Important Note: Answers of all Questions are provided at the bottom of the page.

The yellow highlights in the PYQ images are meant to emphasize the repetition of themes and keywords in UPSC Prelims.

PYQs asked by UPSC since 1979 on this theme

2022
1998

2000

Source used by UPSC for this Question

Upinder Singh (Ancient and Early Medieval India)

Explanation and Additional content from Source used by UPSC

1. Sangam literature contains extensive references to farming, cattle rearing, fishing & iron tools, reflecting a rich material culture​​.
2. Sangam literature acknowledges the concept of Varna, though its practical application was limited to kings, traders & farmers​​.
3. Warrior bravery & heroism are central themes, especially in Puram poetry, which glorifies valor & memorializes fallen warriors​​.
4. Sangam literature describes supernatural forces (e.g., Ananku) as part of cultural beliefs but does not dismiss them as irrational​​

Solve with Logic and Minimal prior Knowledge

Such questions are based on General Observation. These are very scoring questions if students keep calm in exam hall.
We all have seen references made to material culture like trade and port cities like Puhar in Sangam Texts. -> Eliminated.
Social classification resembling Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra framework is easily visible in South Indian societies
and Sangam Literature -> Possible Answer.
Sangam literature is famous for glorifying warrior Chola kings in Puram poems, who die in battle as heroes. -> Eliminated.
Sangam texts have references to prayers and rituals to deities like Murugan.-> Eliminated.
To-the-Point Content from Sources used by UPSC (Direct Questions in UPSC Prelims’24 from this section)
Sangam Literature (Upinder Singh, Tamil Nadu Books, IGNOU, NIOS, K. Krishna Reddy)
Sangam literature (300 BCE–300 CE) represents Tamilakam's cultural, political, and socio-economic life. It evolved through three
Sangams, convened under Pandyan patronage​​.
1. First Sangam: Held at Thenmadurai, presided over by Agastya; all works lost​.
2. Second Sangam: Conducted at Kapatapuram, chaired by Agastya; Tolkappiyam, authored by his disciple Tolkappiyar, survives​​.
3. Third Sangam: Organized at Madurai, under Pandyan ruler patronage; it produced all extant Sangam literature​​.
Major Texts and Their Themes
1. Core Works: Ettutokai (Eight Anthologies) and Pattuppattu (Ten Idylls) are principal collections​​.
Texts classified into Akam (love) and Puram (war and governance) themes​​.
2. Grammatical Treatise: Tolkappiyam - Covers grammar, phonology, syntax, and literary conventions.
3. Philosophical Work: Tirukkural, authored by Tiruvalluvar, is a renowned ethical text on governance, ethics, and love​​.
4. Epics:
a. Silappadikaram (The Tale of an Anklet) by Ilango Adigal, Chera prince and Jain ascetic. Story of Kannagi, who avenges her
husband Kovalan’s wrongful execution by cursing and burning Madurai. Celebrates Kannagi as a symbol of justice & chastity.
b. Manimekalai (Sequel to Silappadikaram) by Sattanar, Tamil Buddhist poet. Story of Manimekalai, Kannagi’s daughter, who
renounces worldly life to embrace Buddhism. Promotes Buddhist principles of non-violence, compassion, and detachment.
Social Context
1. Class System: Society included Arasar (kings), Vanigar (traders), Vellalar (farmers), and Anthanar (priests)​​.
Tribal groups like Pulaiyar, Maravar, and Parathavar coexisted​​.
2. Role of Women: Women participated as poets (e.g., Avvaiyar), warriors, and in economic activities​.
Polity and Governance
1. Monarchies: Pandya, Chola & Chera kings led Tamilakam with capitals - Madurai, Uraiyur and Vanji/Karuvur/Karur respectively​​.
2. Assemblies: Administrative bodies like Manram (village councils) and Avai (royal courts) managed governance​​.
Economy
1. Agriculture: Paddy cultivation dominated, supported by advanced tank irrigation systems​.
2. Trade: Ports like Puhar, Korkai, and Muziris facilitated trade with Rome and Southeast Asia​​.
Cultural Context
1. Religious Beliefs: Worship of Murugan, later syncretized with Kartikeya; Jain and Buddhist influences evident​​.
2. Tinai Classification: Poems categorized into five landscapes:
Kurinji (mountains): Hunting and gathering.
Mullai (forests): Pastoral life.
Marudam (plains): Farming.
Neythal (coasts): Fishing and seafaring.
Palai (deserts): Hardship and survival​​.
Significance
Sangam literature reflects Tamilakam's transition from tribal societies to statehood, with insights into trade, governance, and
cultural diversity. It remains a cornerstone of Tamil history and identity​​.
Answers of above UPSC Questions: Ques.93(2022)-b, Ques.66(1998)-c, Ques.85(2000)-a
 Important Note: Answers of all Questions are provided at the bottom of the page. The yellow highlights in the PYQ images are meant to emphasize the repetition of themes and keywords in UPSC Prelims.

