Which one of the following explains the practice of 'Vattakirutal' as mentioned in Sangam poems?
A
Kings employing women bodyguards
B
Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters
C
Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals
D
A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death
Correct Answer
Explanation
Option (D) is correct because 'Vattakirutal' (or Vatakkiruttal) refers to the ancient Tamil practice where a king, facing humiliation or defeat in battle, would sit facing North and fast unto death to reclaim his honor. While Sangam literature frequently mentions young girls guarding fields (Option C), that practice is a common pastoral theme distinct from this specific ritual of suicide. The core concept being tested is the socio-political ethics and the code of chivalry (Puram tradition) characteristic of the Sangam Age.
Ancient South Indian HistorySangam Age PracticesVattakirutalSangam poemsritual suicidestarving to deathking defeated in battleTamil cultureself-sacrifice