UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 75
Which one of the following explains the practice of 'Vattakirutal' as mentioned in Sangam poems?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D (A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death)
Explanation: Vattakirutal (vadakiruttal) described a Tamil heroic practice in which a shamed or defeated ruler faced north and fasted to death.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-Women bodyguards at royal courts are unrelated to vattakirutal.
B. Incorrect-Philosophical gatherings at courts do not denote this Sangam-era ritual.
C. Incorrect-Girls guarding crops from birds is a different rural activity.
D. Correct-it refers to a king or warrior’s ritual death by fasting, often after defeat or dishonor.