PREFACE.

7

the unfinished researches of the Archaeological Survey, fromlocal investigations, and from an unpublished manuscript sup-plied for this edition by General Sir Alexander Cunningham .The growth of Hinduism , as the religious and social nexus ofthe Indian races, is here for the first time completely set forthin both its mediaeval and modern developments. In attemptingto reconstruct Indian history from its original sources in thefewest possible pages, I beg Oriental scholars to believe that,although their individual views are not always set forth, theyhave been respectfully considered. I also pray the reader toremember that, if he desires a more detailed treatment of thesubjects dealt with in this volume, he may find it in my largerworks.

The history of Christianity in India is written anew, fromlocal investigation ; and, at the same time, with a full apprecia-tion of the latest researches by European scholars in the samefield. The revenues of the Mughal Empire have been re-examined, from the evidence yielded by a further study ofthe coins and metric standards of the Delhi Emperors. Theresult is embodied in a section written by Mr. Stanley Lane- Poole for this edition. The population chapter is largely madeup of materials specially prepared for me by Mr. Baines, theIndian Census Commissioner (1891-92); and the revenue andstatistical chapters have in like manner been enriched by thepersonal kindness of Sir Charles Bernard, Secretary in theStatistical Department of the India Office, and by Sir Theo-dore Hope, lately Member of the Viceroy’s Council. Mr. H. G.Keene has also courteously helped me, by reading through theformer, or second, edition with a view to calling attention toomissions or oversights. In the revision of the sections deal-ing with the modern statistics and organization of Christianmissions, I have to thank Mr. W. R. Philipps for the latestRoman Catholic returns ; Mr. Tucker, Secretary to the Society