under the roof of their masters, and in other instances live in their own families; and in the former case, if Musalmans, they are supported at the teacher’s expense. In return, they are required to carry messages, buy articles in the bazar, and perform menial services in the house. The scholars in consequence often change their teachers, learning the alphabet and the other introductory parts, of the Persian language of one, the Pandnamah of a second, the Gulistan of a third, and so on from one place to another, till they are able to write a tolerable letter and think they have learned enough to assume the title of Munshi, when they look out for some permanent means of subsistence as hangers-on at the Company’s Courts. The chief aim is the attainment of such a proficiency in the Persian language as may enable the student to earn a livelihood; but not, unfrequently, the Arabic is also studied, its grammar, literature, theology and law. A proper estimate of such a desultory and capricious mode of education is impossible.
The number of institutions of Hindoo learning, now existing in Calcutta and the Twenty-four Pergunnahs, is not accurately known. Mr. Ward in his work published in 1818 enumerates 28 schools of Hindoo learning in Calcutta, naming the teacher of each school, the quarter of the city in which the school was situated, and the number of students receiving instruction. These institutions are also mentioned as only some amongst others to be found in Calcutta. The nyaya and smriti shastras chiefly were taught in them; and the total number of scholars belonging to the colleges actually enumerated was 173, of whom not less than three, and not more than fifteen, received the instructions of the same teacher. The enumeration to which I refer is subjoined in Mr. Ward's words:—
“The following among other colleges are found in Calcutta; and in these the nyaya and smriti shastras are principally taught:— Ununtu-Ramu-Vidya-Vageeshu, of Hati-Bagan fifteen students.—Ramu-Koomaru-Turkalunkaru, of ditto, eight students.—Ramu-Toshunu-Vidylunkaru, of ditto, eight ditto.—Ramu-Doolalu-Chooramunee, of ditto, five ditto.—Gouru-Munee-Nyayalunkaru, of ditto, four ditto.—Kashee-Nathu-Turku-Vageeshu, of, Ghoshalu-Bagan, six ditto.—Ramu-Shevuku-Vidya-Vageeshu, of Shikdarer-Bagan, four ditto.—Mrityoonjuyu-Vidyalunkaru, of Bag-Bazar, fifteen ditto.—Ramu-Kishoru-Turku-Chooramunee, of ditto, six ditto.—Ramu-Koomaru-Shiromunee, of ditto, four ditto.—Juyu-Narayunu-Turku-Punchanun, of Talar-Bagan five ditto.—Shumbhoo-Vachusputee, of ditto, six ditto.—Sivu-Ramu-Nyayu-Vageeshu, of Lal-Bagan, ten ditto.—Gouru-Mohunu-Vidya-Bhooshunu, of ditto, four ditto.—Huree-Prusadu-Turku-Punchanunu, of Hatti-Bagan four ditto.—Ramu-Narayunu-Turku-Punchanunu, of Shimila, five ditto.—Ramu-Huree-Vidya-Bhooshun, of Huree-Tukee-Bagan, six ditto.—
