'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From January 1865 to December 1867. (Edited by the Honorary Secretary.) Volume XVIII.' [‎103] (130/268)

BOMBAY GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY.
• • »
cm
obtain the correct vernacular representations of all the names on our
Maps or in Thornton’s Gazetteer ; but if the members would lend their
aid, a list of names of permanent value might be secured. Among our
members are some native gentlemen of great acquirements in languages,
history, antiquities, and local geography, who,—I am sure,-—could give
valuable assistance. Other members could obtain from distant parts
of the Mufassal, lists of great value, and, from the number of names I
have been able to obtain within a few months, by reading and inquiry,
I feel assured that were the Society to take up the matter, it could
form an Index that would be a credit to the Society, and of great
service to geographical science.
As to plan, it might be left very much to the Committee ; but I
think if such an Index were undertaken it ought to embrace :—
1. The proper spellings of all the names on our maps for which the
Vernacular orthography can be obtained—followed by the name
in Native characters—Devnagari, Persian, Telugu, or Tamil,
with the taluka, zilla, province, latitude, and longitude.
2. The spellings most in vogue of places for which they differ ex
cept in termination from the correct spelling with a reference to
the latter, and this should be specially done with all the more
notable vagaries of spelling in Grant Duff, Orme, Dow A term adopted by British officials to refer to local sailing vessels in the western Indian Ocean. , Mill,
Rennell, Thornton, and other standard works.
3. Where the old Sanskrit name of a place is ascertained by St.
Martin, Lassen, &c-, it might also be added.
4- Names of founders, and dates of the foundation of towns, where
known, might be inserted. Other features might be added if
thought necessary.
Hoping that, if you approve of this suggestion, you will kindly lay
it before the Bombay Geographical Society,
I have the honour to be.
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
James Burgess.
Bombay, \bth September ISC/.”
At the conclusion of Mr. Burgess’ letter it was resolved to invite the
following gentlemen to act as members of a Committee for the purpose