PREFACE
If any language could be adopted as the universal medium
of communication with all the different Indian nations, it would
be the Sungskrita, which is indeed not only the key to all. In
dian literature, but also the parent of every language spo-
kes throughout India, in most of which three fourths of the
words and either pure Sungskrita, or so obviously derived
from it as to be instantly recognized by one who has studied
that language. No language therefore can be so useful to an
Oriental student as Sungskrita. That language, however, is
confessedly difficult of acquisition, and notwithstanding the
helps which have, of late, been furnished for this purpose,
very few are found who persevere in studying it e sufficient
length of time to become masters of it.
But were the study of the Sungskrita far more general,
Grammars and Dictionaries of the popular languages would
still be necessary. An acquaintance with Latin would un-
doubtedly assist the philologist in acquiring the Italian, the
Spanish, and some others of the modern languages of Europe;
it is evident, however, that a Latin Grammar and Dictionary
could not supply the place of elementary works in either of
these languages.
The following Dictionary has been written for the sake of
