The Prince of Wales in India; Or, from Pall Mall to the Punjaub

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1877. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIII. A WEEK IN MADRAS. In the room where I sat to write this there was the engraved portrait of a very extraordinary old man. His face wore the most complete expression of idiotic joy that could possibly be infused into any countenance. Underneath was the following inscription: Rajah of Rajahs, Rajah Chundoo Lai, Maharajah Bahadoor, the devoted servant of Asuf J ah; who is the Roostum of his Age, the Aristotle of his Time, the Conqueror of Countries, the Administrator of States, the Governor of Realms. Exhibited almost anywhere else, that grin depicted on Bahadoor's face would be almost incomprehensible. But, with the fair view of the wide-spreading sea shore, the pleasant champaign, and the grand city of Madras, I could understand why the Roostum of his Age felt very happy. If then, the ownership of the fields, the strand, and the streets of Madras made this ancient Ruler gleeful, how proud should the Duke of Buckingham, modern administrator of more than the Governor of Realms ever ruled over, be to-day! Since the Maharajah has departed, Madras has increased in stateliness and beauty. Palaces are everywhere, broad parks and sheltered walks have been added to what was already a grand city, till the place which the Prince of Wales entered is as proud a capital as may be wished for. Since the mainland was reached at Tuticorin the panorama which passed before us of landscapes, cities, and people was singularly changeful. I do not refer to an extraordinary passage which it was the fate of the special correspondents of the London press to make in the Ceylon Government steamer Nagotna. Far be it from my purpose to excite the risibility of those who sent us to sea in a small flat-bottomed steamer, 160 tons in measurement, in one of the worst gal...