The Classical Accounts of India c2: Preface
The Classical Accounts of India c2
- Language
- English
Preface
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This compilation of the classical accounts, bearing on Indian history and culture, is primarily intended for those who wish to get all necessary information on the subject in a cheap and handy volume. Most of the English translations of the Classical writings on India are now either out of print, or form a very small part of a costly publication consisting of a large number of volumes. This book is therefore expected to remove a difficulty that has long been felt by students and scholars alike. I need not add here anything about the scope and object of the book which have been fully discussed in the Introduction. An exhaustive index of proper names has been added in order to facilitate reference to persons and places mentioned in the Classical writings. As the extracts have been derived from different sources, the proper names are written in both Greek and Latin systems. The nominative singular suffix—os, for Latin—us, and k for c are the chief features of Greek spelling. I am painfully aware of the many shortcomings of this book, and I can only crave the indulgence of the readers for a pioneer work of this kind.
c2.2
I am deeply indebted to the Harvard University Press for kindly according permission to reproduce a number of extracts from the English Translation of The Geography of Strabo by Dr. H. L. Jones. I must also express my obligations to Sri Dipak Sen M.A., LL B., for having prepared the Index—a laborious task—and Sri Bratindra Mukherji, M A., for rendering help in various ways. In conclusion, I must add that but for the initiative and enthusiasm of Sri K. L. Mukhopadhyaya this book would never have seen the light of the day.
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4 Bepin Pal Road, Calcutta 26. December, 1960
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R. C MAJUMDAR.
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