dynasty
Formation of Heterodox Sects - Reaction against Brahamanical Rituals
Jainism - Mahavira 23rd Tirthankar
Buddhism - Mahatma Buddha
Mahamaya - Foster Mother
Changes in Society Polity Economy
Shramanas - Wandering Saints
Data/Facts Updated Soon .....
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Rise of Mahajanapadas - 16
Magadhan Empire - Haryana First Dynasty
Formation of Heterodox Sects - Reaction against Brahamanical Rituals
Jainism - Mahavira 23rd Tirthankar
Buddhism - Mahatma Buddha
Mahamaya - Foster Mother
Changes in Society Polity Economy
Shramanas - Wandering Saints
Data/Facts Updated Soon .....
BUDDHISM
The history of Buddhism spans from the 6th century BCE to the present.
Buddhism arose in Ancient India, in and around the ancient Kingdom of Magadha, and is based on the teachings of the ascetic Siddhārtha Gautama.
The religion evolved as it spread from the northeastern region of the Indian subcontinent throughout Central, East, and Southeast Asia.
At one time or another, it influenced most of Asia
Other Facts Updated Soon ....
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The history of Buddhism spans from the 6th century BCE to the present.
Buddhism arose in Ancient India, in and around the ancient Kingdom of Magadha, and is based on the teachings of the ascetic Siddhārtha Gautama.
The religion evolved as it spread from the northeastern region of the Indian subcontinent throughout Central, East, and Southeast Asia.
At one time or another, it influenced most of Asia
Other Facts Updated Soon ....
JAINISM
Jainism is a religion founded in ancient India. Jains trace their history through twenty-four tirthankara and revere Rishabhanatha as the first tirthankara (in the present time-cycle).
Some artifacts found in the Indus Valley civilization have been suggested as a link to ancient Jain culture, but very little is known about the Indus Valley iconography and script.
The last two tirthankara, the 23rd tirthankara Parshvanatha (c. 9th–8th century BCE) and the 24th tirthankara
Mahavira (c. 599 – c. 527 BCE) are considered historical figures.
Mahavira was a contemporary of the Buddha.
According to Jain texts, the
22nd Tirthankara Neminatha lived about 85,000 years ago and was the cousin of Krishna.
The two main sects of Jainism, the Digambara and the Śvētāmbara sect.
Other Facts Updated Soon...
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Jainism is a religion founded in ancient India. Jains trace their history through twenty-four tirthankara and revere Rishabhanatha as the first tirthankara (in the present time-cycle).
Some artifacts found in the Indus Valley civilization have been suggested as a link to ancient Jain culture, but very little is known about the Indus Valley iconography and script.
The last two tirthankara, the 23rd tirthankara Parshvanatha (c. 9th–8th century BCE) and the 24th tirthankara
Mahavira (c. 599 – c. 527 BCE) are considered historical figures.
Mahavira was a contemporary of the Buddha.
According to Jain texts, the
22nd Tirthankara Neminatha lived about 85,000 years ago and was the cousin of Krishna.
The two main sects of Jainism, the Digambara and the Śvētāmbara sect.
Other Facts Updated Soon...
FOREIGN INVASIONS DURING PRE MAURYAN AGE
Iranian/Persian Invasion
In North east India smaller principalities and republics gradually merged with the Magadha Empire. But the North -West India did not have any strong kingdom to protect the area from foreign invasion.
The area was also wealthy and could be easily entered through the passes in the Hindukush.
There were two major foreign invasions of Indian Sub-continent which happened in the form of Iranian invasion in 518 BC and Macedonian invasion in 326 BC.
The Achaemenian ruler Darius I attacked the north-west frontier of India in 518 BC and taking advantage of political disunity annexed Punjab.
Other Facts Updated Soon....
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Iranian/Persian Invasion
In North east India smaller principalities and republics gradually merged with the Magadha Empire. But the North -West India did not have any strong kingdom to protect the area from foreign invasion.
The area was also wealthy and could be easily entered through the passes in the Hindukush.
There were two major foreign invasions of Indian Sub-continent which happened in the form of Iranian invasion in 518 BC and Macedonian invasion in 326 BC.
The Achaemenian ruler Darius I attacked the north-west frontier of India in 518 BC and taking advantage of political disunity annexed Punjab.
Other Facts Updated Soon....
