Sketches From Nipal: Historical And Descriptive

The following pages were not written with an original purpose of publication, nor did they receive throughout the benefit of the author?s revision. During the earlier part of his Indian career the author was engaged in duty as an AssistantSurgeon in the Bengal Army and later he was transferred to Kathmandu. He remained at Khatmandu till the close of 1863. His duties there were, of course, primarily medical; but the lightness of these in so small a station enabled him to devote, by way of recreation and selfinstruction, much study to the natural and social characteristics of Nipal, and to the private life, as well as the political relations, of its Court. In recognition of the knowledge and ability which he made in various ways available for the public service, the Indian Government, during the mutiny of 185758, nominated him Honorary Assistant to the Political Resident. The suspicious policy of the Nipalese Government debarred any British officer from travelling freely throughout the interior of the country. But within the range allowed he visited, and noted with pen and pencil, whatever appeared of interest in its architecture, its magnificent mountain scenery, including the loftiest peak in the world, or the physical and moral peculiarities of its people. To the use he made of his equal opportunities for observation and amusement the present volumes sufficiently testify.