Indian Antiquary Vol 01

SR No.: 032493
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jas Burgess
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 430
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 22 MB

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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
[JANUARY 5, 1872
southern India, who earnestly applies himself to the led by the Government of Madras that it is proposed study of Hindu Literature, may be able to confer to build at Madras a Public Library, in which these on Indian Philology, by collecting materials, and MSS. will be deposited and properly protected placing the results of his researches before Euro- against the ravages of insects, and that the Profespean scholars. The Madras Service, however, has sor of Sanskrit at Madras has further been instructof late evinced but little interest in literary pursuitsed to priut a list of those MSS. which he may conof this kind, and the Literary Society of Madras in- sider of primary importance, with a view of making deed has for years scarcely shown a sign of its ex- these works better known than they are through the istence. It is to be hoped that the few carnest so-called Catalogue Raisonne. The Council has also scholars still engaged in Oriental Studies muy put been informed that a printed list of MSS. will be an end to this unhappy state of indifference, by communicated to the Asiatic Society, and that any showing what important problems of Sanskrit Phi- suggestions which may be made by the Society for lology and Indian history aro dependent for their the transcription of any of these MSS. will receive solution upon the south, and that Madras will thus the attention of the Governinent. not stay behind other local governments in lending By a minute in the Public Works Department, in its support to the scientific exertions of European May, 1868, the Government of India authorized the and native scholars, but still cordially co-operato inexpenditure of sums not exceeding Rupees 13.000 carrying out Mr. Whitley Stokes' schemo of pro- in each of the four political divisions of the country curing, and compiling lists of MSS. scattered over for the purpose of delinepting and casting some of the whole of India.
the more remarkable antiquities of each presidency The contents of the Sarasvati Bhandaram Library with a view to their ultimate conservation. These of H. H. the Maharaja of Maisur, have been made sums, if properly expended, being quite sufficient known through a catalogue issued a few months to commence upon, great hopes were entertained since by the Bangalore Press, and containing the that the work so long desired by every well-wisher titles of several rare works. Of the Tanjore Library, of India, would at last be accomplished by means a list had been printed many years ago, in which of this well-timed liberality on the part of the unfortunately, an extremely bad, often unintelligi- Government. ble, method of transcription was adopted; of this In pursuance of this policy, Mr. Terry, Superinlist there is a copy in the possession of Professor tendent of the School of Design, was despatched Goldstücker, the only one which is supposed to be from Bombay with a party of modellers, and some now extant in Europe. Many parts of the Dekhan of his own pupils, to commence operations on the however, have up to this time remained completely temple at Ambernath, near Kalyan, on the other unexplored, and still promise a plentiful harvest to side of the Bombay harbour. Owing to the novelty future investigators ; although, in many cases, it of tho undertaking and the inexperience of the will, no doubt, require the utruost care to overcome party, nothing else was attempted during the avail. the suspicion and superstitions of the Brahmans. able season of 1868-69, especially as an outbreak of Of the Namburis in Malabar, for instance, a most fever and other unexpected difficulties very interi. interesting, thonglı very retired and secluded class ally retarded the work; but so much disappointof Bralumans, we know next to nothing ; yet they mont was felt at the result that no attempt was are said to be staunch followers of the Vedic reli- made to continue operations during the last cold gion, and to have in their possession a great many weather. In the meantime so much difficulty has old Vedio MSS. Some places in the Haidarabad been experienced in reproducing the casts and photerritory also, especially Kaleshvaram on the Upper tographs that no specimens of either have yet reachel Godavari, are known as great seats of Rig and Sama- tliis country, nor has any satisfactory report of the veda learning, and may be expected, when visited results obtained from the labours of the party. and explored, to add considerably to our knowledge At the same time another expedition was orgitof ancient Sanskrit literature.
nized in Calcutta, with the object of visiting Orissa There exists already a large collection of Sanskrit for the purpose of delineating some of the numerous MSS. in Madras, which awaits a thorough examina- and interesting antiquities of that province. Owing, tion, and the Council of this society have for some however, to dissension among the members composyears used their best endeavours to get the collections | ing it, and other difficulties, it seems to have been transferred to England for incorporation with the as little fruitful in results as that fitted out from Library of the In.lia Ofice, with a view not only Bombay. They did however bring back some casts to rescuing the MSS. from the early destruction of sculpture, a few photographs, and several copies with which they are threatened by the ravages of of inscriptions, but unfortunately neglected to take the climate and of the white ants, but also in order casts or photographs of the remarkable sculptures to render them more accessible to European scholars in the Ganesha and Jodev caves, at Udayagiri. These Though their recommendation has not been carried are probably the oldest and most interesting in out in full, the Council are gratified in stating that India, and their attention had been previously spein reply to their application they have been inform- cially directed to them. As in the case of the Bom