"A Handbook of Sanskrit Literature" by George Small, published in 1866, offers a comprehensive exploration of Sanskrit literary genres, including epic poetry, drama, philosophy, and religious texts. It provides historical context and analyses of significant works, making it accessible through translations. Small also discusses the Vedas' origins, their reverence among Brahmins, and their role in Hinduism. Despite initial reluctance from Brahmins to share Vedic knowledge, European scholars like Sir William Jones facilitated access to these sacred texts. The book serves as an indispensable guide for understanding ancient Indian literary traditions, catering to India Civil Service candidates and missionaries. It encompasses the Vedas' significance, religious sects, and caste systems, providing essential insights into Hindu culture and philosophy.
George Small was M.A. and authored "A Handbook of Sanskrit Literature" in 1866. He worked as a former missionary in Calcutta and Benares and a member of the Philological Society of London, his work remains a valuable resource on the subject.
In the composition of this Handbook the Editor disclaims all originality. "Composition," indeed, is hardly an applicable term in the case, except in the literal sense of the word, that is, inasmuch as it has consisted in a "placing together" of materials already in existence, products of the genius and researches of other and far abler men. The work may more properly be designated a compilation; and the only merit that the author can rightfully lay claim to is that of care and diligence in the selection and arrangement of the subject-matter: the only merit that complimentary critics can attribute (if deemed due) being that of judiciousness, exhibited in the manner in which this has been done.
He does not profess to be a manufacturer, but simply a merchant (or retailer) of literature, who knowing from experience the state of the market as regards "demand," endeavours, to the best of his ability, to provide the proper "supply." Contrary, however, to mercantile custom in general, instead of "buying at the cheapest market and selling at the dearest," the Editor has sought for "profit" (the readers, if not his own) by getting his materials from the most authentic sources available-even though the most expensive-in order that he may retail them on far cheaper terms, as well as in a much more handy form, to his reading customers.
The principal of these authorities-some of which works are now difficult to be procured from being out of print-may here be mentioned, though generally acknowledged in the body of the treatise. The book to which the Editor has, perhaps, been most largely indebted, is the learned and voluminous work "On the History, Literature, etc., of the Hindoos," by the late Rev. W. Ward, of Serampore. Next to that he would mention the more modern, but equally learned work, by Professor Max Müller, the "History of Ancient Sanskrit Literature." His chief other authorities have been Sir William Jones, H. T. Colebrooke, Esq., and Professor H. H. Wilson, from whose valuable contributions to the "Journal of the Asiatic Society," as well as separately published works, he has freely and largely quoted.
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