Front Matter

Storming the Geriah, 1756.

Preface

Romance and India are inseparably associated; but to glean more than a few jewels from the inexhaustible mine at our disposal is impossible within the limits of a single volume. This is in no sense a history; rather has it been the endeavour in the following pages to touch lightly upon the more romantic events in our empire story, and to trace by a series of picturesque incidents the gradual evolution of India, from the warring and troubled condition in which it was found by the hardy merchant-adventurers of old, to its present proud position as "the brightest jewel in the Imperial Crown."