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Thomas Duer Broughton, Letters Written in a Mahratta Camp During the Year 1809, Descriptive of the Character, Manners, Domestic Habits, and Religious Ceremonies of the Mahrattas, London: John Murray, 1813. 1st Edition

[14], 358 pages, [1]. With ten coloured engravings including frontispiece, from drawings by a native artist; half leather bound with gilt text and marbled boards
10.6 x 8.6 in (27 x 22 cm)

The purpose of this book is to provide an accurate description of the 'character, manners, domestic habits and religious ceremonies of the Mahrattas.' Broughton (1778-1835), an army officer in the East India Company, first arrived in India while serving as a cadet in the Bengal establishment in 1795, and eventually rose to the position of captain in 1805, major in 1816, and colonel in 1829. The book consists of a series of 32 letters addressed to his brother, and most of the letters describe the events and the environment of the Rajputana Region, beginning with an account of a journey from Agra to Kerowli. The letters which follow all contain fascinating descriptions of festivals and other events, and cultured encounters of all kinds, painting a vivid portrait of life for the British in early nineteenth century India. Dedication addressed to Marques Wellesley (Richard Wellesley), the Governor General in Council, member of the Order of the Garter.

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