MACEDONIAN/ALEXANDER'S INVASION
Alexander sat on the throne of Macedonia at the age of 20 years succeeding his father.
He dreamt of word-conquest and conquered many areas before attacking India in 326 BC.
Ambhi (the rulers of Taxila) and Abhisara surrendered but the ruler of Punjab refused to do the same.
A battle ensued between them near river Jhelum between the forces of Alexander and Porus, known as battle of Hydaspes. Although Porus was defeated, he was treated generously by Alexander.
However, this victory proved to be his last major victory in India as his forces refused to go any further.
They were too tired to carry on with the Alexander’s expedition and wanted to return home. Moreover, the might of Magadhan Empire (the Nanda Rulers) also dissuaded them.
Alexander marched back in 325 BC after making necessary administrative arrangement for the conquered territories. He died at the age of 33 years when he was in Babylon.
Other Facts Updated Soon.....
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Alexander sat on the throne of Macedonia at the age of 20 years succeeding his father.
He dreamt of word-conquest and conquered many areas before attacking India in 326 BC.
Ambhi (the rulers of Taxila) and Abhisara surrendered but the ruler of Punjab refused to do the same.
A battle ensued between them near river Jhelum between the forces of Alexander and Porus, known as battle of Hydaspes. Although Porus was defeated, he was treated generously by Alexander.
However, this victory proved to be his last major victory in India as his forces refused to go any further.
They were too tired to carry on with the Alexander’s expedition and wanted to return home. Moreover, the might of Magadhan Empire (the Nanda Rulers) also dissuaded them.
Alexander marched back in 325 BC after making necessary administrative arrangement for the conquered territories. He died at the age of 33 years when he was in Babylon.
Other Facts Updated Soon.....
MAURYAN EMPIRE
The Maurya Empire was a geographically extensive Iron Age historical power in South Asia based in Magadha, founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE, and existing in loose-knit fashion until 185 BCE.
The Maurya Empire was centralized by the conquest of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, and its capital city was located at Pataliputra (modern Patna).
Outside this imperial center, the empire's geographical extent was dependent on the loyalty of military commanders who controlled the armed cities sprinkling it.
During Ashoka's rule (ca. 268–232 BCE) the empire briefly controlled the major urban hubs and arteries of the Indian subcontinent excepting the deep south.
It declined for about 50 years after Ashoka's rule, and dissolved in 185 BCE with the assassination of Brihadratha by Pushyamitra Shunga and foundation of the Shunga dynasty in Magadha.
Other Important Facts Update Soon...
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The Maurya Empire was a geographically extensive Iron Age historical power in South Asia based in Magadha, founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE, and existing in loose-knit fashion until 185 BCE.
The Maurya Empire was centralized by the conquest of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, and its capital city was located at Pataliputra (modern Patna).
Outside this imperial center, the empire's geographical extent was dependent on the loyalty of military commanders who controlled the armed cities sprinkling it.
During Ashoka's rule (ca. 268–232 BCE) the empire briefly controlled the major urban hubs and arteries of the Indian subcontinent excepting the deep south.
It declined for about 50 years after Ashoka's rule, and dissolved in 185 BCE with the assassination of Brihadratha by Pushyamitra Shunga and foundation of the Shunga dynasty in Magadha.
Other Important Facts Update Soon...
RUMMINDEI PILLAR INSCRIPTION
Lumbini Pillar Edict in Nepal is known as the Rummindei Pillar Inscription .
The Lumbini Pillar Edict recorded that sometime after the twentieth year of his reign, Ashoka travelled to the Buddha's birthplace and personally made offerings.
He then had a stone pillar set up and reduced the taxes of the people in that area.
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Lumbini Pillar Edict in Nepal is known as the Rummindei Pillar Inscription .
The Lumbini Pillar Edict recorded that sometime after the twentieth year of his reign, Ashoka travelled to the Buddha's birthplace and personally made offerings.
He then had a stone pillar set up and reduced the taxes of the people in that area.
POST MAURYAN AGE
Many kingdoms came up in North India. Despite being foreign rulers, they were assimilated in our culture and influenced it in many ways. The 3 most important among them were
1. Sunga Empire (185BCE–73 BCE) – East India
They succeeded the Mauryan Empire in Magadha. Pushyamitra Sunga was the first king of this dynasty.
