The Malabars have a mode of writing peculiar to
themselves: it may be called with more propriety engraving. The
letters are imprinted on a palm leaf dried and prepared by a
particular process. Instead of a pen, they make use of an iron
instrument with a sharp point resembling the stylus of the
ancients. When they write on paper, they have recourse to the
pen; but this is only in imitation of our manners or of the
Mohammedans. Stones, skins, leaves, and the bark of trees,
were the earliest materials made use of in writing. These leaves
are not subject to decay, and resist vermin. They may be
preserved a long time, much longer perhaps than paper; they
write in general only on one side and from left to right. They cut
the leaves into different sizes, and manufacture them of different
qualities, which may be compared to different sorts of paper.
They are made to answer either for books, notes or letters. They
are formed into neat and convenient sized volumes not by
stitching or binding but by stringing them together. A blank
space is left at the end like our margin, through this a hole is
made which admits a string or cord, generally of silk, and this
drawn tight, or tied round them keeps the whole secure. The
leaves are opened and unfolded by the Natives with the same
facility as we do those of our books. The Malabar books are
bound or covered by two pieces of wood which serve as boards,
and which are varnished and painted according to taste.
In Malabar in short, the original practice was to use neither
pens, ink, nor paper. The leaf of the palm, smoked and dried
served the purpose of paper. They engraved on this with a
pointed iron resembling that with which the ancients inscribed
letters on wax, and with a quickness and facility equal to our
fastest writers. (Omitted here)
The following contains a list of books which are to be found
in Malabar: many were lost or destroyed during the disturbances
under the Mohammedan Government, but the whole are still
said to be existing in Travancore. This probably comprises the
greatest part of Malabar literature. About 30 or 40 of these
works have been transferred from the Sanscrit into the common
tongue. Many of the Sanscrit words are allowed to remain in the
translations and the affinity of the languages permits this
liberty.
In the notes to the Lusiad mention is made of a Malabar
work which is probably contained in No.181 of the bibliography;