Martch List I and List H and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: List 1 (Ethnic Ten-timid Segment) (I) Manure Makkal (II) Kuravan Makkal (III) Mullai Makkal (IV) Neytal Makkal List 2 (Related Occupational Pattern) 1 Pastoralists 2 Fishing people 3 Ploughmen 4 Hill people Code: (I) (II) (III) (IV)

The Sangam literature classifies the Tamil landscape into five eco-regions or 'tinais', each with distinct ethnic segments and occupations. (I) Marudam Makkal (Ulavar) inhabited fertile agricultural plains and were primarily ploughmen or farmers [2]. (II) Kuravan Makkal (Kuravar) belonged to the Kurinji tinai, representing mountainous regions where they lived as hill people engaged in hunting and honey gathering [1]. (III) Mullai Makkal (Ayars) resided in forest and grassland regions, functioning as pastoralists involved in cattle rearing [2]. (IV) Neytal Makkal (Paratavar) lived in coastal regions and were fishing people and salt makers [1]. Matching these pairs: (I)-3, (II)-4, (III)-1, and (IV)-2. This socio-economic division reflects the ancient Tamils' deep ecological awareness and the symbiotic relationship between geography and human livelihood during the Sangam Age [2].

Sources

1. [1] Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Landforms and Life > LET'S EXPLORE > p. 57
2. [2] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 5: Evolution of Society in South India > Social Formation in 5.4Tamil Eco-zones > p. 68