The Writings of Beschi
In thirty-six years he produced a vast corpus — catechetical, ethical, grammatical, aesthetic, scientific and literary. Tamil scholars hold his works as the high-water mark of their literature, naming him father of modern Tamil prose, of Tamil lexicography and of Tamil philology.
Where a work has been digitised, a Read and Download (PDF) link appears beside it. The library grows as the editions are added.
Major Epic 1
- Tempaavani 1726 The unfading garland of honeyed flowers — the significance of the life of St. Joseph in the light of the Old and New Testaments.
Minor Poetic Works 7
- Annai Azhunkal Andaati 1715 Andaati of the lamentations of Mother Mary at the foot of the Cross.
- Adaikala Maalai before 1730 Garland to Mother Mary, Our Lady of Refuge.
- Adaikala Naayakimeil Venkalippaa before 1730 Venkalippaa honouring Our Lady of Refuge.
- Karunaampara (Teivaara)p Patikam before 1730 Garland of songs rendered before and after death.
- Vannam before 1730 Series of songs rendered to God.
- Tirukaavalur Kalambakam 1730 Kalambakam honouring the sacred site of Adaikala Maathaa.
- Kitteriammaal Ammaanai 1732 Ammaanai celebrating the saintly virgin Quittery.
Prose Works 9
- Lutherinathu Iyalbu 1727 The Nature of the Lutherans.
- Tirukkadaiyur Tiruchchabaikku Ezhuthiya Nirupam 1727 Epistle to the Catholics of Thirukadaiyur.
- Vediyar Ozhukkam 1727 The Code of Conduct for the Catechists.
- Thiruchchabaikku Pothu Nirupam after 1727 Epistle to all Catholics.
- Pethaka Maruttal 1728 Refutation of the Schism.
- Veda Vilakkam 1728 Explication of Catholic doctrines.
- Tamizh Aandukalum Maatangalum 1733 Christian Tamil years and months.
- Paramaarta Kuru Katai 1744 The Story of Paramaarta Guru.
- Vaaman Carittiram 1744 Story of Vaaman.
Lexicons 4
- Caturakaraati 1732 Four-fold Dictionary of classical Tamil.
- Tamizh–Latin Akaraati 1744 Dictionary of Common Tamil and Latin.
- Portuguese–Latin–Tamizh Akaraati 1744 Multilingual dictionary of Portuguese, Latin and Tamil.
- Tamizh–French Akaraati 1744 Dictionary of Tamil and French.
Translation 1
- Tirukkural (Latin) c.1744–1747 Latin translation of the sections on Aram (Virtue) and Porul (Resources).
Commentaries 3
- Tirukkural Urai Commentary on the Tirukkural.
- Tempaavani Urai Commentary on the Tempaavani.
- Tonnool Vilakka Urai Commentary on Tonnool Vilakkam.
Books on Grammar 4
- Koduntamizh Ilakkanam 1738 Grammar for common Tamil.
- Sentamizh Ilakkanam 1730 Grammar for classical Tamil.
- Tonnool Vilakkam 1730 Explanation of ancient grammar principles.
- Sentamizh Ilakkana Tiravukol (Clavis) 1746 Key to Tonnool Vilakkam.
On Medical Practice
Recurring disease among the marginalized after famine and flood drew Beschi to learn and practise local Siddha medication — a familiarity evident in his Tamil–Latin dictionary. Works such as Nasa Kaandam, Rathina Curukkam, Vaitya Cikaamani and Mekanaati Thailam are attributed to him, though their authorship awaits firmer evidence. The Veeramaamunivar Maathirai long circulated as a remedy for many ailments.