The author named Captain Robert Smith was a Scot who served in India and subsequently settled in Dublin when appointed Athlone pursuivant-at-arms. He is presumably the same Robert Smith renowned for his fine views of Prince of Wales Island which were engraved by William Daniell. The plates are of a high quality depicting a full range of Indian trades and society and also include 2 Burmese subjects.

In the preface the author describes how he made most of the drawings himself along with notes on the spot and accentuated his work with copies of costumes drawn by local artists as well.

12mo. (18.5 x 11 cm approx) [iv] 88pp. 44 fine hand-colored engraved plates.

Colas 2753. Not in Abbey, Tooley or Travis collection; Bobins I 307; Vinet 2195.


1. Title Page
10. Musician, playing on the Cymbals
11. Musician, with a pair of Drums
12. Musician, with a Khole or Drum
13. Khidmutgar, or Waiter
14. Khidmutgar, or Fly-flapper
15. Barburdar, or Steward
16. Hoqqu-burdar, or Pipe-bearer
17. Chob-dar, or Mace bearer
18. Choakee-dar, or Watchman
19. Shaprasse, or Porter
2. Bhugteea, Dancing Boy
20. Suntoo-burdar, or Running Footman
21. Dak, Wala, or Postman
22. A Surcar, or Agent
23. Ch-hata-wala, or Umbrella carrier
24. Barburdar, or Fan-bearer
25. Dace or Ayah - A Nurse
26. A Girl stringing Flowers for Wreaths
27. Woman preparing Thread for the Loom
28. A Gardener
29. Native of Bengal, selling Sweetmeats
3. A Nantch, or Singing Girl [I]
30. Bihishtee, or Water Carrier
31. Bangy-Wala, Porter
32. Dood-h-wala, or Milkman
33. A Ryot, or Ploughman
34. Sepoy, or Native Soldier
35. A Native Lady in her Palkee
36. Tonjon
37. A Native of Rank on an Elephant
38. Moonshee, or Interpreter
39. A Mussulman
4. A Nantch Girl, or Singing Girl [II]
40. A Brahmin
41. Fuqeer, or Begging Friar
42. Fuqeer, or Enthusiast
43. Fuqeer, or Beggar
44. A Burmese Man
45. A Burmese Woman
5. A Nantch Girl, or Singing Girl [III]
6. A Nantch Girl, or Singing Girl [IV]
7. A Female playing on the Tumboora
8. Musician playing on the Tumboora
9. Musician, playing on the Saringee