Page:Arden - A Progressive Grammar of Common Tamil.djvu/10

 A copious index, both in Tamil and English, is given at the end of the book, and will be found most useful for reference.

A few introductory remarks are added in reference to the Tamil language, and the manner in which it should be acquired.

The languages of Southern India, of which Tamil is the most important, are termed Dravidian. The principal members of this group of languages are—

(1) Tamil.—This is the vernacular of about thirteen millions of people, who principally inhabit the country on the Eastern side of the Ghauts from Madras to Cape Comorin, South Travancore on the Western side of the Ghauts, and also the Northern parts of Ceylon.

(2) Malayalam.—This is closely akin to Tamil. It is the vernacular of about five millions of people, who principally inhabit the country on the Western side of the Ghats, from Mangalore to Trivandrum.

(3) Telugu.—This is next to Tamil in importance, from which it differs very considerably. It uses an entirely distinct written character; and introduces the Sanskrit aspirates, which Tamil does not. It is the vernacular of about seventeen millions of people, who principally inhabit the country stretching North from Madras to the confines of Bengal, and far inland into the heart of the Dekhan.

(4) Canarese.—This language is closely akin to Telugu. It is the vernacular of about eight millions of people, who principally inhabit Mysore and Canara.

While, on the one hand, it may truly be said that no oriental living language can be properly mastered without a residence in the country where it is spoken, yet, on the other hand, the author believes, that if a suitable teacher can be procured, it is of the highest value, especially