---
title: "Sangam Literature: Ancient Tamil Poetry | Model Diplomat"
description: "Sangam literature is the oldest body of Tamil poetry (c. 300 BCE–300 CE), with 2,381 poems on akam (love) and puram (war). Key UPSC GS1 source on Tamilakam."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/sangam-literature"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Sangam literature is the oldest surviving corpus of Tamil poetry, composed between roughly 300 BCE and 300 CE, comprising secular verse on love and war.
- What is the difference between akam and puram poetry in Sangam literature?
- What are the major collections within the Sangam corpus?
- How is Sangam literature dated, given the three-academy legend?
- Why is Sangam literature important for the UPSC GS1 syllabus?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Sangam literature is the oldest surviving corpus of Tamil poetry, composed between roughly 300 BCE and 300 CE, comprising secular verse on love and war.

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In 2022, the Tamil Nadu government cited Sangam-era texts such as Purananuru alongside Keeladi excavation findings to assert the antiquity of Tamil civilisation in official heritage and education policy.

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