Page:The Tamils Eighteen Hundred Years Ago.djvu/70

Rh coupled with the architecture and other peculiarities, seems to point to a similarity of race, which is both curious and interesting: but how and when the connection took place I must leave it to others to determine. I do not think there is any thing in the likeness of the names, but I do place faith in the similarity of their architecture combined with that of their manners and customs” (Mr. Fergusson’s History of Indian and Eastern Architecture, p.270 and 305). The similarity of races, which Mr. Fergusson’s professional instinct told him must be a fact, is fully borne out by the direct testimony of ancient Tamil poets. ''The connection between Nepal and Malabar had broken off probably more than two thousand years ago. It is truly marvellous therefore that traces of this connection still linger in the language, the customs, and the style of Architecture of the latter country, after the lapse of twenty centuries!''

The three Tamil tribes Maranmar, Thirayar and Vanavar founded respectively the Tamil Kingdoms subsequently known as the Pandya, Chola and Chera Kingdoms. From the edicts of the great Magadha Emperor Asoka. which were engraved in the latter half of the 3rd Century B.C., we learn that the three Tami’ kingdoms were in existence in his time and were not subject to his authority.

The latest of the immigrants into the Tamil country were the Kosar. It is said that they attacked Mohoor the Capital of PalayanMaran and as they were repulsed there, the “Vamba-Moriyar” or the illegitimate Mauriyas came to their assistance, and drove in