VII
refer to one and the same individual, whose period may be fixed in
about the reign of Seleucus Nicator, or about three centuries before
the Christian era. And it seems not improbable, that Seleucus, who
is said to have had one unsuccessful encounter with "Sandracottus"
may have joined with the "Malaya Kétu" of the Hindu legend. The
entire subject will be found fully treated of in "Wilson's Hindu Thea-
tre" of which now scarce work, I regret I was not able to obtain a
copy until the present work was completed and nearly through the
press.—
It only remains to say that the Malayalam Chánakya Sútram seems
founded on the Sanscrit Drama "Mudrá Rákshasa". Of the Sanscrit
author, beyond his name (Visákha Datta) nothing is known. There
seems also considerable doubt as to the authorship of the Malayalam
work, I hope however to be able to add some trustworthy account
of the author to a second edition, should such ever be called for.
I take this opportunity of mentioning the assistance I have received
on all points of difficulty from Tekkeyil Ráman, who has been employ-
ed by me as my Malayalam Munshi for several years past, and whose
extensive acquaintance with Malayalam literature made his suggestions
always of value. I am indebted to the Rev. E. Diez also for a
revision of the MS. just before it was given to the press, and for
several emendations of the text.
L. GARTHWAITE.