2. Indo-Greek Kingdom (180BCE – 010AD) – North West India
The Greeks were the first foreign power in the sub-continent. After Alexander left, his generals stayed back. Hence the term Indo-Greek. They brought the Greek culture. Menander(165-145 BC) was the most important king in this time. In Pali Literature he is known as Milinda.
3. Indo-Scythian or Sakas (200 BC–400 AD) – West India
Sakas or Scythians where nomadic Central Asian tribes who destroyed the Indo-Greek rule in north-western India. They were pushed out from Central Asia and came to India. The Sakas were divided in five branches. Around 100AD, they give rise to Kushana Empire and Western Kshatrapas.
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Many kingdoms came up in North India. Despite being foreign rulers, they were assimilated in our culture and influenced it in many ways. The 3 most important among them were
1. Sunga Empire (185BCE–73 BCE) – East India
They succeeded the Mauryan Empire in Magadha. Pushyamitra Sunga was the first king of this dynasty.
2. Indo-Greek Kingdom (180BCE – 010AD) – North West India
The Greeks were the first foreign power in the sub-continent. After Alexander left, his generals stayed back. Hence the term Indo-Greek. They brought the Greek culture. Menander(165-145 BC) was the most important king in this time. In Pali Literature he is known as Milinda.
3. Indo-Scythian or Sakas (200 BC–400 AD) – West India
Sakas or Scythians where nomadic Central Asian tribes who destroyed the Indo-Greek rule in north-western India. They were pushed out from Central Asia and came to India. The Sakas were divided in five branches. Around 100AD, they give rise to Kushana Empire and Western Kshatrapas.
GUPTA PERIOD
The decline of the Mauryan empire resulted in the rise of two major political powers – the Kushanas and the Satavahanas in the north and south respectively.
Both these empires brought political unity and economic growth in their respective areas.
The Kushan reign in north India came to an end around c.230 CE and then a good part of central India came under the domain of the Murundas (possible kinsmen of the Kushanas).
The Murundas ruled for only 25 – 30 years. Around the last decade of the 3rd century CE (about 275 CE), the dynasty of the Guptas came to power.
The Gupta empire established its control over a good part of the former dominions of both the Kushanas and the Satavahanas.
The Guptas (possibly Vaishyas) kept northern India politically united for more than a century (335 CE- 455 CE).
OTHER FACTS WILL BE UPDATE SOON..
SOURCE: NCERT
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The decline of the Mauryan empire resulted in the rise of two major political powers – the Kushanas and the Satavahanas in the north and south respectively.
Both these empires brought political unity and economic growth in their respective areas.
The Kushan reign in north India came to an end around c.230 CE and then a good part of central India came under the domain of the Murundas (possible kinsmen of the Kushanas).
The Murundas ruled for only 25 – 30 years. Around the last decade of the 3rd century CE (about 275 CE), the dynasty of the Guptas came to power.
The Gupta empire established its control over a good part of the former dominions of both the Kushanas and the Satavahanas.
The Guptas (possibly Vaishyas) kept northern India politically united for more than a century (335 CE- 455 CE).
OTHER FACTS WILL BE UPDATE SOON..
SOURCE: NCERT
GUPTA PERIOD
The Guptas are believed to have been feudatories of the Kushanas.
The original kingdom of the Guptas comprised Uttar Pradesh and Bihar with their centre of power at Prayag (U.P).
The Guptas set up their rule over the fertile plains of the Madhyadesha, also known as Anuganga (the middle Gangetic basin), Saketa (U.P Ayodhya), Prayag (U.P) and Magadha (mostly Bihar).
The Guptas made good use of the iron ore reserves in central India and south Bihar and also took advantage of their proximity to the areas in north India which carried on silk trade with the Byzantine empire (eastern Roman empire).
The Gupta period in ancient India is referred to as the “Golden Age” because of the numerous achievements in the field of arts, literature, science and technology. It also brought about the political unification of the subcontinent.
OTHER FACTS WILL BE UPDATE SOON..
SOURCE: NCERT
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The Guptas are believed to have been feudatories of the Kushanas.
The original kingdom of the Guptas comprised Uttar Pradesh and Bihar with their centre of power at Prayag (U.P).
