UPSC CSE Prelims 2023
A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death
The practice of 'Vattakirutal', as described in Sangam poems, refers to a ritualistic act performed by a king who had suffered defeat in battle. This involved the king committing suicide by fasting or starving himself to death. This act was undertaken to uphold personal honour, dignity, and self-respect, reflecting the strong emphasis on valor and a specific code of conduct for rulers in ancient Tamil society.
Option (a): Sangam literature does not associate 'Vattakirutal' with the practice of kings employing women bodyguards. While royal security arrangements existed, this specific term is not used to describe such a practice.
Option (b): The assembly of learned persons in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters was a feature of the Sangam period, indicating royal patronage of scholars. However, this intellectual activity is distinct from 'Vattakirutal'.
Option (c): The practice of young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields to deter birds and animals was an agricultural activity prevalent in the Sangam era. This practical task, however, is not referred to as 'Vattakirutal' in the Sangam texts.