OPSC OAS 2022 PrelimsHistory, Art & CultureQuestion 4
Solved previous year question from the OPSC OAS/OCS 2022 Preliminary Examination (General Studies), with the official answer key and a detailed explanation.
Question
Consider the following statements about Sangam literature.
- The narrative texts are called Melkanakku.
- The didactic texts are called Kilkanakku.
- Thirukkural is a major Sangam text.
- Many Sangam texts were the works of Brahmana scholars.
Which of the following are correct?
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Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: (B) 1, 2 and 4
- The Melkanakku (upper eighteen works) refers to the major narrative and lyrical texts of Sangam literature, comprising the eight anthologies (Ettuthokai) and the ten idylls (Pattupattu). These contain the classical Sangam poetry dealing with love (akam) and war/heroism (Puram).
- The Kilkanakku (lower eighteen works) refers to the didactic and ethical texts of the Sangam corpus. These are the minor works containing moral and instructional content, composed somewhat later than the Melkanakku texts.
- Thirukkural, though one of the greatest works of Tamil literature, belongs to the Kilkanakku (minor/didactic works) category, not the major Sangam texts. It is a didactic ethical treatise authored by Thiruvalluvar, dealing with virtue (aram), wealth (Porul), and love (Inbam).
- A significant number of Sangam texts were indeed composed by Brahmin scholars, as evidenced by the names and backgrounds of many poets identified in the texts. Brahmin participation in Sangam literary activity was substantial, though poets from various social backgrounds contributed.
