A Grammar of the Bengal Language



Artist/Creator/Designer: Unknown

Language: Bengali

Category: Book Cover

Period:  (1771 - 1780) Pre Industrialisation

Media: Print

Material: Paper

References: https://blogs.bl.uk/asian-and-african/2016/10/launch-of-south-asia-series-talks.html


Detailed Description

A Grammar of the Bengal Language constitutes the first grammar book of the Bengali language, Written in 1778 by Nathaniel Brassey Halhead and printed in Hoogly. The book was written at the request of Governor Warren Hastings by Nathaniel Halhed (25 May 1751 – 18 February 1830), a philologist and Orientalist. The book marked the beginning of the standardisation of Indian languages. Halhed recommended in the book that foreign accretions be removed from Bengali and ‘Sanskrit be made the fountainhead for any needed innovations.’ One of the primary aims in producing this work was to promote familiarity with the Bengali language among the European settlers in Bengal, to assist in their subjugation over the native population.


Artistic/Design Significance

The design significance of "A Grammar of the Bengal Language" lies in its innovative use of metal type for reproducing Bengali text. This marked a significant advancement in printing technology and facilitated the dissemination of the Bengali language. The book's design considerations aimed at making Bengali more accessible to European settlers, highlighting the importance of typography and layout in bridging language barriers and promoting cultural understanding.


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