Page:Kalhana's Rajatarangini Vol 1.djvu/33

 Prelim.] INTRODUCTION. 5

earlier development, or to judge of its character and its value tor historical research by a comperative standard.

If we wish to throw light on these points, we can only turn to the Chronicle itself. From the indications scattered through the narrative we can gather some instructive facts regarding the author's personality and the time and surroundings in which he lived. A brief analysis of his sources, methods, and style will show us in outline the aims and principles which guided him in his labours. Finally we may endeavour, by a critical examination of Kalhana’s narrative and chronology, to ascertain the value of the several portions of his work as sources of historical information,