Travels in India: During the years 1780, 1781, 1782 & 1783

About The Book -: The intimate connexion which has so long subsisted between this country and the continent of India, naturally renders every Englishman deeply interested in all that relates to a quarter of the globe which has been the theatre of scenes highly important to his country ; and which, perhaps, at the moment when he peruses the description of it, may be the residence or the grave of some of his dearest friends. It is only matter of surprize, that, of a country so nearly allied to us, so little should be known. The public is, indeed, greatly indebted to the learned labours of gentlemen, who have resided there, for the information which they have afforded concerning the Laws and the Religion of the Hindoo tribes ; as well as for correct and well digested details of the transactions of the Mogul government. But of the face of the country, of its arts, and natural productions, little has yet been said. Gentlemen who have resided long in India lose the idea of the first impression which that very curious country makes upon an entire stranger : the novelty is soon effacted, and the mind, by a common and natural operation, soon directs its views to more abstract speculation ; reasoning assumes the place of observation, and the traveller is lost in the philosopher.