Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Sangam society:
  1. The Sangam society was entirely caste-based with strict social hierarchies.
  2. The Tolkappiyam lists only four castes that were acknowledged during the Sangam period.
Which of the above is/are correct?

Answer: Neither 1 nor 2
Notes:
  1. Statement 1 is incorrect: The Sangam society was not entirely caste-based; it exhibited a complex social structure with a portion of the society remaining caste-less.
  2. Statement 2 is incorrect: While the Tolkappiyam mentions four categories, it does not encompass all the diverse social groups present during the Sangam period, indicating a more complex social fabric than just four castes.

This question is part of UPSC Daily 20 MCQ Series Course on GKToday Android app.