Describe Urn Burials during Sangam Age.

The Sangam Age, also known as the Golden Age of Tamil Nadu, is an important period in the history of South India. It is marked by the flourishing of literature, art, trade, and commerce, and it is believed to have lasted from 300 BCE to 300 CE. One of the most intriguing aspects of this period is the practice of urn burials, which was a prevalent funeral practice among the people of the Sangam Age.

Important terms –

Sangam Age

The Sangam Age, which lasted from 300 BCE to 300 CE in South Indian history, was characterised by cultural liveliness and commercial networks. During this period:

1. The Sangam literature, written in Tamil, offers significant insights into the culture, addressing topics like love, war, and administration.

2. Maritime commerce expanded, linking South India to places such as Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean.

3. The society was divided into vocational groups, with women playing important roles.

4. Archaeological discoveries, such as megalithic graves, provide information on material culture.

Urn Burial

During the Sangam Age in South India, urn burials were a common funerary practice. The bones of the deceased were placed in urns, together with different associated artefacts, during these funerals. Here are four important considerations to remember with urn burials:

1. Urn contents: The cremated ashes of the deceased were placed in burial urns, along with objects such as pottery, beads, iron utensils, or weapons.

2. Ritual significance: The presence of artefacts shows an afterlife belief and the supply of things for the trip.

3. Archaeological evidence: Urn burials have been discovered at sites like Adichanallur and Talaivasal, offering great insight into the cultural practises of the time.

4. Ceremonial structures: Some burial sites have stone circles, dolmens, and cairns, which indicate ceremonial or ritual activity.

Megalithic Culture

The Megalithic Culture was characterised by the building of megaliths, enormous stone structures and tombs. Several essential aspects can be highlighted at this time:

1. Burial Practises: Megalithic societies are recognised for their unique burial practises, which included the creation of ornate stone structures to store the deceased’s bones.

2. Megalithic buildings: These societies constructed a variety of megalithic buildings, including dolmens, cairns, and menhirs, which acted as memorials or markers.

3. Material Culture: Megalithic artefacts like pottery, tools, jewellery, and weaponry provide insight into the material culture of these ancient communities.

4. Societal Organisation: The presence of megaliths shows the existence of organised communities with common religious or cultural ideas, which might indicate social hierarchies and sophisticated social structures.

Explanation

Urn burials were a common funeral practice among the people of the Sangam Age. These burials were typically carried out by the megalithic communities of South India, who were known for their advanced funeral practices. The megalithic communities constructed large burial chambers or dolmens, which were made of stone slabs and contained multiple chambers for burial.

The urns used for these burials were typically made of clay and were decorated with intricate designs and patterns. The urns were usually placed in the burial chambers along with other items such as pottery, beads, and tools. These items were believed to be the possessions of the deceased and were buried with them to aid them in the afterlife.

The practice of urn burial was not limited to the megalithic communities. It was also practised by other communities, including the Tamils, who were known for their elaborate funeral ceremonies. The Tamils believed that death was a natural part of life, and the funeral ceremony was an important ritual that helped the soul of the deceased find peace.

Examples

• An example of an urn burial from the Sangam Age was discovered in Adichanallur, Tamil Nadu. The site contains several burial urns, each containing the remains of a person along with various artefacts such as pottery, beads, and iron implements. The site also contains several stone circles, which are believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes.
• Another example of an urn burial from the Sangam Age was discovered in Talaivasal, Tamil Nadu. The site contains several burial urns, each containing the remains of a person along with various artefacts such as pottery, beads, and weapons. The site also contains several megalithic structures, including dolmens and cairns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Que 1. What is a Megalith?

Ans- Megalith is a large stone that is used to create monuments or structures. These stones were commonly used in the construction of megalithic structures during the prehistoric period.

Que 2. What is a Dolmen?

Ans- Dolmen is a type of megalithic structure that consists of two or more vertical stones supporting a horizontal stone slab. These structures were commonly used for burials during the prehistoric period.

Que 3. Why were urns used for burials?

Ans- Urn burials were a convenient way to store the remains of a person. The urns were typically made of clay, which was readily available, and were decorated with intricate designs and patterns.

Que 4. What items were buried with the deceased?

Ans. Various items such as pottery, beads, and tools were buried with the deceased. These items were believed to be the possessions of the deceased and were buried with them to aid them in the afterlife.