Q. During the Sangam Age, war was usually declared or provoked by:
(a) Cutting the tutelary tree of the enemy
(b) Lifting the cattle of the enemy
(c) Besieging the enemy’s fort
(d) Crushing the crops of the enemy’s territory under the feet of elephants
Ans: (b) Lifting the cattle of the enemy
Explanation: During the Sangam Age, war was usually declared or provoked by (b) Lifting the cattle of the enemy.
Lifting the cattle of the enemy was a common cause or pretext for declaring war during the Sangam Age. Cattle played a significant role in the agrarian economy and social structure of ancient Tamil society, and raiding or stealing the cattle of an enemy was considered a direct challenge and provocation.
Therefore, the correct answer is (b) Lifting the cattle of the enemy.
