Which of the following dynasties does NOT belong to the Sangam Period?

The Correct answer is Gupta.

Key Points

• The Sangam Period refers to the time in ancient Tamil history when poets and scholars gathered in assemblies known as "Sangams" to create literature. This period is associated with the early history of South India.
• The three prominent dynasties of the Sangam Period were the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas.
• The Gupta Empire does not belong to the Sangam Period as it was a prominent North Indian dynasty that existed between the 3rd and 6th centuries CE.
• The Gupta Empire marked a golden age in Indian history, particularly in the fields of science, mathematics, astronomy, literature, and art, but it had no direct connection with the Southern Sangam Period.
• The Gupta dynasty was primarily centered in the regions of modern-day Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, far from the regions associated with the Sangam literature.
• Thus, the Gupta dynasty is unrelated to the South Indian cultural and historical developments during the Sangam Period.

 Additional Information

• Chera
  • The Chera dynasty was one of the three major dynasties of the Sangam Period.
  • The Cheras ruled over the region corresponding to modern-day Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu.
  • Their capital was Vanji, and they were known for their contributions to trade and commerce.
  • The Cheras had a flourishing trade relationship with the Romans, Greeks, and Arabs.
• Chola
  • The Chola dynasty was another prominent Sangam dynasty that ruled over parts of modern-day Tamil Nadu.
  • Their capital was Uraiyur, and later they established Kaveripattinam as an important port city.
  • The Cholas were known for their naval strength and contributions to architecture, with the later Cholas building famous temples like the Brihadeshwara Temple.
• Pandya
  • The Pandya dynasty ruled over the southernmost parts of the Indian subcontinent, primarily modern-day Madurai and surrounding areas.
  • Their capital was Madurai, which was also a significant center of Tamil culture and literature.
  • The Pandyas were patrons of the Sangam assemblies and contributed significantly to Tamil literature and poetry.