Sangam Period (BC 300 – AD 300)

The Sangam works provide information about the social structure and agricultural systems that existed at that time. Tamil Nadu was divided into five regions. Regions have unique geographical structures and corresponding labor practices. 

The five regions are Kurunji, Palai, Mullai, Marutham and Neithal. Kurunji is the mountainous region, Palai is the dry region, Mullai is the forest region, Marutham is the arable land in the river valley and Neithal is the coastal region.

The people of Kurunji were known as Kanavas, Vedars and Kooravas. Their main occupations were hunting and gathering food, and animals like elephants, lions, bears and various birds can be seen in the Kurunchithina. Teak, sandalwood and bamboo are the main trees found in this area. Worship god, Cheon.

The two main groups living in the Palai area were the Maravars and the Vettuvars. They could not produce anything in the Palai area. Because it was a dry area. Therefore, they used to rob people for their livelihood. Worship god, Kottavai.

Mullai was a grazing area during the Sangha period. Herding cattle was the main source of livelihood for the inhabitants of this area. They lived by exploiting the forest resources. The people living in this area were shepherds. Worship god, Mayon

The people living in the Marutham were known as Uzhavars or Vellalars. The main occupation of the people here was agriculture. The main crops were paddy, sugarcane, mango, banana, jackfruit, etc. Marutham was the settlement of farmers. Worship god, Venthan.

The coastal region is the Weaving. People like Paratha, Parathiyar, Meenavar, Alavar, and Alathiar lived here. Fishing and salt cultivation were the main occupations. Worship god, Kadlon.

These people lived as communities in various talukas. The products of all the five talukas were used efficiently. The resources produced and collected in each taluka were exchanged. The exchange centers were called markets. Trade networks were formed between the talukas. Rivers provided communication between political centers and port cities. Exchange and foreign trade led to the growth of cities. The bases of kings and chiefs were on the hills. They were provided with military assistance by the Maravas.