Emma Roberts' three-volume book, published in 1835, was compiled from articles she had written for the Asiatic Journal, and was well received in both India and England. Roberts lived in India from 1828 with her sister and her brother-in-law who served in the 61st Bengal infantry. In 1830 she moved to Calcutta, where she edited and wrote for the Oriental Observer and contributed to periodicals and annuals. Returning to London in 1832, she threw herself into the literary world, publishing in several different fields. This book reveals Roberts' sympathetic attitude to the Indian people and her genuine interest in providing a thorough and honest report of their culture. It covers a wide range of topics including climate, flora and fauna, domestic and social life, education, colonial politics and military matters. For more information on this author, see http://orlando.cambridge.org/public/svPeople?person_id=robeem