X. 



On Ancient Monuments, containing Sanscrit 

 Inscriptions, 



by h. t. colebkooke, esq. 



-In the scarcity of authentic materials for the ancient, 

 and even for the modern, history of the Hindu race, 

 importance is justly attached to all genuine monuments, 

 and especially inscriptions on stone and metal, which 

 are occasionally discovered through various accidents. 

 If these be carefully preserved and diligently examined; 

 and the facts, ascertained from them, be judiciously 

 employed towards elucidating the scattered informa- 

 tion, which can be yet collected from the remains of 

 Indian literature, a satisfactory progress may be finally 

 made in investigating the history of the Hindus. That 

 the dynasties of princes, whA have reigned paramount 

 in India, or the line of chieftains, who have ruled over 

 particular tracts, will be verified ; or that the events of 

 war or the effects of policy, during a series of ages, 

 will be developed ; is an expectation, which I neither 

 entertain, nor wish to excite. But the state of man- 

 ners, and the prevalence of particular doctrines, at dif- 

 ferent periods, may be deduced from a diligent perusal 

 of the writings of authors, whose age is ascertained: 

 and the contrast of different results, for various and 

 distant periods, may furnish a distinct outline of the 

 progress of opinions. A brief history of the nation it- 

 self, rather than of its government, will be thus 

 sketched : but if unable to revive the memory of 

 great political events, we may at least be content 

 to know what has been the state of arts, of sci- 

 ences, of manners, m remote ages, among this 

 very ancient and early civilized people ; and to learn 



