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publish an English translation of the Mahabharata in monthly parts of 10 forms each, octave, demy, the first part of which is issued herewith.
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Mr Roy's "translations" are, however, sure to attain so wide a popularity that he will ultimately, we think, find it necessary to meet a greater demand than he seems to be perpared for now.
As to the character of the translation, we have to congratulate Mr. Roy on the clearness of expression and simplicity of style employed in rendering the Maha Bharata into English. Literal translation is sure to be out of place in an undertaking of this kind, the object of which is to create a taste for the work and diffuse among Europeans as well as natives a wider knowledge of it than is now possessed. A free rendering, on the other hand, may spoil the effect of the original. The translator has, we think, begun as he ought to. We cannot too highly recommend our readers to patronise the work—The Indu Prekas.
Baboo Protap Chunder Roy, to whom we owe the publication of a Bengali version of the Mahabharat, has now undertaken the more difficult task of translating the great Sanskrit epic in English. With his learning, talents and perseverance, Protap Babu is quite fitted for the new work he has taken on hand. To render Sanskrit into English, is a gigantic task, but Protap Babu is quite equal to it. The only difficulty he has to contend with, is want of funds. He has already spent a large amount for the Bengali translations. We therefore hope that the public will come forward and willingly patronise Protap Babu, so as to enable him to complete his translation—an undertaking never before attempted and which ought to enlist the sympathy and support of all who admire the ancient literature of the Hindoos.—The Amritabazar Patrika.
Le Mahabharata.—Nous avons recude Babou Protab Chundra Roy, directeur du Bharata Karyalya de Calcutta la traduction du sanscrit en anglais de la premiere partie du Mahabharata,—De l'avis de juges competents, cette traduction, a laquolle a aide, croit-on le Professeur Max Muller, est fort bien faite, rendant avec une fidelite aussi rigoureuse que possible le texte original. Une chose cependant nous a frappe en lisant ces pages, c'est que la langue anglaise est peu propre a rendre les langues orientales, et que l'etudiant, qui ne connaitrait les chefs d'œuvres litteraires de l'Inde, que par leur traduction. Anglaise en aurait une bien triste opinion.—Neanmoins l'œuvre du Bharata Karyalya sous la direction de Babout Protab Chundra Roy merite lencouragement que lui ont genereusement donne les notabilites indiennes,—en cela que, cette traduction meme restant impuissante a rendre la beaute du texte primitif servira beaucoup a fsciliter aux etudiants l'etude du sanscrit et en cela le Bharata Karyalya aura rendu un immense service. Cette traduction doit couter un lack de roupies (240,000 fcs)
