Life and Labour of the People of India

LIFE AND LABOUR OF THE PEOPLE OF INDIA BY ABDULLAH YUSUF-ALI PREFACE AN account of the genesis of this book may help to explain some of its peculiarities. The nucleus of the volume was formed by certain lectures which the writer delivered at the Fassmore Edwards Institute and elsewhere. During the autumn and winter of 1905-6 India occupied a good deal of the attention of the British public, on account of the memorable tour of their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales, in that country. The writer happened to be on furlough in England, and was frequently requested to speak on Indian questions. At the Passmore Edwards Institute he undertook a series of six lectures. They began in the small lecture room, but week after week the audience increased, until the warder had to give us the largest hall for the purpose. This showed that the subject attracted considerable attention, and that the Metropolis oi the Empire was by no means as indifferent tc Indian questions as is sometimes assumed. The writer had the good fortune to have in his audience or in the Chair some of the most distinguished men and women of letters, as well as some wellknown authorities on Indian matters. They were pleased not only to approve of the method of presentment, but even to suggest that the matter was of sufficient importance to be presented to a wider public than that to which it had hitherto been submitted. The papers were, therefore, subjected to a thorough revision, and with some additions are now laid before the reading public. Some new ground is covered in these pages, but the main interest to English readers will lie in the fresh point of view from which all questions are approached. To an Indian, looking at things from within, they must necessarily wear a somewhat different aspect from that in which they appear to the numerous administrators, judges, business men, and travellers, English and foreign, who visit India or make it their home. At the same time an endeavour has been made to avoid all controversial topics. A comprehensive picture of the life of the people of India and an estimate of their social tendencies need not include any matter which cannot be accepted by men of all shades of opinion. Mrs Humphry Ward presiding at one of the lectures, was kind enough to mention three qualifications in the present writer for dealing with Indian life. In the first place, being born and bred in India, he is of the people. In the second place, his association with the Government of the country enables him to view life also from the administrative point of viewviz.: as a whole, and with special reference to social organisation and cohesion. In the third place, a Cambridge education and a lengthened study of European life and methods should enable him to present facts in a form which may appeal to European readers and be not unacceptable to that large body of University men in India whose minds are still seeking an adjustment between Western ideals and Eastern traditions.