Shabdamanidarpanam (Kannada: ಶಬ್ದಮಣಿದರ್ಪಣಮ್), also spelled Śabdamaṇidarpaṇam, is a comprehensive and authoritative work on Kannada grammar written by Kesiraja in 1260 CE.[1][2] This work, which literally means "Jewel-mirror of Grammar", remains to-date a comprehensive and authoritative work on Kannada grammar. The rules here are set forth in kanda metre and is followed by a prose commentary in vrutti (illustrative commentary by the author himself) and is considered a writing of high value.[1][3] Though Kesiraja followed the model of Sanskrit grammar of the Katantra school and that of earlier writings on Kannada grammar, his work has an originality of its own.[4]
Shabdamanidarpanam is the earliest extant work of its kind, and narrates scientifically the principles of old Kannada language and is a work of unique significance.[5]