சங்க இலக்கிய அழகியல் கூறுகளுள் உள்ளுறையும் இறைச்சியும்: ULLURAI AND IRAICHI AMONG THE AESTHETIC ELEMENTS OF SANGAM LITERATURE

Abstract

In the field of literary criticism, aesthetics encompasses a broad scope covering literature and other arts. Among them, aesthetic insights concerning literature are found in the Porulathikaram of the Tholkappiyam. All nine chapters of the Porulathikaram elucidate the aesthetic elements employed in literature. Sangam literature follows the tradition of the Tholkappiyam. In these works, rather than expressing a concept directly, aesthetic components that serve to convey meanings implicitly—as hidden meanings—are known as Ulluthurai (implied meaning) and Iraichi (suggestive meaning). Both Ulluthurai and Iraichi serve as the subtle nuances of Akapporul (interior/love poetry). In Sangam poetry, they are aesthetic devices used to indirectly convey the power of love without explicitly stating the actions of the characters. The purpose of this essay is to establish that Ulluthurai and Iraichi are essential for understanding the expression of love in Sangam literature.

Keywords

• Tholkappiyam Aesthetics
• Sangam Literature Aesthetics
• Ulluthurai
• Iraichi