vii Parasuram was a good scholar. He studied Sanskrit first in Kamrup and then went to Navadwip, where, he earned the title of Vidyabagis. This Parasuram is perhaps the author of the manuscript. | Bangshigopal Dev was a preacher of the early seven- teenth century. Allowing 30 years for each generation, it will appear that Parasuram was a man of the late eighteenth century or early nineteenth century. | This manuscript was compiled under the patronage of Saratchandra Duara Phukan. I have not been able to trace him. He must have been an Ahom official of the famous Duara family. This theory about the time of the author is supported by another work composed by one Bagis. In the Awahan of Abar, 1854 Saka (1932 A. D.) Srijut Khetradhar Bargohain, B. A., published an account of this manuscript. It is a translatian of the well known work Ilitopadesa. This was composed by a Brahman poet called Bagis in the reign of Kamaleswar Singha under the direction of the King's mother. The following colophon is taken from the extracts given by Mr. Bargohain; Nitir siigo ato ৪astra maolar ; Tanaka ?purha-৪umi jali luxue wr. Jayoti Kamaleswa”8 Sangha, arapati Buddha setulia patra-mantri Babutrita, Raja-jamra aja jotne ৪৫re dhart Bha7%ati B%9isa Divija bola Hare Hari This Sastra, which is a veritable ocean of Nite, is a heart-stealing one. By reading and hearing it men attain wisdom. May King Kamaleswar Singha prosper with his loyal servants, ministers and advisers. Bagis Dwija has written this treatise in obedience to the behest of the King's mother. Now, all should utter Has, Hari,
