124 Analysis of the Mackenzie Manuscripts. [Feb. 



b'huvesvara in Sanskrit ; that is " Siva who became a mother" from a 

 fable that Siva gave suck to an orphan ; being no doubt some historical 

 circumstance, veiled under an emblem, or hieroglyphic. The name was 

 also borne by a famous adwita poet at Trichinopoly. Whether it belong- 

 ed to a colonist from the north, as stated in this paper, I would leave 

 others to determine. 



General Note to Manuscript Book, No. 15. 

 The paper on which this book is written remains in good preserva- 

 tion, unattacked by insects. But the writing being very pale, and liable 

 to early illegibility, pointed it out for restoration. The contents of the 

 book are of average interest, and a few passages are rather special. 



IV. — Carndtaca rdjakal Savistdra Charitra, or a General history of 



the Peninsula. 

 ( Palm-leaf Manuscript, No. 214, countermark 75.) 



This work, which is of no ordinary interest or importance, professes to 

 be a general history of Peninsula India, Muhammadan as well as Hindu, 

 and to include the period from the commencement of the Culi-yuga, 

 corresponding with the installation of Paricshita son of Abimanya, 

 and grandson of Arjuna, down to Cali-yuga 4908, being Acheya year 

 of the Hindu cycle, era of Vicramaditya 1864. Salivdhana saca 1729, 

 (A. D. 1807-8.) It is a great pity that there is a small chasm in one 

 place, and a much larger one in another, though not in the most valua- 

 able portions. The general nature of the work may best appear from 

 the following abstract, often little more than a mere index to the con- 

 tents. 



Introduction. The usual invocation. The author's name Nar a rya- 

 nen of the Anantakon race of Ginjee. The book was composed while 

 Lord W. Bentinck was Governor of Madras, at the special request 

 of Colonel William Macleod then Commissioner at Arcot ; who 

 desired Narrayanen to write down a narrative of events in India from 

 the earliest times, as such an account would be very acceptable to Euro- 

 peans. In consequence of this request Narrayanen felt great anxiety 

 that his work should be complete and authentic ; and, after six months 

 preparatory study, during which he specially procured the aid of learned 

 Muhammadans, and acquired from them all the details of their books and 

 records, he wrote down this compendium of results. He offers the 

 customary apology to authors and critics for any deficiency that may be 

 found in his production. 



The Narrative. 



The first Cdnda or section, on primeval matters. A reference to the 

 creation of elementary principles ; the Brahmdndam or mundane egg<, 



