Angatham in Tamil Literature – A Study

தமிழ் இலக்கியங்களில் அங்கதம்: ஓரு பார்வை

Abstract

The word “Angatham” refers to satire, ridicule, or mockery. During the Sangam period, Angatham was used as a literary device to delicately and humorously point out the inferior qualities or faults of a person. Whether it concerns an individual or society, their shortcomings must be criticized and pointed out. Such criticism is not expressed merely to amuse others. Instead, it often involves exposing the pretensions of individuals and revealing their true nature through sharp and ironic expression. By metaphorically tearing away the outer cover of wrongdoing and bringing truth to light, this form of expression becomes a powerful literary technique. In literature, such a style of exposing truth through satire and ridicule is referred to as Angatham.