PYQs asked by UPSC since 1979 on this theme

1993

2001
2022

Source used by UPSC for this Question

IGNOU BA Notes

1994

Explanation and Additional content from Source used by UPSC

2003
Translations During Akbar’s Reign:
1. Atharva Veda: Translated by Haji Ibrahim Sirhindi with the help of Shaikh Bhawan (completed before 1583).
2. Ramayana: Translated by Badauni (completed in 1591).
3. Yogavasistha: Translated by Nizamuddin Panipati as an appendix to the Ramayana. Dedicated to Prince Salim (later Jahangir).
4. Mahabharata: Translated as Razmnama by Badauni, Naqib Khan, and others (completed in 1584). Preface by Abul Fazl.
5. Harivamsa: Translated by Mulla Shri.
6. Panchatantra: Translated as Anwar-i-Suhaili by Abu’l-Fazl.
7. Lilavati: A mathematical text by Bhaskaracharya, translated by Faizi.
8. Rajatarangini: Translated by Shah Muhammad Shahabadi.
9. Translation of Bhagavad Gita into Persian: by Dara Shikoh.
Solve with Logic and Minimal prior Knowledge
This question is easy if one remains calm and believe on his/her instincts:
Translation of an Indian text into Persian can take place under an emperor with an interest in culture and philosophy.
Humayun’s reign was short and he didn’t have stability to patronize translations of philosophical texts. -> Eliminated.
Aurangzeb was focused on orthodox policies and military campaigns. Translating hindu texts was not his priority. -> Eliminated.
Shahjahan’s reign emphasized architectural patronage (like the Taj Mahal). -> Eliminated.
Akbar is well-known for his cultural integration, making it logical that Panipati translated the Yogavasistha during his reign.
To-the-Point Content from Sources used by UPSC (Direct Questions in UPSC Prelims’24 from this section)
Historical and Biographical Works (IGNOU Notes, Satish Chandra, Romila Thapar, Tamil Nadu Books)
1. Baburnama: Autobiography of Babur, originally in Chagatai Turkish, translated into Persian by Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan​​.
2. Humayun Nama: Written by Gulbadan Begum, documenting the reign and personal life of Humayun​.
3. Qanun-i-Humayun: treatise on statecraft, by Khwandamir during Humayun’s reign, reflecting socio-political framework​​.
4. Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari: By Abul Fazl, providing exhaustive details of Akbar’s reign, administration, and policies​​.
5. Tabaqat-i-Akbari: Authored by Nizamuddin Ahmad, chronicling Mughal history up to Akbar’s reign in Tabaqat (layered) style​​.
6. Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri: Jahangir’s autobiography blending administrative insights with personal reflections​.
7. Tawarikh-i-Alfi: Commissioned by Akbar to commemorate 1,000 years of Islamic history. Compiled by Mulla Daud, covering key
events up to Akbar’s time​​.
8. Two Historical accounts of Shah Jahan’s reign by Inayat Khan and Muhammad Salih​​by common name of Shah Jahan Namah.
9. Padshah Nama: Chronicles of Shah Jahan’s rule by Abdul Hamid Lahori and Muhammad Waris​.
10. Alamgir Nama: Written by Muhammad Kazim, documenting Aurangzeb’s reign​​.
11. Futuhat-i-Alamgiri: By Ishwar Das Nagar, covering Aurangzeb’s campaigns​.
12. Iqbal Namah: A history of Jahangir’s reign by Mutamad Khan​​.
13. Other notable Indian & Persian writers in Mughal Court were Faizi, Urfi, Naziri, Talib Amuli, Kalim, Ghani Kashmiri, Saib & Bedil.
Mystical and Philosophical Works (IGNOU Notes, Satish Chandra, A.L. Srivastava, NIOS)
1. Sirr-i-Akbar: Persian translation of the Upanishads by Dara Shikoh, emphasizing Hindu-Muslim philosophical synthesis​​.
2. Majma-ul-Bahrain: By Dara Shikoh, exploring the confluence of Islamic Sufi and Hindu mystical traditions​​.
3. Safinat-ul-Auliya: Biographies of Sufi saints by Dara Shikoh​​.
4. Sakinat-ul-Auliya: A biographical account of Sufi saint Miyan Mir and his disciples, authored by Dara Shikoh​​.
5. Hasanat-ul-Arifin: Explores Dara Shikoh’s religious and philosophical ideas​.
Persian Poetry and Letters (IGNOU Notes, Satish Chandra, Romila Thapar, Tamil Nadu Books, A.L. Srivastava, NIOS)
1. Faizi: A poet laureate under Akbar, contributing extensively to Persian poetry and translations like Nal Daman​.
2. Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan: known for blending Persian and Hindi literary styles and composing devotional works​​.
3. Zeb-un-Nisa: Daughter of Aurangzeb, known for her Persian ghazals​.
4. Ruqaat-i-Alamgiri: Collection of letters by Aurangzeb, offering insights into governance and personal thought​.
Vernacular Contributions (IGNOU Notes, Satish Chandra, Romila Thapar, Tamil Nadu Books, NCERTs)
1. Brajbhasha: Surdas (Sursagar), Keshavdas (Rasikpriya) & Rahim. Associated with Krishna Bhakti & received imperial patronage​​.
2. Awadhi: Flourished through works like Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas​.
3. Rekhta and Dakhini Urdu: Rekhta combined Persian with Hindawi, evolving into Urdu. Dakhini Urdu developed as a distinct
literary language in the Deccan courts​​.
Translation Bureau: Akbar’s Maktab Khana facilitated translations of major Indian epics and religious texts into Persian​.
Sabk-e-Hindi: An Indianized style of Persian poetry that flourished during the Mughal period​.
Answers of above UPSC Questions: Ques.94(2022)-a, Ques.17(2001)-b, Ques.6(1993)-c, Ques.65(1994)-a, Ques.123(2003)-a