Sangam Society

Tolkappiyam refers to the five-fold division of lands - Kurinji

(hilly tracks), Mullai (pastoral), Marudam (agricultural), Neydal
(coastal) and Palai (desert). The people living in these five divisions
had their respective chief occupations as well as gods for worship.
Kurinji chief deity was Murugan chief occupation,
hunting and honey collection.
Mullai chief deity Mayon (Vishnu) chief occupation,
cattle-rearing and dealing with dairy products.
Marudam chief deity Indira chief occupation, agriculture.
Neydal chief deity Varunan chief occupation fishing and
salt manufacturing.
Palai chief deity Korravai chief occupation robbery.
Tolkappiyam also refers to four castes namely arasar, anthanar,
vanigar and vellalar. The ruling class was called arasar. Anthanars played
a significant role in the Sangam polity and religion. Vanigars carried on
trade and commerce. The vellalas were agriculturists. Other tribal groups
like Parathavar, Panar, Eyinar, Kadambar, Maravar and Pulaiyar were
also found in the Sangam society. Ancient primitive tribes like Thodas,
Irulas, Nagas and Vedars lived in this period.