Chapter I: Preface

Scanty as are the authentic data from which this biography was compiled, they form, nevertheless, a connected narrative of the chief events in the life of a remarkable man of science, who, although a foreigner, never published anything but in the English tongue. Few, if any, foreign savants have been honoured by Englishmen as he was; a fact to which the memorial standing over his grave bears ample testimony.

It is hoped that the reader will follow with sympathy the details of an arduous scientific career, the best years of which were offered to the service of the British Government, and will agree with us also in thinking that Alexander Csoma de Körös attained in some measure the reward he looked for, in so far that his name will never be omitted from any work bearing upon Tibetan literature or Buddhistic learning.

This biography is herewith presented to the reader in the sincere hope of a generous indulgence for its many shortcomings, although the production of it, imperfect as it is, has, in the circumstances under which it was prepared, necessitated the attention of many years before it could be brought to its present state of completion.

When the late Mr. Nicholas Trübner first saw the manuscript of this book, he at once kindly expressed his readiness to undertake its publication, and even suggested the desirability of editing a complete collection of all the works and essays of Csoma de Körös, which, at the present time, are only to be found scattered over many volumes of publications, extending over a period of more than thirty years. Perhaps Mr. Trübner’s successors may see their way to carry out the project he had in view, and to rescue, for the benefit of European students, the important work in manuscript which is noticed in the Appendix xvi. at page 207 of this volume.

The reader will observe that a certain latitude has been permitted in the spelling of Indian names and Tibetan words occurring in this work. In the text Dr. Hunter’s system has been generally followed, but in the quotations, both from print and manuscripts, the ancient forms of spelling have in most cases been retained. As to the Tibetan words Csoma’s authority was decisive; moreover, instead of adhering invariably to the strict rules of Tibetan orthography, with its frequent use of mute letters, the abbreviated forms have been preferred. The strict rendering of accents and diacritical marks seemed hardly requisite in a work like this.

The author desires to express his acknowledgments to Mr. Frederic Pincott, M.R.A.S., for important assistance rendered by him in reviewing and passing through the press the Sanskrit and Hindi part of the vocabulary at the end of the volume.

London, 55 Nevern Square,
South Kensington, February 1885.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

PAGES

Introduction—Csoma’s birthplace, parentage, and early
childhood—Studies at Nagy Enyed in Transylvania, and at the
University of Göttingen in Hanover—Plans and preparations
for the journey—Departure for the East 1–14

CHAPTER II.

Biographical sources—English and French authorities—Baron
von Hügel’s data examined—First news of Csoma in India—His
appearance at the frontier—Detained at Sabathú—Csoma’s first
letter to Captain Kennedy—Moorcroft’s introduction 15–38

CHAPTER III.

Government orders respecting Csoma’s stipend—His report
regarding his past studies in Hungary, Germany, and at the
Buddhist Monastery of Yangla in Zanskar—Account of his
journey across Central Asia—Plans for the future 39–66

CHAPTER IV.

Second journey into Tibet—Sojourn at Pukdal in Zanskar—
Csoma’s position as to the Asiatic Society of Bengal—
Return to Sabathú 67–72

CHAPTER V.

Embarrassing situation—Csoma petitions Government to be
allowed to visit Calcutta, or to go to Tibet for three
years more to complete his studies 73–78

CHAPTER VI.

Government orders on Csoma’s last application—Third journey
into Tibet to Upper Besarh—Dr. Gerard’s visit to Kanum, and
his letter to Mr. W. Fraser on the subject 79–98

CHAPTER VII.

Csoma completes his Tibetan studies at Kanum—Correspondence
with Dr. Horace Hayman Wilson, Captain Kennedy, and Mr. Brian
H. Hodgson 99–111

CHAPTER VIII.

Csoma’s arrival in Calcutta—Resolution of Government of India
as to the publication of his works—Was elected Honorary Member
of the Asiatic Society of Bengal 112–118

CHAPTER IX.

The Tibetan Grammar and Dictionary are published at Government
expense—Mr. Prinsep’s letter to Government on the subject—
Prince Eszterházy to Mr. James Prinsep—Mr. Döbrentei, of Pest,
to the same 119–130

CHAPTER X.

Csoma applies for a passport in November 1835 to enable him to
travel in Hindustan—Leaves Calcutta—His last letters to Mr.
Prinsep—Return to Calcutta in 1837—Dr. Malan, Secretary of the
Asiatic Society of Bengal 131–142

CHAPTER XI.

Csoma’s stay in Calcutta as Librarian to the Asiatic Society
of Bengal from 1837–1842—Last arrangements—His bequest to the
Asiatic Society of Bengal—Leaves Calcutta for the last time
—Sets out on his journey to Lassa—Death at Darjeeling—
Dr. Archibald Campbell’s report to the Secretary of Government
—Csoma’s grave and tombstone 143–162

CHAPTER XII.

Prince Eszterházy’s inquiries regarding Csoma’s papers—List of
some of them—Renewal of his tombstone at Darjeeling, which is
placed on the list of public monuments by Government—His
portrait—Conclusion 163–167