"CURIOUS and paradoxical as the title may appear at the very outset, it is earnest wish and prayer that all Hindus interested in their ancient country, literature and religion, as well as those desirous of knowing Indian affairs better, will kindly condescend to pursue, at least as a pass-time, this little essay, which with all its unavoidably serious defects may be assured to be the humblest product of several years' continued and anxious efforts. It is not possible or perhaps desirable to explain in the very beginning the exact purport of the whole, but it is hoped that the mere reading of a few pages will render its real meaning and object almost self-evident. But it might however be necessary here to be forewarned that the subject on the whole is too serious to allow its handling with indifference or concept, as that as such it is not likely to please all or even many. It must also be confessed that is impossible to invent any other suitable method of treatment to avoid this difficulty and that it would therefore be no cause of disappointment, if not but competent and sympathizing readers interest themselves with the contents of this essay”
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