Viracōḷiam and Naṉṉūl thrust themselves upon our notice. The author of Viracōḻiam who is imbued with the spirit of Sanskrit, looks at Tamil grammar from that angle of vision. It may not be of much use for the proper study of our literature. It may mark a stage in the development of language. Pavaṇanti, the author of Naṉṉūl follows in the footsteps of Tolkāppiaṉār and the commentators and evolves a grammar of his own. It satisfies the then needs of the hour. Unlike Viracōḷiam he is in the tradition.

Even scholars, though grounded in Tolkāppiam and Naṉṉūl are quite oblivious of the fact that these two works on grammar have been built on a scientific basis. It is to the noble endeavours of such scholars as Fr. Beschi, Dr. Caldwell and Dr. Pope that we owe the opening of a new vista in the domain of grammar. Our learned men have really become alive to the scientific basis of our works on grammar. Dr. Caldwell’s Comparative Grammar of Dravidian languages which is indeed a mighty contribution has revolutionized our approach to Tamil grammar.

It is evident that Tolkāppiar and Pavaṇanti have stressed the influence of the dialects.² In the days of Tolkāppiar and Pavaṇanti there was not much difference between the spoken and the written language. They were not unaware of it. As days wore on, there must have been a great cleavage between these two. It is Fr. Beschi that has drawn our attention to it. He has embarked on the task of analysing the characteristics of the dialects.

Dr. Pope has rendered grammar easy by adopting the method of questions and answers. This catechistical method has been adopted for the clear exposition of the Bible. A similar method has been followed by Dr. Pope so that Tamil Grammar can be studied by foreigners without much strain on their part. We may also profit a great deal by the deviation from the old school of studying grammar.

2. Tol. Col. C. 18, 51, 195 etc. Ceṉāvraiyam; N. C. 259