66 
nations were able to appreciate the value of such works 
than the time when they were written, we still get a 
confirmation of the previous testimony. Thus they were 
translated into Tamul by the Maha Rishi Aghastier, 
(v. p. 48), who appears to have introduced the religion, as 
well as the science of the Hindoos, into the Peninsula before 
the Christian era. That the Hindoos of the north had com- 
munication anterior to that date with the inhabitants of the 
south, has been proved by Mr. Tumour, who has been 
able to shew, from Pali annals, the connexion between Cey- 
lon and Ancient Behar, from the period of the rise in the 
latter of Buddhism (543 B.C.) nearly six centuries before 
the Christian era. This connexion is attested, according 
to the Rev. Dr. Mill, by the very language in which 
these annals are written : the Pali being no other 
than the classical form of a peculiar modification of 
Sanscrit speech in Ancient Behar. The general correct- 
ness of these annals has, among other facts, been further 
confirmed by their containing the names of six sovereigns, 
whose existence had been indicated by coins only recently 
found in India. (Journ. As. Soc. Calcutta, v. p. 829). 
Sanscrit Medical Literature, we have seen, (p. 48) was 
introduced into Tibet in the eighth century ; whence it 
probably spread further eastward, though we have no 
means of ascertaining the fact ; but I think it likely that 
paper,' applied to them by the government which had originally ordered, 
and had expended vast sums upon, their publication." (Dec. 1835). 
" If, in our last volume, we could not refrain from noticing, as the most 
prominent object of interest in its contents, the suspension of oriental 
publications by the British Indian Government, and the general discourage- 
ment under which oriental studies were doomed to languish, we must not, 
on the present occasion, omit to make honourable mention of the patronage 
and favour which has once more dawned upon science and literature in 
India under the present administration. The proceedings of the Asiatic 
Society, last year so full of painful discussion and unsuccesslul appeal, this 
year shine forth with tokens of distinguished consideration." (Dec. 1836). 
