8
❖ மறைமலையம் - 9
of the old commentary, though not of the poem that that of Mr. Swaminatha Aiyar. In the course of my criticism I need hardly say that I have differed as widely from the old commentator as from the two Pandits, But I have fully stated my reasons and authority for doing so.
I conclude these few prefatory remarks with a fervent hope that these Tamil students who take a deep interest in the study of this poem, will find in the following critical commentary a better means of getting at a true and appreciative knowledge of this only genuine relic of a great and old Tamil poet Napputhanar and will interest themselves by further devoting a few of their leisure hours to the study of Tamil classics and extend their knowledge of Tamil wider than it is at present.
Madras Christian college 28th September 1903
VEDACHALAM
