In the course of his linguistic pursuits, namely the preparation of the dictionary of Kashmiri language and the monumental linguistic survey of India, George Grierson also got highly interested to study various important Kashmiri texts like the Kashmiri Ramayan, Krishenavatara Lila, Shivaparinaya and the Mahanayaprakasa. The successful culmination of the work resulted in their publication during the decade 1920-1930 as a result of close collaboration coordinated between Grierson and the Kashmiri scholars by Aurel stein.

In a letter dated June 27, 1912, writes Sir Aurel Stein to Pandit Nityanand; “I was very happy to see the letter written by you. The letter indicates the increase and enriches the relations of friendships. I am grateful to you for your kindness, which made me happy. The only reason for my delay in replying to your letter is my indulgence in many works and the flow of letters from my friends, which made me more tired during these days. There is no doubt that there would be a suitable result for your work. Send your book to Sir Grierson.” (from a letter in Sanskrit rendered into English by Professor K. V. Madhusudan, former Head of the Sanskrit Department,University of Osmania, Hyderabad.) NS Mss, Nityanand Shastri Library Collection.

Letter by Sir George Grierson to Pandit Nityanand Shastri Nityanand Shastri Library Collection

Aurel Stein had some good reason to refer and recommend Nityanand to Grierson. It was on account of this reference that communication started between the two and resulted in a lasting friendship and collaboration to edit various Kashmiri texts in the following decades.

“I am much obliged to you for your letter dated June 15 th and for copy of Kashmiri Bhasa Pratham Pustak which you have been so kind to send to me. The latter I have found interesting and instructive. It is very kind of you to offer to help me in obtaining Sanskrit and Kashmiri books and when I require any I shall bear it in mind.” - Sir George Grierson.

(in a letter dated July 21, 1912. by George Grierson to Pandit Nityanand ) NS Mss, Nityanand Shastri Library Collection.

“A long time ago you very kindly offered me your help in my researches into Kashmiri language for which I was very grateful. Up to the present I have not had an opportunity for asking your help but sometime I may write and ask you for it.” - Sir George Grierson

(in a letter dated April 20, 1917,by George Grierson to Pandit Nityanand. ) NS Mss, Nityanand Shastri Library Collection.

It was in conformity to this hope that he addressed the request in regard to the 15 th century written Kashmiri text Mahanayaprakasa in a letter addressed to Sir Aurel Stein.

“I wonder if Nityanand is going to write that Chaya to Mahanayaprakasa also called Maharathaprakasa of Sitikanth. He wrote to me sometime ago that he could find no manuscript of it but that is not necessary. It has been printed in the series of Sanskrit works published by the Kashmir Research Department. All I want is a word for word Sanskrit Chaya of Prakrit verses and also if he wishes a proper translation of them in good Sanskrit or in English whichever he likes. In fact I want done for them exactly what Govind Kaul did for Hatim’s tales. The book is of immense importance for the history of Kashmiri language. I have myself made my own translations and analysis of every poem occurring in it but the language is difficult and I want view of a Kashmiri scholar. The Prakrit verses are in Apabrhamsa from which Kashmiri has descended.”
- Sir George Grierson.

(in a letter dated June 4, 1921 by Sir George Grierson to Sir Aurel Stein.) copy, NS Mss, Nityanand Shastri Library Collection.