A Code of Gentoo Laws, Or, Ordinations of the Pundits....
The First Work in English on Hindu Law [Halhed, Nathaniel Brassey (1751-1830), Translator and Editor]. A Code of Gentoo Laws, Or, Ordinations of the Pundits: From a Persian Translation, Made from the Original, Written in the Shanscrit Language. London: [S.n.], 1776. lxxiv, 61, [1], 322 pp. 8 copperplate leaves with tissue overlays. Quarto (11-1/2" x 9-1/2"). Plain-paper publisher boards, backed in calf and rebacked in period-style quarter calf with raised bands, blind fillets and lettering piece, untrimmed edges, hinges reinforced. Light rubbing and soiling to boards, moderate rubbing to board edges, corners bumped, early armorial bookplate (of Peter DuCane) to front pastedown. Moderate toning to interior, some creasing and discoloration to tissue guards. An appealing copy with wide margins. $500. * First edition. This is the first work in English describing the principles of Hindu jurisprudence. It is a translation from the Vivadarnavasetu, a digest of Hindu law in 21 sections (taranga). This work was compiled for Warren Hastings, the governor-general of the East India Company. The pandits (pundats) are Banesvara, Kriparama, Rama Gopala, Krishnajivana, Viresvara, Krishnacandra, Guarikanta, Kalisankara, Syamasundara, Krishnakesava and Sitarama. The plates depict examples of the original Sanskrit texts. Later editions were published in 1777 and 1781. English Short-Title Catalogue T112179.
Price: $500.00
Book number 72810