Studies in Cola History and Administration c6.40

c6.40

It is also necessary to observe, before closing, that the question of the authenticity of the colophons which has engaged our attention so far, is different from that of the internal chronology of the poems that results from our accepting them. It is indeed true that hasty genealogical lists have been evolved for the dynasties represented in the poems; these lists lack support from the colophons and Mr. Srinivasa Aiyangar does well to deprecate them. But their shortcomings leave untouched the main question of the authority and correctness for purposes of history of the literary tradition we have been discussing. The method of working in data drawn from it in a restoration of the past, and the pattern resulting from their disposition offer limitless scope to the talent of the individual historian.