Kāṭci is an example.¹⁷⁶ He often ascertains the meaning of words by quoting from other literary works. Example “Citaṭar” in Puṟanāṉūṟu means blind which meaning is assigned to it.¹⁷⁷ This kind of concordance helped later people interested in similar work, besides helping to get a view of the author’s style and language.

Pope’s study of the Tiruvācakam is remarkable indeed. He has sought, caught and appreciated all its unique qualities. He is a true critic. Where he is in discordance though rarely with the author, he clearly says so. When he declares that the Tiruvācakam is a “Veritable Pilgrim’s Progress”¹⁷⁸, he, like a true critic gives unstinted praise. The religious requirements of South India which found instantaneous satisfaction in Māṇikkavācakar’s songs which gave her a “Personal God” is brought out in categorical terms.

“To have a great work in progress is the way to live long” said Benjamin Jowett to Pope. This work of Pope’s is really great and he has carved for himself, an undisputed place in the hearts of Tamil scholars.

EPICS

During Pope’s time, many books and papers were published. The Western custom of reviewing them was adopted, and in South India, printed works were reviewed. Pope did similar work. “Cilappatikāram” translated as “The Lay of The Anklet” was a review by Pope.¹⁷⁹ The complete edition of Cilappatikāram was printed by Dr. Swaminatha Iyer un 1892. Here, Pope for ‘cilampu’ says “an anklet worn by dancers.......which gives forth a tinkling sound.”¹⁸⁰ The “cilampu” we know was worn by Kaṇṇaki who was not a dancer - and even to this day many women adorn their legs with it. Pope is not correct in saying that it

176. Ibid. P. 27

177. Ibid. P. 36

178. Ibid. P. 308

179. P.L.T. Vol. 1, No. 6, Nov. 1897

180. Ibid.