Our Visit to Hindostán, Kashmir and Ladakh

An 1879 first-hand account of a female traveller's experiences of nineteenth-century northern and central India, including historical background and anecdotes.

Harriet Murray Aynsley (Author)

9781108046145, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 13 December 2012

342 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.9 cm, 0.44 kg

Published in 1879, this work is a first-hand account by a female traveller in nineteenth-century India. Broad in its scope and empirical in its presentation, the book is formed from descriptions of the travels of Harriet Murray Aynsley (1827?–98) and her husband in northern and central India over three years. Originally intended for the private interest of family and friends, the text remains clear, accessible and engaging to the general reader. Travelling from Bombay to Hyderabad through myriad cities and villages, including Delhi, Varanasi, Jaipur and Lucknow, Aynsley records her observations on native life, including descriptions of festivals, industry, clothing, domestic practices, food and famine, politics and religion. She vividly describes the architecture and landscapes of the places she visits, incorporating atmospheric anecdotes of her experiences. The book also contains much historical background, based on careful research, which puts the author's personal impressions into a broader context.

Preface
1. Arrival at Bombay
2. Buildings at Agra
3. Delhi
4. Lahore
5. Preparing for camp life in Lahore
6. Starting for Ladakh
7. Leh
8. Belgaum
9. A Hindu women's festival at Saugor
10. Benares
11. Modern Benares
12. Commissioner's durbar at Benares
13. Allahabad
14. Muttra
15. Jeypore
16. Third visit to Delhi
17. Meerut
18. Kashmir closed to travellers
19. March from Simla towards Kulu
20. The Solang Valley
21. Lucknow
22. Cawnport to Poona.

Subject Areas: Asian history [HBJF]