- Tolkappiyam refers to four castes namely Arasar , Anthanar ,Vanigar and Vellalar.
- Ruling class was called Arasar
- The class which spread knowledge were Anthanars , who had been religious priests
- Vanigars carried on trade and commerce .
- Vellalars were agriculturists who were landholders.
- Uzhavar were ploughmen.
- Adimai were slaves.
- Other tribal groups like Parathavar , Panar , Eyinar , Kadambar , Maravar and Pulaiyar were also found in the Sangam society .
Status of Women During Sangam Age
- Women were treated with special consideration.
- Natural feminine qualities such as Achcham, Madam , Nanam and Payirpu were insisted in Sangam literature.
- Chastity was worshipped by the people. The Heroine of Silappadigaram, Kannagi had been hailed for her Chastity and worshipped by the people.
- Women had freedom to choose their life partners.
- Women treated their husbands as equivalent to God.
- They were not permitted to remarry and inherit property.
