The Himalayan Districts Of The North-Western Provinces Of India

Book Code: 1111019916390

Edwin T. Atkinson

ABOUT THE BOOK

The three-volume book delves into the Himalayan Districts of the North-Western Provinces of India. The first volume introduces a transliteration system and explores various topics, focusing on the Himalayan districts. It covers scientific botany, economic mineralogy, meteorology, geology, and physical geography. The second volume marks the author's final contribution, encompassing a range of subjects, including a census of temples, a comprehensive list of insect species, and a historical reconstruction challenging traditional narratives. It emphasizes syncretism in Hinduism, the absorption of Buddhism into Sivaism, and encourages diverse studies for future officials. The third volume concludes the account, exceeding typical Gazetteer standards. It provides detailed information on fiscal sub-divisions, towns, and important tracts in regions like Kumaon and Garhwal, adhering to a broader plan for effective administration.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edwin T. Atkinson (1840-1890) was an Irish lawyer in the Indian Civil Service, balanced a legal career with entomological contributions. Born in County Tipperary, he joined the Indian Civil Service in 1862, serving in Bengal and the North-Western Provinces. A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, he specialized in Indian law, authored works like "Gazetteer of the Himalayan Districts," and contributed to entomology, particularly Lepidoptera. Atkinson, President of The Asiatic Society, succumbed to Bright's disease in Calcutta in 1890, leaving behind a legacy in law and entomology.