Which one of the following explains the practice of 'Vattakirutal' as mentioned in Sangam poems?

Which one of the following explains the practice of 'Vattakirutal' as mentioned in Sangam poems?
  1. Kings employing women bodyguards
  2. Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters
  3. Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals
  4. A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death

Solution

Per the official UPSC answer key (Set A), the answer is A. Community consensus and most coaching keys argued D — Vadakkiruttal as ritual fast unto death by a defeated king facing north — but UPSC's official key marks A.

Asked in: UPSC Prelims 2023

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