Who is the Father of Sangam Literature?
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: August 9th, 2023
Siddhar Agastya is known as the Father of Sangam Literature. The Sangam literature historically referred to as classical poetry, is the oldest known literature of South India. The literal meaning of the word “Sangam” is union. The three major Tamil kingdoms of this period were Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas.
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Father of Sangam Literature
The historical Sangam literature era lasted from c. 300 BCE to 300 CE. Siddhar Agastya is called as the father of Sangam literature Sangam literature was composed of 473 poets, about 102 anonymous. Of all the poets, 27 were women. Sangam literature falls into two categories: Akam and Puram.
- Akam’s poetry explores the feelings and emotions associated with sensuality, romantic love, and sexual connection.
- The heroic acts and accomplishments in the context of conflict and public life are the subject of Puram’s poetry.
- Three-fourths of the poetry in the Sangam is on the theme of akam, and one-fourth is on the theme of Puram.
- This obscure subgenre emphasizes the setting or surroundings of the poetry.
- Akam poetry does not include names of people or places; instead, it uses images and metaphors to create atmosphere.
- Poems by Puram are more direct and contain names and locations.
Summary:
Who is the Father of Sangam Literature?
The Father of Sangam Literature is Siddhar Agastya. Tradition has it that he presided over the first Tamil Sangam in Madurai. The first Tamil Sangam in Madurai was presided over by the ancient Tamil Siddhar Agastya.
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