In the Sangam Age, did you know that society was predominantly patriarchal? This means that men held most power and authority. However, it's important to note that women had respected roles. Can anyone provide an example of how a woman played a significant part?

Exactly! Avvaiyar is a great example. She represents how women could be influential in literature. What do you think this means for the status of women during that period?

Right! So we see a mix where women were respected but still lived in a male-dominated structure, providing a nuanced view of gender roles at the time.

Now let’s talk about the caste system. Unlike later periods, the caste system during the Sangam Age was not very rigid. Can anyone explain what that means?

Yes! This flexibility allowed individuals to explore different occupations such as farming, trading, crafting, or even becoming warriors. How do you think this impacted their society and economy?

Absolutely! This dynamic aspect of society allowed for growth and adaptation, promoting a rich cultural exchange.

Let’s discuss occupations. During the Sangam Age, there were farmers, craftsmen, traders, warriors, and priests. Which occupation do you think was the most significant?

Great point! Agriculture provided sustenance while trade introduced wealth and cultural exposure. Let’s connect this to the theme of hero worship. What ties these aspects together?

Exactly! Hero worship often reflected the societal values that underscored courage and success, influencing all layers of their economy and culture.

Now, let’s turn to Tolkappiyam. It categorizes five ecological regions, known as 'tinai'. Why do you think these distinct lifestyles were important?

Exactly! Understanding these regions helps us see how environmental factors influenced cultural practices. Can anyone name one of the tinai and its characteristics?

Correct! The diversity in ecology not only influenced occupations but also social interactions among communities.