references to tuLu language in ancient Tamil text

[Sudalaimuthu Palaniappan]

In a message dated 1/15/99 2:10:57 PM Central Standard Time,
Periannan.Chandrasekaran at DELTA-AIR.COM writes:

> Are there any other references to Tulu in early
>  > tamil literature.

There is indeed a reference to tuLu nATu in Classical Tamil literature.

meymmali perum pUN cemmal kOcar
kommaiyam pacuGkAyk kuTumi viLainta
pAkal Arkaip paRaikkaN pIli
tOkaik kAvin2 tuLunATTu an2n2a              (akanAn2URu 15.2-5)

Translation:

Like the tulu country with groves which belong to the kOcar who hold truth as
their ornaments, and where peacocks, that have plumage with patterns like the
eyes of the drums, eat the fruits of balsam-pear (momordica charantia)
ripening at the tip....

Regards
S. Palaniappan