Desiderata and Enquiries connected with the Presi- 

 dency of Madras. 



LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE. 



Fac-similies of ancient inscriptionSj with translations and alpha- 

 bets of their characters. 



Well written alphabets of all the moderii languages. 



It is certain that the Hindu languages of the south of India are 

 not derived from the Sanscrit, and it is % tradition which this cir- 

 cumstance confirms that the Brahmais, with their religion and lan- 

 guage, came from the north. The question regarding the time when 

 the Vadamozhi or northern tongue (the Sanscrit) was introduced, 

 is one of great interest. 



A comparison of the different languages of the south and an ex- 

 amination of what they have borrowed from the Sanscrit, with an 

 accurate account of the geographical limits of these languages. 



Which is the most ancient character in use in the south of India ? 



Is there any trace of a language which may be considered the pa- 

 rent of those now existing in Southern India ? If so, what is its 

 name ? Where was it vernacular ? And how far has it entered in- 

 to the formation of the other peninsular languages ? 



Does the Purvada Hati Canada answer in any degree this des- 

 cription ? Some account of this language with a well written al- 

 phabet of its characters as appearing in inscriptions, it is believed may 

 be obtained from learned Jain Brahmans. One of this sect, employ- 

 ed by Colonel Mackenzie, thoroughly understood it, and if still liv- 

 ing, might probably furnish the information here desired. 



Copies and translations of the inscriptions at the caves of Kenera 

 in the Island of Salsette, which are in this character, might be useful 

 for this purpose. 



Notices and catalogues raisonnees of Libraries at Native Courts, 

 in Pagodas, &c. accounts of their foundation, how they are maintain- 

 ed ; if additions of books are occasionally made to them, and by what 

 means they are obtained. 



HISTORY. 



Historical accounts of the erection of religious and charitable edi- 

 fices. 



