Globe Trotter in India

Gemelli Careri was a native of Italy who visited India between 23rd June 1693 to 3rd December 1699 (during the rule of Aurangzeb). He first came to Asia via Constantinople and then across the black sea to Trebizond in Persia (Iran). Having traveled in Persia he made his way to India via the Persian Gulf and landed in Daman. From there he went to Bassein, Salsette and then to the heart of Portuguese India Goa. On the 5th of March 1694 he proceeded to Galgala to meet Aurangzeb and met him on the 21st. This being a book of travel, it is needless to say that the author describes all that he saw with a vivid pen. The habits of the people, the condition of the city, its principal trades, the upkeep of the armies, visits to other European inhabitants etc all make for very interesting reading. Also included in the book are 1. a sketch of the career of Mr. Curwen, a man of letters, and essays on Anglo-Indian words and phrases, heredity and regeneration of India, Indian proverbs; Indian and Homeric epics and finally an essay on the morality of the Mahabharat. This book is a reprint of the 1895 edition.