Page:Madras journal of literature and science vol 2 new series 1857.djvu/54

44 The Tamil Epic Chinlamani. [no. 3, kew series, do not entertain a doubt that, unless Government adopt measures to counteract certain tendencies in the native mind, the machinery it is now forming with so much zeal, ability and expense, will be in great measure inoperative. The native, arguing on palpable facts, maintains that it is not vernacular attainment that confers office and emolument, but a knowledge of English; and consistently enough he is disposed to devote all his energies to the latter. The remedy is, however, in the hands of Government. Let it be promulgated, by Government that in all cases a candidate for public employment from the peon upwards, must pass a graduated examination in order to test his knowledge of his own language; or present a certificate, signed by competent authority, to show that the required standard has been attained : this, and this only, will secure the efficiency of the means adopted by Government, for promoting vernacular education.

It is in place here to refer to a valuable contribution to the study of the vernacular languages of Southern India in the form of a comparative Dravidian Grammar recently published in London by the Revd. Mr. Caldwell. The study of comparative Grammar as regards the Indo-European family of languages has made great progress in the west; and for some time past the Dravidian tongues have been matter of enquiry and investigation among oriental scholars in England and on the continent of Europe. One or two works have issued from the press in Europe in Tamil executed in the most beautiful style. All these facts conspire to persuade the inference that an era is opening for the development of the treasures bequeathed to the natives of Southern India by the talent and industry of former ages.

Under these circumstances it may be of some benefit to direct attention to some of those ancient works which, in Southern India, have, for so many centuries, been the admiration of indigenous scholars; and the patterns for guidance in the authorship of modern times. By thus pioneering the way no doubt needs be entertained as to the track being followed by a succession of adventurers who will do good service. Whilst the attention of Europeans is drawn to the ancient authors of the Dravidian race, and thereby much that