The Colas c32.9

c32.9

While we thus find much evidence on the nature and organisation of higher studies in Sanskrit, it is somewhat disappointing that we are left with practically no tangible evidence on the state of Tamil learning; yet there can be no doubt that the numerous *maṭhas*, the names of which are recorded in inscriptions all over the country, did serve as more or less important centres for the promotion of learning, religious and secular, in the Tamil language. We may be certain that then, as now, it was one of the principal tasks of the *maṭhas* to train the bands of choristers who sang the *Tiruppadiyam* in the temples.