Q. Which of the following pair/s is/are correctly matched?
1.Kurinji              :       Hilly region
2.Marutham       :       Forested region
3.Mullai              :       Riverine tract
Choose the correct answer from below given codes:

[A] 1 only

[B] 1 and 2 only

[C] 2 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A
Notes:

Explanation: Sangam poems help us understand the social formation of the time. According to the thinai concept, Tamilagam was divided into five landscapes or eco-regions namely Kurinji, Marutam, Mullai, Neytal and Palai.

Each region had distinct characteristics – a presiding deity, people and cultural life according to the environmental conditions, as follows:

  • Kurinji: hilly region: hunting and gathering.
  • Marutham: riverine tract: agriculture using plough and irrigation.
  • Mullai: forested region: pastoralism combined with shifting cultivation
  • Neythal: coastal land: fishing and salt making.
  • Palai: parched land. Unsuitable for cultivation and hence people took to cattle lifting and robbery.

Source: Tamil Nadu NCERT