[Solved] Which one of the following explains the practice of Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems Kings employ Ing women bodyguard Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death.

Q54. Which one of the following explains the practice of Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems

1. Kings employ Ing women bodyguard
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.

Answer: 4

Practice of Vattakirutal

Vattakirutal was a practice in which a defeated king committed ritual suicide by starving himself to death, accompanied by those who had been close to him during his lifetime. This was done to avoid the humiliation of being captured by the enemy and to preserve one’s honour and prestige.

The practice of Vattakirutal is mentioned in a number of Sangam poems. These poems describe the heroic deeds of Tamil kings and warriors, and they often mention the practice of Vattakirutal as a way for defeated kings to die with honour.