ಶಬ್ದಮಣಿದರ್ಪಣಂ

Abstract

‘Shabdamanidarpanam’ was written by ‘Kesiraja’ in 1260 CE. It explains a comprehensively about ‘Kannada Grammar’. Literal meaning of the word ‘Shabdamanidarpanam’ is ‘Jewel-Mirror of Grammar’. It is used as a textbook, also in the introduction of this book explained by author himself firstly explained about importance of language, then importance of Grammar. Also he has mentioned about reference books, such as written by ‘Gajana’, ‘Gunanandi’, ‘Manasija’ ‘Asaga’, Chandrabhatta’, ‘Gunavarma’, ‘honna’, ‘pampa’ etc., which were helped him to write ‘Shabdamanidarpana’ in a systematic and significant way about ‘old Kannada language’. It may be treated as first book on ‘Kannada linguistics’, what modern linguistics is trying to explain.