The India They Saw: Foreign Accounts: 5th-19th Century (4 Vol. Set)

The 4 volumes are a detailed compilation by the authors on foreign accounts from 5 Century BCE to 19th Century CE. An account of the grandeur of ancient India as perceived by her foreign visitors from hoary times and their wonder at her rich philosophical efflorescence and material abundance. The foreigners Marvel at the deep spiritual convictions that allowed yogis and widows to ascend a burning Pyre without murmur; the social harmony of myriad tribes and castes; and above all, the common culture and love of justice permeating and binding all in seamless unity. Table of Contents:- Vol. 1: Foreign Accounts: 5th-7th Centuries Publisher’s Note Introduction Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Annexure: 1 Annexure: 2 Bibliography and Suggested Readings Notes Vol. 2: Foreign Accounts: 8th-15th Centuries Publisher’s Note Introduction Select List of Travellers and Writers Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 References Select Bibliography Vol. 3: Foreign Accounts: 16th-17th Centuries Publisher’s Note Introduction Select List of Travellers and Writers Chapter 1. Nature’s Bounty A. Flora B. Wealth of India C. Precious metals and stones D. Fauna Chapter 2. People A. Description of people B. Glimpses of society Professions followed by Hindus C. Dwellings D. Dress E. Cleanliness F. Food Habits G. Betel Eating H. Economic disparities I. Funeral Rites Chapter 3. Festivals and Fairs A. Festivals B. Fairs C. Entertainment and Games Chapter 4. Economic Life A. Textiles B. Some famous arts and crafts of India C. Indigo, saltpetre, gum lac, wax, long pepper D. Some drugs prepared in India, Francisco Pelsaert16 E. Diamond industry F. Towns and Bazaars G. Ports and Trade Chapter 5. Architecture A. Temples and Caves B. Tanks and Lakes C. Forts and Palaces D. Town Planning E. Mosques F. Mausoleums Chapter 6. Language, Literature and Education A. Languages B. Education C. Manuscripts Chapter 7. Religion and Philosophy A. Cosmology and Symbology B. Philosophy C. Transmigration of souls D. Unanimity on matters of faith E. No interest in conversion F. Yogis and Vratis Chapter 8. Religion in Practice A. Theory of incarnation B. Importance of image worship C. Some important pilgrimage centres D. Worship at other Sites E. Worship of trees and animals F. Ahimsa, love for animals, G. Ritual Bathing, Eclipses Chapter 9. Sciences A. Astronomy and Time-reckoning B. Diseases and Cures C. Hindu Physicians D. Drugs and stones used for cure Chapter 10. Social Organisation A. Varna and Caste B. Brahmins C. Rajputs, Kshatriyas, Nairs D. Baniyas E. Shudras F. Untouchables Chapter 11. Women A. Four sorts of women B. Women force in Vijayanagar C. Women Rulers D. Marriage E. Hindu Wives F. Widows G. Sati H. Devadasis at Vijayanagar, Duarte Barbosa42 Chapter 12. Hindu Kingdoms and Rulers A. Vijayanagar B. The Zamorin of Calicut C. Shivaji Chapter 13. Jews and Parsees A. Jews B. Parsees Chapter 14. Christianity A. State of Christianity in India B. Conversions C. Marriage ceremonies Chapter 15. Islam and Muslims A. Muslim communities B. Festivals C. Marriage Customs D. Royal Harems E. Pilgrimages and Pirs F. A Muslim view of how European nations differ, Niccolao Manucci13 Chapter 16. Mughals in India A. Mughal Emperors B. Mughal Polity C. Mughal Thrones D. The Emperors’ Jewels E. Mughal Princesses F. Mughal Forces References Select Bibliography Vol. 4: Foreign Accounts: 18th-19th Centuries Introduction Select List of Travellers and Writers (In Alphabetical Order) Chapter1. Abundant India Chapter 2. The People of India Chapter 3. Community and Regional Characteristics Chapter 4. Festivals and Fairs Chapter 5. State of Economy Chapter 6. Cities and Transport Chapter 7. Laws, Justice and Crimes Chapter 8. Some Indigenous Institutions Chapter 9. Architecture Chapter 10. Language, Literature, Science, Education Chapter 11. Religion and Philosophy Chapter 12. Religion in Practice Chapter 13. Social Structure Chapter 14. Women Chapter 15. Hindu Rulers Chapter 16. Parsees, Christians Chapter 17. Muslims in India Select Bibliography Notes