available to a foreigner as Shakspeare or Milton would be to a bramin, for no one can read the higher Telugu poems with pleasure, unless he possesses a familiar acquaintance with Sanscrit literature, and with the braminical mythology. It therefore becomes necessary (see page 246–7) to substitute a different course of study; less aspiring but more profitable; which will ultimately enable us to understand and enjoy the more celebrated compositions. On similar grounds foreigners who learn English must often commence their studies with Defoe, Addison, Swift and Goldsmith: who among us have become so far popular as to be no longer considered classical.
The first attention of the student should be given to attaining, under the guidance of a native, (from the northern districts) a correct pronunciation and a fluent ease in reading verse and prose. To write the Telugu character with readiness is also an indispensable accomplishment in one who is called upon to transact business. The written character differs very widely from that used in printing, which is modelled on the round text hand used in books, whereas the running hand used in business is far from being equally legible. After reading a few Trials and common Letters, a volume of which is now ready for publication, the pleasure should peruse Vemana, (in the edition which is accompanied by an English translation) with a few other Satacams (see page 203) and the Adventures of Saranga Dhara.[1] To this may succeed the Adventures of Nala (Nala Chacravarti Dwipada) which is now in course of publication. He may then finish a very moderate but sufficient course of Telugu reading by perusing the Lila (see page 238) which if carefully studied ought to give us an ample stock of the expressions daily required in speaking and writing. The Cuchelopakhyanam recently published will also be found useful by beginners.
The Lila being considered by bramins to be heretical, because opposed to their superstitions, we should obtain the assistance of any well educated Jangam in perusing it. Learning is not very general among the the Jangams who belong to the Telugu people, but some of them are men of superior attainments, and possess a liberality of mind which is remarkably pleasing.
But the student who desires to make further progress in Telugu should next read a part of the Dwipada Ramayan, the Pancha Tantram, the Bhanumad Vijayam, (see page 228.) and the Uttara Ramayan written by Canacanti Paparaz. Or he may proceed at once to the Aniruddha Charitra and the Vijaya Vilasam. Until he can read the Dwipada Ra-
- ↑ A summary of this book (the Saranga Dhara Charita Dwipada) may be found in the Journal of the Madras Literary Society for October 1839, page 376. The Telugu poem is now about to be printed. Regarding the Dwipada metre see page 238 of this grammar.
