372 On the Epoch of the Gupta Dynasty. [No. 5. 



This position has been contested by Major A. Cunningham in his 

 book on "the Bhilsa Topes." Now, as the Gupta era, forms a 

 highly important time-mark in the general scheme of Indian history, 

 I may, I think, fairly claim a hearing while examining the question 

 somewhat in detail. 



It is a frequent and often deserved reproach against the more 

 determined of the class "Antiquary," that the tendency of such 

 researches is to enlarge the faculty of iDgenuity at the expence of 

 comprehensive intelligence. Seldom has been seen a more apt illus- 

 tration of the justice of this popular accusation, than is afforded in 

 the work just cited. My critic, after a very elaborate collation of 

 minute coincidences — most of them more seeming than real — and 

 an accumulation of a mass of materials, he imagines to be suitable 

 for his purpose — succeeds in raising up a most imposing superstruc- 

 ture, the single fault of which consists in its foundations resting on 

 the veriest sand. Neither can I compliment Major Cunningham on 

 the candour with which he has conducted his cause; he states the bare 

 conclusions I have come to, but usually abstains from informing his 

 readers of the grounds whereon I base my inferences, while his own 

 arguments are paraded in all their exparte advantage. 



I must premise, before I proceed to test the value of the criti- 

 cisms passed on one of my earliest essays, that I neither then was, 

 nor am I now wedded to any particular theory, I should have sin- 

 cerely rejoiced, if, out of my errors, the truth could have been deve- 

 loped ; my speculations— avowedly conjectural in themselves — were 

 put forward with sufficient humility, and therefore I should not 

 consider myself in any way compromised by the subsequent enun- 

 ciation of any more plausible theory — but, having been attacked, I 

 feel bound to justify myself — with what success it will be for others 

 to decide. 



Major Cunningham* opens his argument by objecting to the 

 authority I quote ; he first impugns the validity of the statement in 



* I reprint almost entire Major Cunningham's case against me, arranging it in 

 detached portions, with a view to bring its various headings, as nearly as may be, 

 into juxta-position with the opening portions of my replies. I commence my 

 quotations at Ch. XT I. par. 1, page 138. 