The Guptas set up their rule over the fertile plains of the Madhyadesha, also known as Anuganga (the middle Gangetic basin), Saketa (U.P Ayodhya), Prayag (U.P) and Magadha (mostly Bihar).
The Guptas made good use of the iron ore reserves in central India and south Bihar and also took advantage of their proximity to the areas in north India which carried on silk trade with the Byzantine empire (eastern Roman empire).
The Gupta period in ancient India is referred to as the “Golden Age” because of the numerous achievements in the field of arts, literature, science and technology. It also brought about the political unification of the subcontinent.
OTHER FACTS WILL BE UPDATE SOON..
SOURCE: NCERT
Post-Gupta Period I (600AD – 750AD)
The fall of the Gupta rulers paved the way for domination of the Later Guptas, Maukharis and Pushyabhutis in the North.
Harsha, though a Pushyabhuti ruler of Thaneswar ruled from Kanauj, which was originally the seat of Maukharis, with whom he contracted a marriage alliance.
Harsha is celebrated as last ‘Hindu’ ruler in the North post the Gupta era.
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The fall of the Gupta rulers paved the way for domination of the Later Guptas, Maukharis and Pushyabhutis in the North.
Harsha, though a Pushyabhuti ruler of Thaneswar ruled from Kanauj, which was originally the seat of Maukharis, with whom he contracted a marriage alliance.
Harsha is celebrated as last ‘Hindu’ ruler in the North post the Gupta era.
ANCIENT HISTORY – SOUTH INDIA
(From megalithic to the state polities of Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas)
The beginning of the historical period is marked by the settlements of large scale rural communities which practised agriculture with the help of iron implements, the formation of the state system, the rise of social classes, use of writing, beginnings of written literature, use of metal money and so on.
However, all these phenomena did not emerge in a linear fashion in southern India, especially at the tip of the peninsula with the Kaveri delta as the nuclear zone, until about the 2nd century BCE.
The Neolithic phase of south India which was marked by the use of polished stone axe and blade tools was succeeded by the Megalithic phase (around 1200 BCE – 300 BCE).
The Cholas, Pandyas and the Keralaputras (Cheras) mentioned in the Ashokan inscriptions probably belonged to the last phase of Megalithic culture.
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(From megalithic to the state polities of Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas)
The beginning of the historical period is marked by the settlements of large scale rural communities which practised agriculture with the help of iron implements, the formation of the state system, the rise of social classes, use of writing, beginnings of written literature, use of metal money and so on.
However, all these phenomena did not emerge in a linear fashion in southern India, especially at the tip of the peninsula with the Kaveri delta as the nuclear zone, until about the 2nd century BCE.
The Neolithic phase of south India which was marked by the use of polished stone axe and blade tools was succeeded by the Megalithic phase (around 1200 BCE – 300 BCE).
The Cholas, Pandyas and the Keralaputras (Cheras) mentioned in the Ashokan inscriptions probably belonged to the last phase of Megalithic culture.
CHERA, CHOLA, PANDYA
The early three kingdoms – The Pandyas, the Cholas and the Cheras
The southern end of the Indian peninsula situated south of the Krishna river was divided into three kingdoms – Chola, Pandya and Chera (or Kerala).
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The early three kingdoms – The Pandyas, the Cholas and the Cheras
The southern end of the Indian peninsula situated south of the Krishna river was divided into three kingdoms – Chola, Pandya and Chera (or Kerala).
The Pandyas:
Covers modern Tirunelveli, Madurai, Ramnad districts and south Travancore.
Capital : Madurai,
Emblem : Fish,
Imp. Port : Korkai
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Covers modern Tirunelveli, Madurai, Ramnad districts and south Travancore.
Capital : Madurai,
Emblem : Fish,
Imp. Port : Korkai
The Cholas:
Covers modern Tanjore and Tiruchirappalli districts of Tamil Nadu.
Capital: Uraiyur
Emblem: Tiger
Port: Puhar (modern Kaveripattanam)
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Covers modern Tanjore and Tiruchirappalli districts of Tamil Nadu.
Capital: Uraiyur
Emblem: Tiger
Port: Puhar (modern Kaveripattanam)
The Cheras:
Covers mostly the Kerala coast.
Capital: Vanji / Karuvur
Emblem: Bow
Port: Tondi and Muchiri
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Covers mostly the Kerala coast.
