Early Tamil Epigraphy: From the Earliest Times to the Sixth Century A.D. c28.s7.t3.28

c28.s7.t3.28

The word *taccaṉ* is generally derived from IA. Cf. *taccha* (AMg.) < *takshan* (Skt.) 'carpenter'. This, however, leaves Tamil without a native word for 'carpenter/ stonemason' which seems unlikely. Cf. *tai* 'to make, create' (*TL*); *tacca* (< *taitta*) (*Villi.* 9:46); *tai* 'to fasten beams with nails, spikes or pegs' (D. 3473); *taital* (Ma.) 'split bamboos joined for doors, mats, ceilings' (ibid.). Cf. cognate forms *tac-/*tāc-* in Kuwi (ibid.). The evidence supports the derivation of *taccu* 'carpentry' from Dr. *tai* (*\* tay/tac*). Cf. **taita** (*taitta*) 'made' (**101.2**).