april — june 1857.] The Tamil Epic Chintamani, 45 



is truly interesting and valuable disseminated in Europe, it must 

 not be overlooked that in the country itself it is of the utmost 

 consequence to the progress of sound scholarship and correct taste 

 that the best authors be brought to light, and if possible, published, 

 under proper editorial supervision and responsibility. 



Much, it is admitted, that is found in the indigenous literature 

 evenof the best periods, is, like some portions of the works of Greece 

 and Rome, unfit for general perusal. The works of real value 

 should notwithstanding be published and rescued from oblivion,, 

 In the course of time they may be expurgated ; objectionable sen- 

 timents and passages eliminated ; thus separated from the vile, the 

 precious would have an enduring value. 



These general remarks are intended to introduce to more parti- 

 tic ular notice the Classical work entitled Chintamani. 



It is the opinion of native scholars that the Epic Chintamani, 

 which was composed by Terudevar sometimes called Tiruttakkade- 

 var, was written about two thousand years ago ; the author was a 

 Jaina and resided at Mylapore, now a suburb of Madras : although 

 this opinion may be incorrect, no doubt the work in question is very 

 ancient ; it was doubtless written several centuries ago. This cele- 

 brated work is one of the five classical productions which are re- 

 garded as undisputed authorities in all matters relating to Tamil 

 philology. 



The five works are Chintamani, Chillapadikaram, Valleiyapathi, 

 Kundalakesi, Manimekalei. 



The book under notice contains the heroic story of a King named 

 Jivaka ; his history is also found in the Maha Purana, a work writ- 

 ten in Sanscrit. This Purana belongs to the Jainas, and, of course, 

 is not one of the celebrated eighteen. 



The author of Chintamani is regarded by all Tamil Scholars, an- 

 cient and modern, as one of the most learned men that ever appear- 

 ed. It is said that he was acquainted with Agatteyam and Tol- 

 kappeyam, the celebrated ancient Tamil Grammars ; and that he 

 was deeply read in all the best works then extant in the Sanscrit 

 language, including the Sacred Vedas. The best writers in the Tamil 

 language refer to this work in illustration of their forms of con. 



