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Question
With reference to the society that existed during the Sangam Age, answer the following question:
Explain briefly the functions of the four castes mentioned in the Tolkappiyam.
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Solution
The Tolkappiyam has mentioned four castes, namely, Brahmanas, kings, traders, and farmers. The Brahmanas during the Sangam Age were a respectable and learned community. They performed their caste duties scrupulously. They served the king occasionally as judicial officers and always as priests and astrologers. They were attached to the land and were proud of their country and their mother tongue.
Trade was common to both the Vaishyas and Vellalas. The Vaishyas were assigned the duties of learning, performing sacrifice, making gifts agriculture, protection of cows, and trade. Vellalas were assigned the duties of learning other than the Vedas, making gifts, agriculture, trade, and worship. So the two communities were known by the profession in which they were engaged for the time being.
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