Grammatical relations and the closely related notion of transitivity are central to almost all models of linguistic theory. If languages are discovered in which neither of these play such a role, it will be necessary to reconsider some of the most basic assumptions of these theories. This book examines in detail the grammars of two different Indian languages, Kannada and Manipuri, and shows that grammatical relations are neither necessary nor universal. The importance of grammatical relations in linguistic theory makes this provocative hypothesis of interest to all linguistic theorists. Many theorists will find their approach addressed, as Professor Bhat has examined grammatical relations from the point of view of several linguistic theories. In addition, logicians and philosophers will find fascinating a re-interpretation of the concept of a subject', and scholars working on Indian languages will find invaluable the new examinations of the two languages which form the core of this study.