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115. With what verbs does 'tu' occur as the affix of the
past tense?
In the case of the verb 'ey' and other crude-forms
ending in 'y' also in the case of 'uzhu' (=plough) etc.
'poru' (=fight) and other orude-forms whose final con-
sonant is a long palatal vowel or liquid. *
Ex: eytu (= ploughed), koytu (= reaped), uzhutu (= plough-
ed), tozhutu (= adored), vítu (= to fan), porutu (= fought).
116. What changes does 'tu' undergo?
'Tu' occurs also strengthened as 'ttu', ntu.
Of these 'ntu' is softened in 'nnu'.
After crude-forms ending in a palatal vowel 'ntu' is
often softened into 'ńńu'; nevertheless these and others
must be regarded as only forms of 'tu' the affix of the
past tense.
117. When is 'ttu' used?
i) After crude-forms ending in r, ru, zh.
Ex: párkka, párttu (= stayed); etirkka, etirttu (= opposed);
madhrkka, madhrttu (= became sweet); vízhkka, vízhttu
(= threw down).
ii.) After several crude-forms ending in full 'u' exclu-
sive of those referred to as ending in 'ku' etc.
Ex: pakuttu (= divided), eṭuttu (=lifted up, took up), taṇuttu
(= became cold).
* Besides this it should be stated that all verbs not forming their
past tense in 'i' form it in 'tu', particulars will be found in the
answers which follow.
