ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an account of the Western travellers, and to try to estimate their importance as witnesses to the social institutions of the natives, and the nature and influence of Indian Governments during the three centuries under review. Before entering upon the account proper of the European travellers in India during these three centuries, it will be convenient, firstly, to state the interpretation which has been put upon the word " traveller". Secondly, as tending to a clearer appreciation of the aims and knowledge with which the travellers visited India to sketch the history of previous intercourse, both commercial and political, between Europe and India. Real European knowledge of India began in 327 B.C. In that year Alexander stood on the right bank of the Beas, and, straining his eyes across the burning desert, which by its mere prospect had turned his soldiers' hearts to water, saw with the eyes of faith all India lying defenceless at his feet.
