- Chronology: The Sangam Period is generally dated from approximately 300 BCE to 300 CE.
- Sangam Literature: It is named after the Sangam academies, which produced a vast body of Tamil literature.
- Three Sangam Periods: Scholars divide the Sangam Period into three distinct phases - the First Sangam, the Second Sangam, and the Third Sangam.
- First Sangam: The First Sangam is believed to have been held in the city of Madurai. Unfortunately, very little of its literature survives today.
- Second Sangam: The Second Sangam, also in Madurai, produced more substantial Tamil poetry and literature, but only a few fragments remain.
- Third Sangam: The Third Sangam, according to legend, was held in the city of Madurai as well, and it produced the majority of Sangam literature.
- Tolkappiyam: Tolkappiyam, authored by the sage Tolkappiyar, is one of the oldest extant works of Tamil grammar and linguistics from this period.
- Sangam Poetry: Sangam poetry is known for its themes of love, nature, war, and ethics. It includes both Akam (inner or love) and Puram (outer or heroic) poetry.
- Poets of Sangam Period: Prominent poets from this period include Avvaiyar, Thiruvalluvar, and Kapilar.
- Ettuthokai and Pattupattu: Sangam poetry is categorized into two main anthologies - Ettuthokai (Eight Anthologies) and Pattupattu (Ten Idylls).
- Themes of Sangam Poetry: Sangam poetry often celebrated the natural beauty of Tamil Nadu, emphasizing the importance of rain, rivers, and landscape.
- Love Poetry: Many Sangam poems explore the theme of love, describing the emotions, yearnings, and trials of lovers.
- Economic Activities: Sangam literature provides insights into the economic activities of the time, including agriculture, trade, and fishing.
- Political Organization: The Sangam Period featured the existence of multiple Tamil dynasties, each with its own rulers and territories.
- Warfare: The poems contain references to battles, warriors, and the martial traditions of the time.
- Religion and Beliefs: The Sangam Period saw the worship of various deities and the coexistence of multiple religious beliefs.
- Chera, Chola, and Pandya Dynasties: The Sangam texts mention these prominent dynasties that ruled different regions of Tamil Nadu during this period.
- Foreign Contacts: There is evidence of trade and cultural exchange with foreign regions, including Rome and Southeast Asia.
- Agricultural Practices: Sangam literature provides insights into agricultural practices, including the cultivation of paddy, sugarcane, and other crops.
- Music and Dance: The poems mention various forms of music and dance that were popular during the period.
- Social Structure: Society during the Sangam Period had distinct social classes, including the rulers, warriors, and common people.
- Tamil Nadu Geography: The poems offer a geographical understanding of Tamil Nadu, its rivers, mountains, and coastal areas.
- Maritime Trade: Tamil merchants were involved in maritime trade, and coastal towns played a significant role in commerce.
- Decline of the Sangam Period: The exact reasons for the decline of the Sangam Period are debated among scholars but may include invasions and changes in trade routes.
- Legacy: The Sangam Period left a lasting legacy in Tamil culture, literature, and language, influencing subsequent Tamil literature and identity.
These points provide an overview of the key aspects of the Sangam Period, highlighting its significance in the history and culture of South India.