Capital: Vanji / Karuvur
Emblem: Bow
Port: Tondi and Muchiri
SANGAM LITERATURE
Sangam literature is the name given to the earliest available Tamil literature. The Sangam age roughly extends between 300 BC and 300 AD*, although most of the work is believed to have been composed between 100 CE and 250 CE
Based on the Context and Interpretation Details of Sangam Literature
Aham (Inner): Abstract discussion on human aspects such as love, etc.
Puram (outer) : Human experiences such as heroism, customs, social life, ethics, philanthropy, etc.
Other Facts will Update Soon...
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Sangam literature is the name given to the earliest available Tamil literature. The Sangam age roughly extends between 300 BC and 300 AD*, although most of the work is believed to have been composed between 100 CE and 250 CE
Based on the Context and Interpretation Details of Sangam Literature
Aham (Inner): Abstract discussion on human aspects such as love, etc.
Puram (outer) : Human experiences such as heroism, customs, social life, ethics, philanthropy, etc.
Other Facts will Update Soon...
SANGAM ASSEMBLIES
According to the Tamil legends, there were three Sangams (Academy of Tamil poets) held in the ancient South India popularly called Muchchangam.
The First Sangam, is believed to be held at Madurai, attended by gods and legendary sages. No literary work of this Sangam is available.
The Second Sangam was held at Kapadapuram, only Tolkappiyam survives from this.
The Third Sangam was also held at Madurai. A few of these Tamil literary works have survived and are a useful sources to reconstruct the history of the Sangam period.
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According to the Tamil legends, there were three Sangams (Academy of Tamil poets) held in the ancient South India popularly called Muchchangam.
The First Sangam, is believed to be held at Madurai, attended by gods and legendary sages. No literary work of this Sangam is available.
The Second Sangam was held at Kapadapuram, only Tolkappiyam survives from this.
The Third Sangam was also held at Madurai. A few of these Tamil literary works have survived and are a useful sources to reconstruct the history of the Sangam period.
Sangam Literature: Major source giving details of Sangam Age
The Sangam literature includes Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai, Pattuppattu, Pathinenkilkanakku, and two epics named – Silappathikaram and Manimegalai .
Tolkappiyam was authored by Tolkappiyar and is considered the earliest of Tamil literary work. Though it is a work on Tamil grammar but it also provides insights on the political and socio-economic conditions of the time.
Ettutogai (Eight Anthologies) consist of eight works – Aingurunooru, Narrinai, Aganaooru, Purananooru, Kuruntogai, Kalittogai, Paripadal and Padirruppatu.
The Pattuppattu (Ten Idylls) consists of ten works – Thirumurugarruppadai, Porunararruppadai, Sirupanarruppadai, Perumpanarruppadai, Mullaippattu, Nedunalvadai, Maduraikkanji, Kurinjippatttu,Pattinappalai and Malaipadukadam.
Pathinenkilkanakku contains eighteen works about ethics and morals. The most important among these works is Tirukkural authored by Thiruvalluvar, the tamil great poet and philosopher.
The two epics Silappathikaram is written by Elango Adigal and Manimegalai by Sittalai Sattanar. They also provide valuable details about the Sangam society and polity
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The Sangam literature includes Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai, Pattuppattu, Pathinenkilkanakku, and two epics named – Silappathikaram and Manimegalai .
Tolkappiyam was authored by Tolkappiyar and is considered the earliest of Tamil literary work. Though it is a work on Tamil grammar but it also provides insights on the political and socio-economic conditions of the time.
Ettutogai (Eight Anthologies) consist of eight works – Aingurunooru, Narrinai, Aganaooru, Purananooru, Kuruntogai, Kalittogai, Paripadal and Padirruppatu.
The Pattuppattu (Ten Idylls) consists of ten works – Thirumurugarruppadai, Porunararruppadai, Sirupanarruppadai, Perumpanarruppadai, Mullaippattu, Nedunalvadai, Maduraikkanji, Kurinjippatttu,Pattinappalai and Malaipadukadam.
Pathinenkilkanakku contains eighteen works about ethics and morals. The most important among these works is Tirukkural authored by Thiruvalluvar, the tamil great poet and philosopher.
The two epics Silappathikaram is written by Elango Adigal and Manimegalai by Sittalai Sattanar. They also provide valuable details about the Sangam society and polity