The narrative texts of the Sangam literature are called Melkannakku. These are 18 major works consisting of eight anthologies and ten idylls. They are considered the works of heroic poetry in which heroes are glorified and perpetual wars and cattle raids during that time are frequently mentioned.
Bhaga, Bhoga, Kara and Hiranya refers to the different types of revenues which were collected by the rulers during the early medieval period. They were the chief sources of revenue to the donees.