Q84. Which one of the following explains the practice of ‘Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems?
a. Kings employing women bodyguards
b. Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious 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
Question from UPSC Prelims 2023 GS Paper
Explanation :
d. A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death
Vattakirutal
Vatakkiruttal – Wikipedia is a practice mentioned in Sangam literature where a defeated king would commit ritual suicide by starving himself to death. This was considered an honorable way for a king to accept his defeat and maintain his dignity in ancient Tamil society.