FIRST BOOK OF SANSKRIT : BEING A TREATISE ON GRAMMAR WITH EXERCISES

About the Book :The author reveals that the study of Sanskrit has but recently risen in the estimation of the educated natives of this Presideney and of their Educational authorities. The old Sanskrit College of Poona owed its existence and continuance rather to a spirit of conciliation and toleration in their rulers, than to their conviction of the utility of Sanskrit as a branch of general education. The modern critical and progressive spirit was not brought to bear upon it. The old Sastris were allowed to carry all things in their own way. After about thirty years since its establishment, the authorities began to exercise active interference, until at length the College was abolished, and a new system inaugurated, which to be complete and effective requires, in his humble opinion, a partial restoration of the old institution. One of his aims giving to this book its peculiar form was to enable the intelligent student to go through it without assistance. To increase its efficacy in this respect, such explanations seems to be called for have been added in the shape of footnotes, and few other improvements and modifications have been made. The writer is happy to learn that this object is remarkably fulfilled.