Sketches of social life in India

A seasoned civil servant sketches the everyday world of British India with a blend of observation and gentle humor. Drawing on decades spent in the Bengal presidencies, he offers a clear‑eyed picture of how the Viceroy’s court, the councilors, and the sprawling English families lived far from home, while still clinging to familiar customs. The tone is conversational, aiming to correct the lingering myths and prejudices that many back‑home still hold about the subcontinent.

The book moves through distinct sections: the formal routines of the Viceroy, the roles of council members and lieutenant‑governors, the habits of English colonists, and the inner workings of the Bengal Civil Service. It also turns its attention to native life, presenting a balanced view that was rare for its time. Readers who have experienced India will find moments of recognition, while newcomers and history enthusiasts gain a practical introduction to the social fabric of a pivotal era.