(a) Kings employing women bodyguards
(b) Learned persons assembling in and philosophical matters
(c) Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals
(d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death
Answer: d
Explanation:
In Sangam literature, “Puram” poems praised the valour and generosity of kings, whereas “akam” poems speak of love between men and women.
Sangam’s poems are full of warrior ethics, the heroic death of the soldier was greatly valued, and his spirit will live in paradise. The practice of Vattakirutal was one in which a defeated king committed ritual suicide by starving himself to death, accompanied by those who had been close to him during his lifetime.
Hence, option d is correct.
Read: Previous Year UPSC History Questions (PYQs) With Explanation 2023