Oriental Literature. 77 



authentic books, both ancient and modern, the 

 whole was translated into the Persian language, 

 from which an English version was published by 

 Mr. Nathaniel B. Halhed, in 1776. The pub- 

 lication of this work may be regarded as an im- 

 portant event in the history of Hindoo literature/ 



It was long ago known, that all the science and 

 literature possessed by the Brahmans were recorded 

 in the Sanscrit^ an ancient and sacred language 

 which was understood only by a few of the most 

 learned among themselves, and with which the 

 rest of mankind were wholly unacquainted. For 

 nearly three centuries different Europeans, settled 

 in India, sought to acquire a knowledge of this 

 language, but without success. The Brahmans, 

 either systematically opposed to the use of any 

 means for gaining proselytes to their religion and 

 habits, or suspecting that some improper use was 

 intended to be made of the information solicited, 

 uniformly refused to instruct any one in their sacred 

 books. But, at length, won by the address and 

 persuasion with which the application was pre- 

 sented, and being convinced that no intention hos- 



i About the middle of the sixteenth century, Akber, the sixth in de- 

 scent from Tamerlane, and a Prince of distinguished talents and virtues, 

 ascended the throne of Hindostan. As in every part of his extensive do- 

 minions, the Hindoos formed the great body of his subjects, he laboured to 

 acquire a perfect knowledge of their religion, sciences, laws, and institu- 

 tions ; that he might conduct every part of his government, particularly the 

 administration of justice, in a manner as much accommodated as possible to 

 their own ideas. In this undertaking he was seconded by his vizier, Abul 

 Fazel, a minister whose understanding was not less enlightened than that 

 cf his master. By their assiduous researches and consultation of learned 

 men, such information was obtained, as enabled Abul Fazel to publish 

 a brief compendium of Hindoo jurisprudence in the Ayeen Akbery, which 

 may be considered as the first genuine communication of its principles to 

 persons of a different religion. About two centuries afterwards Mr. Hast- 

 ings imitated and surpassed the example of Akber. See Robertson's 

 India, p. 260. 



j The word Sanscrit, according to Mr. Wilkins, is compounded of the 

 preposition San, signifying completion, and Skrtia, finished, implying that the 

 language is exquisitely refined and polished. 



