Mysore and Coorg from the Inscriptions c13.6

c13.6

It is evident that a work of such extent could neither have been produced nor required there not already existed a considerable literature in Kannaḍa, together with a widespread cultivation of the language. And a eulogy by Daṇḍi indicates that Śrīvarddha flourished in or before the sixth century. But, both in SB 54 and TN 105, the mention of the *Chūḍāmaṇi* is preceded by that of the *Chintāmaṇi*, the author of which has the same name as his work. It is described as a lucid exposition of merit, wealth, love,¹ and salvation. That this was a Kannaḍa work is evidently implied, and one older than the *Chūḍāmaṇi*. But of neither, unfortunately, has any trace so far been found. On the other hand, there is a *Chintāmaṇi* in Tamil, which Dr. Caldwell describes as a Jain work by an unknown author, containing 15,000 lines, and little known on account of its difficult style. He adds, however, that it is without doubt the greatest epic poem in the Tamil language, and may be the oldest Tamil composition of any extent now extant.