Write about the culture and society of Sangam Age.

Culture and Society of the Sangam Age (c. 3rd Century B.C. to 3rd Century A.D.):

Flourishing under the patronage of the Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties in Tamilakam (South India):

• 1. Social Stratification (Kula & Occupations): Society was divided by hereditary occupations rather than rigid northern Aryan Varna dogma: Arasar (rulers), Andanar (priests), Vanigar (traders), and Vellalar (landowning agriculturists).
• 2. High Status of Women: Women enjoyed social freedom, intellectual education, and produced celebrated Sangam poetesses (e.g., Avvaiyar, Nachchellaiyar); however, widow asceticism and Sati (Tippayadal) were practiced among royalty.
• 3. Religion and Deities: Worship of primary Tamil deity Murugan (Seyon/Kartikeya), alongside Mayon (Vishnu), Vendan (Indra), and Korravai (Goddess of Victory). Hero stone worship (Virakkal / Nadukal) for fallen warriors was prevalent.
• 4. Flourishing Foreign Trade: Booming Indo-Roman maritime trade in black pepper (Yavanapriya), pearls, and muslin from ports like Puhar (Kaveripattinam) and Muziris.