எடடததகயல உவக மயபபட / Joy Physiognomy in Ettuthokai

Before the development of spoken language, humans used gestures for communication. Then, gestures evolved into spoken language. Tholkappiyar described eight types of physical manifestations of moods and emotions (Meippaadu). Meippaadu refers to the apparent expression of the body gestures and it is the visible form of the emotions within. Among the eight types of physiognomic expressions, Uvagai Meippaadu (Joy Physiognomy) reflects the joy of the human mind and the well being of the body. This state of joy expression arises from four fundamental factors. They are wealth, knowledge, sexual union and sports. Spoken language is a powerful medium to convey emotional states. When speech expresses inner emotions, it is considered to be a form of Meippaadu. In Sangam literary poems, the emotions of the poets are conveyed through words by making the compositions are emotionally charged. This study examines how Joy Physiognomy (Uvagai Meippaadu) is reflected in physical health, mental joy and literary expression in “Ettuthokai”. The article also explores the manifestations of psychological and physiological possibilities of joyful expressions (Uvagai Meippaadu) as seen in the key representations of classical Tamil literature. It analyzes the human emotional expressions found in Sangam poems through language discourse, similes and longings of sexual union as central themes. This study focuses on joy physiognomy as portrayed in the context of the five landscapes in the cases of Hero and his beloved’s union, separation, awaiting, destitution and reunion that characterize the manifestations of moods and emotions between the lovers in Sangam literature.