07-27-2006, 12:39 AM
Not directly related but an excerpt from Monier Williams Sanskrit Dictionary..
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->In explanation I must draw attention to the fact that I am only the second occupant of the Boden Chair and that its founder Colonel Boden stated most explicitly in his will (dated August 15 1811) that the special object of his munificient bequest was to <b>promote the translation of the Scriptures into Sanskrit, so as 'to enable his countrymen to proceed in the conversion of the natives of India to the Christian Religion'.</b>
It was on this account that, when my predecessor and teacher, Prof H H Wilson, was a candidate for the chair in 1832, his lexicographical labours were put forward as his principal claim to election.
Surely then it need not be thought surprising, if following in the footsteps of my venerated master, I have made it the chief aim of my professorial life to provide facilities for the translation of our sacred scriptures into Sanskrit, and for the promotion of a better knowledge of the religious need of our great Eastern Dependency. <b>My very first Sanskrit lecture delivered after my election in 1860 was on 'The Study of Sanskrit in Relation to Missionary Work in India' (published in 1861).</b><!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->In explanation I must draw attention to the fact that I am only the second occupant of the Boden Chair and that its founder Colonel Boden stated most explicitly in his will (dated August 15 1811) that the special object of his munificient bequest was to <b>promote the translation of the Scriptures into Sanskrit, so as 'to enable his countrymen to proceed in the conversion of the natives of India to the Christian Religion'.</b>
It was on this account that, when my predecessor and teacher, Prof H H Wilson, was a candidate for the chair in 1832, his lexicographical labours were put forward as his principal claim to election.
Surely then it need not be thought surprising, if following in the footsteps of my venerated master, I have made it the chief aim of my professorial life to provide facilities for the translation of our sacred scriptures into Sanskrit, and for the promotion of a better knowledge of the religious need of our great Eastern Dependency. <b>My very first Sanskrit lecture delivered after my election in 1860 was on 'The Study of Sanskrit in Relation to Missionary Work in India' (published in 1861).</b><!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->