changes. Hence various forms of verbs in their several tenses and moods had to be enumerated. The alphabetical order was followed only as far as main words were concerned. Since it was handy dictionary, words which were rarely used and obsolete were omitted. The compiler of this work is not known. Nevertheless, we can safely believe that this also was the work of a European scholar (since the Tranquebar Mission was a European one).

The great demand for Winslow’s dictionary soon exhausted the supply. The American Mission again were not capable of financing the reprint; a compiler was also hard to find. Dr. Pope, that tireless worker knew about it and agreed to compile the work provided it was sent over to him. Before the Madras University and the Madras Government could reach a decision about this, Dr. Pope died in 1907.³⁸ Dr. Pope independently compiled a dictionary which his son, after the father’s demise sent to the madras Oriental Manuscript Library.

When native Tamil scholars read this work, they informed the Madras Government that it should be published as a new dictionary. Rev. J. S. Chandler-a European scholar - presented to the Madras Government a new and better method of preparing a Tamil Lexicon.³⁹ Rev. Chandler was then asked to lead the preparation of the Tamil Lexicon. Unfortunately, he could not complete the undertaking due to his retirement. This Tamil Lexicon of the Madras University probably has evolved from the original framework of Dr. Pope and Rev. Chandler.

We can safely say that unilingual and bilingual dictionaries in Tamil which have been built on foreign lines with English scientific development included, have had immeasurable help from European scholars. Though expressly meant for Missionary use, they have proved themselves to be peerless over the years to natives also. European scholars-compilers have not remained seclusive and time and again we see the knowledge and advice of native scholars have been used.

38. Sethu Pillai, R. P., “Alaiyum Kalaiyum”, 4th edition, 1962, P. 133

39. Ibid. P. 133.