DARK PSYCHOLOGICAL ELEMENTS IN THOLKAPPIYAR’S THOLKAPPIYAM
Keywords:
Tolkappiyam, Meyppattiyal (Aesthetics of Emotion), Tolkappiyar, Dark Psychology, Eightfold Emotions (Envakai Meyppatukal), Emotional Manipulation, Negative Emotions, Tamil Literary PsychologyAbstract
This research paper explores the principles of 'Meyppattiyal' (the aesthetics/physical manifestations of emotions) in the Porulathikaram of Tolkappiyar's Tolkappiyam through the lens of modern 'Dark Psychology'. This study demonstrates how 'Meyppadus'—the physical and psychological expressions of internal and external human emotions—relate to dark psychological traits such as internal emotional conflict, deceit, manipulation, mental stress, vengefulness, and social dominance. By analyzing the eight primary emotions specified by Tolkappiyar—humor/mockery (Nakai), sorrow (Alukai), contempt/degradation (Ilivaral), wonder (Marutkai), fear (Acham), pride/valour (Perumitham), anger (Vekuli), and joy (Uvakai)—along with their underlying causes and manifestations through classical poetic tradition, this paper uncovers the implicit psychological strategies utilized in ancient Tamil culture. Specifically, it examines how 'Ilivaral' (self-degradation/loss of dignity), 'Vekuli' (anger/vengeful wrath), 'Acham' (fear/dominance through intimidation), and the subtle nuances of 'Nakai' (dark humor/mockery) align with human negative and dark psychological states. Ultimately, this work establishes that ancient Tamil grammar is not merely a linguistic framework, but also a sophisticated psychological document offering deep insight into the darker dimensions of the human mind.
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