XVIII.Essay on the Life and Writings of Ferishta

Abstract

During our last session I did myself the pleasure of presenting to the Society an autobiographical sketch of Nana Farnevis; and of elucidating the character of Madhu Rao the Great, the prince of Poona, from a series of original letters, principally in his own handwriting. The interest which those papers excited fully proves, that the biography of celebrated men is an object not only deserving your attention, but, I may venture to say, is also one of the most pleasing forms in which information regarding the inhabitants of the East can well be conveyed to the learned of the West. It is this conviction that has induced me to submit to you the following sketch of the life of the great Muhamedan historian of India, commonly known by the name of Ferishta, with some account of his writings; and I feel assured that your attention will be more completely roused, when you know that his work, now lying before me, has lately been translated, and will in a few days, I trust, be open to your inspection, and submitted for your judgment and approval.