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

1. A

   Kings employing women bodyguards

   Women bodyguards. Sangam has viraliyar and guards, not this rite.

2. B

   Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters

   A learned assembly. That is a sangam / avai, not vattakirutal.

3. C

   Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals

   Girls watching fields. A pastoral image, not the word.

4. D

   A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death

   A defeated king starving himself to death. Vatakkiruttal / vattakirutal in Sangam poetry.

Summary. Official key is (d). Vattakirutal (vatakkiruttal) is the Sangam rite in which a defeated king sits facing north and fasts to death. It is not bodyguards, a court of scholars, or field-watch.