The Tamil Lexicon is a comprehensive Tamil‑English dictionary compiled and published by the University of Madras. It is widely regarded as the most authoritative reference work for the Tamil language.
Publication history
- Initiated in the early 20th century under the auspices of the University of Madras’ Department of Tamil.
- Publication occurred in multiple volumes released between the 1920s and the late 1930s.
- The complete set consists of seven volumes that together contain more than 100 000 headwords, encompassing classical, medieval, and modern Tamil vocabulary, as well as loanwords and technical terms.
Structure and content
- Entries are presented in Tamil script, followed by transliteration, grammatical information, and concise English definitions.
- Illustrative citations are drawn from classical literature (e.g., Sangam poetry, Chola inscriptions) and later works, providing contextual usage.
- The lexicon includes cross‑references, etymological notes, and information on dialectal variations.
Scholarly significance
- The work is a standard resource for linguists, historians, and translators working with Tamil.
- It has served as the basis for subsequent lexical projects, including digital and online versions.
- In the late 20th century, the University of Madras released a digitised edition, making the content more accessible for research and education.
Current availability
- Physical copies of the seven‑volume set are held in major libraries and research institutions worldwide.
- An online version is hosted by the University of Madras and can be accessed through its official website, offering searchable access to the full text.
Related works
- Earlier Tamil dictionaries, such as the Oxford Tamil Dictionary (1995) and Dravidian Linguistics volumes, often cite the Tamil Lexicon as an authoritative source.
The information presented reflects established encyclopedic knowledge about the Tamil Lexicon; no speculative or unverified details are included.
