Published in 1778, this was one of the first grammars of Bengali ever compiled. The English orientalist Nathaniel Brassey Halhed (1751-1830) prepared the work to facilitate communication between his colleagues. The book was written at the request of Governor Warren Hastings. It marked the beginning of the standardisation of Indian languages. One of the primary aims in producing this work was to promote familiarity with the Bengali language among the European settlers in Bengal.