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14. ‘Dictionary of rhyming words’ which provides rhymes suitable to versification like sab, wat, @séb (Akam, Makam, Mukam)-Qeraré, «cir ere), Her or & (Innal, Kannal, Thinnal) etc.

45. Dictionary which gives similar words mainly in pronunciation but have only one letter different in ‘its counterpart, like sh, a pb; Gab, Eerl ; wer tb, weerth (Aram, Arram; Kulam, Kullam ; Manam, Mannam).

Many such dictionaries took their birth and are yet gtowing. When the dictionary that began to give the meanings of words took many many shapes it became an ‘art’ by itself; Artis born generally when a science or a craft gets new and fresh status from its original state by means of imagination. When a work becomes an art people are captivated by it and begin to use in a variety of ways. Lexicography also comes under this genera! rule.

‘Fhe History of Tamil Lexicography :

The lexicography in the Tamil language took its origin some three thousand years ago. Tholkaappiam, the greatest book on Tamil grammar which is considered as the first of ‘the available old Tamil books and as of three thousand years old contains pages that tell the meanings of words.

‘The First Tamil Dictionary :

Tholkaappiam is the greatest book on linguistics and Social Science. In its first chapter ‘Ezhutthathikaaram’ (7 $58 rgb) orthagraphy finds its place ; In the second chapter ‘Collathikaaram’ (Q¢ro) @P#argh) Etymology is dealth with; In the third and last chapter ‘Porullathikaaram’”