A famous Tamil epic, the Silappadikaram was composed by a poet named Ilango, around ________ years ago.

The correct answer is 1800.

Key Points

• The correct answer is option 3, 1800 years ago.
• Silappadikaram is a famous Tamil epic that tells the story of Kannagi, a woman who seeks justice for her husband's wrongful execution.
•  The epic was composed by Ilango Adigal, a Tamil poet and prince who lived during the Sangam period in South India.
• The Sangam period is a period of ancient Tamil history that lasted from the 3rd century BCE to the 4th century CE.
• Option 1 (3000 years ago) and option 4 (2600 years ago) are too early for the Sangam period, while option 2 (2200 years ago) is too late for Ilango Adigal's lifetime.

Additional Information

•  The Sangam literature is a collection of Tamil poems and epics composed during the Sangam period.
• The Sangam literature is divided into the Ettuthogai (Eight Anthologies) and the Pattupattu (Ten Idylls).
• The Silappadikaram is one of the Five Great Epics of Tamil literature, along with Manimekalai, Civaka Cintamani, Cilappatikaram, Valayapathi and Kundalakesi.
• The Silappadikaris are notable for their vivid descriptions of Tamil culture, society, and religion during the Sangam period.