Page:Madras Journal of Literature and Science, series 1, volume 6 (1837).djvu/169

1837.] way. The statements of the supplementary MS. were by no means implicitly taken; dates in MSS. are sometimes faulty from transcription, but a translator cannot alter them; and finally though a prevailingly favorable opinion is given of the Supplementary Manuscript, yet a doubt at p. 76 plainly appears, whether its testimony can be maintained, and at p. 77, the "submitting the evidence of manuscripts implicitly to the test" of the author's "own discretion," is expressly declined, and judgment left with the readers. Professor Wilson is quite right in exercising his judgment and discretion; and only unfair in his mode of treating the translator and commentator. That five names will not do for the record of 3000 years is certainly true; such a position of the Supplementary Manuscript was not intended to be designated as "trustworthy " it was expressly noted unfavourably; but the Professor certainly knows that all Hindu accounts of Vicramaditya are extravagant; and the simple truth probably is, that, under the guise of a miraculously long reign, they wish to cover over a period disastrous to Hindu ascendancy, and derogatory to their country's glory. Accurate records of that period must be sought for elsewhere, and not from among the Hindus.

Being fully disposed to admit and believe that among the manuscripts of the Mackenzie collection there are many valuable documents, more so certainly than the Supplementary Manuscript, I shall hope to see the whole brought into full development. Abstracts, however they may serve to give a general idea, will not suffice in critical, or doubtful cases: either the original, or else a faithful, literal, and critical translation becomes then indispensible. On this plan it would give me pleasure to be able to consider my previous humble researches with chiefly my own materials, as a sort of vestibule to the Mackenzie temple; or, if the idea may be better, as a porter's lodge to the park and mansion of a peer of the realm.

Adverting to the "Historical Sketch of the kingdom of Pandya" (Art. 9, No. 6, J. R. A. S.) it is not without great hesitation that I make any remarks; as far as personal considerations are concerned, I certainly would avoid doing so; but there is some tone of dictation and confidence in the Professor's manner; his name and authority confer of themselves a sanction of his statements; and hence a few comments may prevent mistakes in others, and ultimately subserve an important public object which U purpose to announce in the sequel. These considerations, chastened by the most entire respect for the high attainments of the Professor in Sanscrit literature, will guide my observations.