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246
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
[JUNE, 1903.
The Memoir (which is signed by W. Carey, J. Marshman, and W. Ward) then goes on to give a detailed proof of the foregoing remarks. Thirty-four specimens of thirty-three 1 Indian languages are given. In each case the specimen consists of the conjugated present and past tenses of the verb substantive, and of a version of the Lord's Prayer. Each specimen is taken up separately and, word by word, dissected, in order to show that it is not a specimen of a dialect, but of an independent language. The whole discussion is too long to quote, but it is very interesting reading, especially as it is the first attempt at a systematic survey of the languages of India. In this connexion it is well to remember that its date is 1816, and that its authors were Carey, Marshman, and Ward. The languages compared are follows (I give the original spelling):-Sungskrit, Bengalee, Hindee, Kashmeera, Dogura [i. e., Dôgrâ], Wuch [i. e., Lahnda], Sindh, Southern Sindh, Kutch, Goojuratee, Kunkuna, Punjabee or Shikh, Bikaneer, Marawar, Juya-poora, Ooduya-poors, Harutee, Maluwa, Braj, Bundelkhund, Mahratta, Magudha or South Bahar, North Koshala, Mithilee, Nepal, Assam, Orissa or Oot-kul, Telinga, Kurnata, Pushtoo or Affghan, Bulochee, Khassee, Burman.
Seventh Memoir.
Dated December 1, 1820.
This is no longer directed to the Baptist Missionary Society, but is an independent publication, issued for the benefit of the public at large.
Sungskrita. Last volume of the O. T. issued two years ago. New edition of the whole Bible of 2000 copies, with 2000 extra of the N. T., under preparation.
Hindee. Last volume of the O. T. issued two years ago. A new translation of the N. T. by John Chamberlain in the press. 2000 copies, in the Devanagari character, and 3000 in the 'Kyt'hee' character. A fount has been cast of the latter.
Orissa. A second edition of 4000 copies in the press.
Mahratta. The last volume of the O. T. was issued many months ago. Second edition of N. T. in the press.
Bengalee. Sixth edition of N. T. in the press.
Chinese. N. T., Pentateuch, Hagiographa, and Prophetic books are now all printed off. The Historical books are in the press. This will complete the Chinese translation.
Shikh (i.e., Panjabi). Pentateuch and Historical books printed. Hagiographa in the press. Pushtoo or Affghan. N. T. printed. Pentateuch in the press.
Telinga, often termed the Teloogoo. N. T. issued two years ago. Pentateuch in the press. When this is finished, no more will be printed in Serampore. The task has been transferred to the Madras Auxiliary Bible Society.
Kunkuna. N. T. completed eighteen months ago. Pentateuch in the press. When this is finished, the work will be transferred to the Bombay Bible Society.
Wuch or Mooltanee (i. e., Lahnda). N. T. printed off eighteen months ago in its own character. Translation discontinued.
Assam. N. T. printed nearly two years ago. O. T. in the press.
Gujuratee. N. T. printed after thirteen years' labour. No more will be printed. The work has been transferred to the London Missionary Society.
Bikaneer. N. T. printed after seven years' labour.
Kashmeer. N. T. will be issued in a month, after eight years' labour. Printed in its own character.
For the sake of completeness, specimens are also given of Chinese and Batta of Sumatra, making thirty-five languages in all, but these do not come into the argument.
