Scenes and Characteristics of Hindostan
With Sketches of Anglo-Indian Society

A fascinating contemporary account of Indian society in the 1830s, at the height of the East India Company's power.

Emma Roberts (Author)

9781108019194, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 21 October 2010

344 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2 cm, 0.44 kg

Emma Roberts' 1835 work, compiled from articles she published in the Asiatic Journal, was well received in India and England. Roberts lived in India from 1828 with her sister and her brother-in-law, who served in the 61st Bengal infantry. In 1830 she moved to Calcutta, where she edited and wrote for the Oriental Observer and contributed to periodicals and annuals. Returning to London in 1832, she threw herself into the literary world, publishing in several different fields. This book reveals her sympathetic attitude to the Indian people and her genuine interest in providing a thorough and honest report of their culture. Volume 1 begins with a description of Calcutta. It reflects the diversity of Roberts' interests, covering topics from marriages to murders, domestic arrangements to military operations, religion to shopping, and architecture to dancing. For more information on this author, see http://orlando.cambridge.org/public/svPeople?person_id=robeem

1. Calcutta
2. Mistaken notions respecting Anglo-Indian suitors
3. The Mofussil
4. Drawbacks to feminine industry
5. Beauty of Berhampore
6. Military movements
7. Patna
8. Different methods of travelling
9. Situation of Benares
10. State of the river in the rains
11. Interest excited by murders.

Subject Areas: Asian history [HBJF]