PREFACE.
Since Assam came under the British rule, Bengali had, for some time, been the language of the Court and the School, Assamese being neglected as a mere corruption of the other. But in the year 1871, perhaps fortunately for the people of Assam, Sir George Campbell, the then Lieutenant-Govereor of Bengal, passed an order to use Assamese as the Vernacular of the Court and the Schools. Now nearly 12 years have passed since its introduction, yet there is no sign of improvement. Bengali is still the medium of knowledge in the Middle Class Schools and the want of good books is the alpable reason for it. Indeed there have of late appeared some elementary text books on Geography, Grammar, History, Geometry, &c, but good readers are not to be found in umber. This want can be easily removed by the efforts of our educated and learned countrymen. But from that side we are almost hopeless to meet any support, as they seem to eglect taking such business in their hands.
Though it would be presumptuous on my part to undertake such an onerous task with my limited acquirements and powers, et 1 must muster courage and energy to appear before the ublic knowing that things always prepare the way for the reat.
A reader, entitled Hitakatha Pratham Soa prepared by me is already printed and published. But perceiving it will not suit the lower class boys as their text book, I have prepared this little book under the title of "Jnanankur," which I hope will easily be mastered by the young pupils. It is full of good stories and fables; and if the young intellect be a little benefited by it, shall consider my labour amply rewarded.
This little book has no pretentions to correctness of thought or language. Our language being not yet fully establish- d there might be many blunders regarding spelling and style his being so, all that I can do is to ask the well-intentioned educated men of our country in case they discover any short- omings, to be kind enough to point out to me the same, in order at they may be rectified in due course. It is needless to add at such tokens of friendship will be accepted with respect and gratitude by myself.
The 12th Sept., 1883. |
