India and Its Inhabitants
Caleb Wright, India and its Inhabitants, Cincinnati: J. A. Brainerd, 1853
304 pages with numerous full-page and in-text relief illustration; blind-stamped brown cloth, titled in gilt on spine; yellow endpapers
9.5 x 6 in (24 x 15 cm)
The author conducted a U.S. lecture tour on his travels in India. This work includes the texts of his lectures, including his previously published "Lecture on the Condition of Women in India and Other Pagan and Mohammedan Countries."
The contents of the book are a series of lectures given by the author based on his experiences in India and include descriptions of the Durga festival, the Kali festival, women, the Puranas, religion, and other topics. Many are centered on the engravings; Wright describes India through the engravings, explaining what each scene represents, where he witnessed the scene, and its significance.
The book explores the vast cultural and social landscape of India through India and its Inhabitants, a richly detailed and enlightening account by Caleb Wright. This book offers a fascinating glimpse into the customs, traditions, and daily lives of the Indian people during a pivotal period in the country's history.
Wright, an American traveler and lecturer, sought to bring the realities of Indian society to Western audiences, painting a vivid picture of the diverse communities, religious practices, and intricate social structures that shaped the subcontinent. His observations span the grandeur of ancient temples, the vibrant energy of bustling markets, and the deeply rooted traditions that governed family life, education, and governance.
The book delves into the caste system, offering an in-depth exploration of its rigid hierarchy and impact on everyday life. It provides firsthand descriptions of Hindu and Muslim customs, detailing religious ceremonies, temple architecture, and festivals that define India’s spiritual fabric. Additionally, Wright examines the role of women in Indian society, marriage traditions, and artistic achievements, capturing both the beauty and complexities of the culture.
Lavishly illustrated with detailed engravings, this volume visually brings India to life, showcasing stunning depictions of historical monuments, traditional attire, and key figures from various regions and social classes. These engravings serve as invaluable records of a time when photography was still rare, preserving scenes of India’s rich heritage for generations to come.
Although written from a 19th-century Western perspective, the book still remains an essential historical document, shedding light on both India’s past and the perceptions of foreign travelers during the colonial era.
Examples of engravings and their descriptions include the following:
“Engraving No. 50 is a view near the city of Benares. The building at the right of the ghat, or flight of steps, is a temple of Shiva. The one on the left is a resting place for pilgrims. The water is in a tank about 200 square feet. In November, about one hundred thousand persons assemble around this tank to perform a variety of ceremonies for the benefit of the souls of deceased relatives.”
“Engraving No. 28 is a view of one of the most celebrated temples in India. It is devoted to the worship of Kali and is situated at Kali Ghat, three miles from Calcutta. The small building on the left and the other on the right are temples of Shiva.”
NON-EXPORTABLE
This lot will be shipped in "as is" condition. For further details, please refer to the images of individual lots as reference for the condition of each book.